Orchard Gardens
In-progress / New Construction / Existing Housing Preservation / PSH / Inclusive Design
Orchard Gardens will bring much-needed, safe, healthy, stable homes to families and individuals of Sunnyvale. The project blends preservation and new housing at a much greater density, replacing an end-of-life motel (32 dwellings) with higher density housing (96 dwellings), and preserving 30 dwellings of aging housing stock by through the renovation of the existing Parkview Apartments. Both efforts share the goal of providing healthy, quality places to call home for families and individuals currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness as well as developmentally disabled adults, and residents currently on site. Project support was strong through the process; Sunnyvale residents who attended community engagement events and planning meetings expressed great support for the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community, permanent supportive housing (PSH), low-income family opportunities being created as well as rehousing on site.
Project Details
LOCATION
Sunnyvale, CA
CLIENT
First Community Housing
UNITS
123 Apartments
SIZE
115,785 SF
CONTRACTOR
TBD
COMPLETION DATE
In Progress
Blending the old with the new to create housing solutions that fit the community.
Focusing on community, the c-shape of Orchard Gardens turns towards the existing Parkview apartments to provide central community space that is sheltered from the highway that runs across the road. A variety of outdoor space is woven throughout the project from the courtyard, to the rooftop community garden, through the courtyard at Parkview, and out to the park behind the site. By integrating new trees, public art, and a pedestrian-oriented ground floor, the design fosters community by unifying the site and allows space for future events like farmer’s markets and food trucks near Orchard Gardens Park.
The ground floor is home to resident support service spaces, community space, bike storage, and case management, as well as parking; both I/DD and rapid rehousing service providers will have access to dedicated case management and supportive services spaces. Natural tones and textures filter sound and light to provide a quality indoor experience for residents. The architecture is protective, yet welcoming - carving spaces for vibrant, livable interior and exterior spaces. Balconies facing the highway are screened by a warm yet protective façade. The upper five floors contain 123 units for families and individuals earning between 30% and 60% of the local area median income (AMI).
Because the project is on track to be LEED Platinum certified, sustainability has been prioritized from the beginning. Engineers, contractors, and architects were brought on early in the design process to choose the most appropriate sustainable strategies for the site. Technical strategies like solar power, efficient appliances, and water-efficient fixtures, lowers operating expenses and achieves lower energy costs for both common areas and for tenants. By having a well-insulated and ventilated shell and healthy materials, it reduces the amount of energy required to heat and cool the units and helps to improve indoor air quality. Our client also provides each household with free SmartPasses to access public transit. The project also gives new life to the existing, adjacent Parkview Apartments through site improvements and renovations. Renovations have a significantly lower impact on the environment than demolition and new construction.
