Courtyard at Bay Road

Under-construction

The Courtyard at Bay road is designed for multi-generational living: it is child friendly and includes universal design principles for our aging population. It is also an attempt to densify Bay Road - a location in East Palo Alto that is predominantly zoned as single family. The design prioritizes creating “eyes on the street” by wrapping the community courtyard and playground with a U-shaped mass of dwellings. This creates a sheltered respite for people of all ages away from the busy road.

Project Details

LOCATION

East Palo Alto, CA

CLIENT

Community Housing Developers, Inc.

CONTRACTOR

Devcon

UNITS

77 family units

COMPLETION DATE

2005

Recognition

CERTIFICATIONS

LEED Gold

Awards

- Award of Merit for Affordable Housing, 2006 Pacific Coast Builders Conference, Gold Nugget Awards
- Award of Merit, 2008 American Institute of Architects San Mateo County
- Honorable Mention, 2008 American Institute of Architects Santa Clara Valley
- Award of Honor for Sustainability, 2003 American Institute of Architects San Mateo County

Elevating design standards for quality affordable housing.

The building form engages a vibrant, protected courtyard and community garden, whilst interior spaces include a computer learning center and community rooms for private events. The four-story glazed lobby set against a wood slat wrapped elevator brings warmth into the core, lending distinction and identity to the lofted space. The combination of innovative design elements with familiar and local materials give the development a prominent and dynamic character and a strong anchor for future development in the area.

Sustainable design features include: engineered lumber, guardrails featuring 100% recycled content, dual-glazed windows, formaldehyde-free batt insulation, linoleum, carpet tiles which feature recycled content, and low-flow plumbing fixtures, ENERGY STAR appliances, a “cool roof,” recycled content ceiling tiles, 1000% fluorescent fixtures, and low-VOC paint.