Renewbold
2014 / Philadelphia, PA
SOUTH PHILLY REDUX
How can a new building pay homage to the aggressively eclectic cultural traditions and built vernacular of South Philadelphia urban fabric? The awnings, colors and textures of rowhouse fabric served as a starting point for the facade design for this half-block infill project with multiple walk-up typologies in the Newbold neighborhood. The turquoise-striped lap fiber-cement plank siding playfully speaks to its neighbors. Distributed in a linear pattern that varies from one facade to the next, the design approach created maximum impact at minimal cost.
MIXED SCALE
A combination of two- and three-story attached homes and a mixed-use corner apartment building with neighborhood retail and flats above provide a range of affordable, modestly-scaled unit types. The rowhouse units match the surrounding scale of worker housing, with right-sized homes ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet. Organized efficiently with open living spaces and modest bedrooms, the houses provide ample spaces for contemporary living, with street-facing stoops and rear parking accessed through a mid-block courtyard.
PASSIVE LIFESYLE
Super insulated envelopes approach passive house levels of air sealing, resulting in enhanced energy performance. All units are LEED Platinum certified. Drivable grass in the shared parking alley and accessible green roofs with views north to Center City provide both semi-public and private social spaces, while doubling as stormwater management components.
