Green Housing

Team

Interface Studio, LLC
Asociacion de Puertorriquenos en Marcha (APM)

Context

Located between Temple University and the American Street Empowerment Zone, this eastern North Philadelphia community has a 50% vacancy rate that is particularly apparent on its small residential streets of two-story row houses. In contrast to this disinvestment stand the 103 well-maintained twin homes of Pradera I and II, recently developed by APM.

Site

Two parcels at the edge of Pradera II, a thin strip of land along Sheridan Street facing rear lots on two sides and a small cluster of vacant lots on Berks Street.

Challenge

To create a layout that fits into two difficult development sites, provide a transition between new twin homes and the existing neighborhood fabric, and find a feasible way to incorporate sustainable design elements into an affordable housing development.

Design

The design team created twin units in L-shaped configurations to fit the cramped development parcels. An open floor plan, wrapped around a central core of kitchen and baths, is similar in size to the typical row house but offers far more daylighting and flexibility.

The use of prefabricated panels in construction keeps the 24-unit development green and affordable. The design team also proposed establishing a homeowner's association to support shared parking, a common green space, and the joint collection of stormwater and renewable energy.