Solaire Apartments
(previously Auzerais Apartments)
New Construction / PSH / Trauma-informed Design
Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an emerging practice model proven to reduce chronic homelessness. PSH recognizes the importance of housing-first, providing long-term housing stability to those previously homeless, first, then providing residents with access to community-based social support services. Auzerais is a PSH housing development. During the design process, we learned alongside the lessons of the emerging PSH field. Our team worked agilely, adapting our designs alongside this research - even through construction. For example, we learned of the concept of Trauma-informed Design (TID) during construction which led us to incorporate placemaking opportunities in the lobby, for example. Our client, Eden Housing, introduced us to TID as a principle they are working into their design standards. By working through an equity lens to integrate supportive services and housing, Eden aims to promote social mobility among residents.
Forging long-term partnerships for sustained change.
Project Details
UNITS
130 Dwellings
SIZE
117,470 SF
COMPLETION DATE
2024
COST
$52.3 Million
Auzerais is located in the Diridon Station neighborhood, on the cusp of Downtown San Jose, in an area where the City and Google have invested significant resources. The building design infills three empty lots combined into a single odd-shaped site. It will house 130 affordable dwellings, 50% of which will provide permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless, in a dynamic area close to multiple transit stations. The site provides rich opportunities for holistic wellness to households that are in threat of being priced out of the housing market - such as lower-income workforce and formerly homeless individuals and families. Opportunities such as these are essential for a strong and diverse community.
Our client, Eden Housing, is pursuing the Green Point Rated certification for Auzerais; we have incorporated an array of sustainability strategies. Photovoltaic panels and battery storage will help fulfill the building’s energy needs with solar power while increasing the project’s resilience during climate events. Stormwater management principles were applied across the site. As an affordable housing community, with many formerly homeless residents, it was important that the project be durable and easily maintained to increase the life of the project.
The building mass reinforces the urban edge along Auzerais and Delmas Avenues, hugging the existing coffee shop on the corner of the streets and extending a pleasant ground floor interface. It features variegated rain screen paneling and window surrounds of varying depths. From within, residents benefit from natural daylight supplied to their homes, corridor ends are glazed for natural light and wayfinding, and a central courtyard unites the three wings and acts as a lightwell. The meandering green space along the western side of the building acts as the project’s own backyard, making space for outdoor activities such as gardening, while protecting light and fresh air access alongside the longest off-street façade. Community spaces, offices, vehicular and bike parking on the ground floor connect to the urban village of the surrounding area, while the four floors above hold residential units and additional amenities.
Construction Highlights
