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.
UNITS
77 family units
COMPLETION DATE
2005
CONTRACTOR
Devcon
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.
“It really inspires me… watching a neighbor gracefully practice his tai chi martial art movements one morning in the central courtyard… at some point, I’m going to approach him and see if he’d be interested in teaching me the art.”
- Bill Elliot, age 77, resident at Craig Gardens
Project Recognition
/ CERTIFICATIONS
LEED Gold
/ PUBLICATIONS
San Jose Magazine, November 2006 “Visions of the Valley – a Celebration of the Valley’s Best and Most Creative Architecture”
/ 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