affordable community housing at pico place by brooks + scarpa

affordable community housing at pico place by brooks + scarpa
photo by john edward linden
all images courtesy of brooks + scarpa architects

brooks + scarpa architects has completed ‘pico place’, a 32-unit apartment complex constructed in santa monica, california. attempting to maintain a socioeconomic diversity, the complex provides high-quality and sustainable housing for a community who ordinarily may not be able to reside in the area. comprising two and three bedroom units, the development provides affordable accommodation for the beach neighborhood, centered around an enclosed residential courtyard that connects the scheme.

photo by john edward linden

primarily constructed from recycled cement board, the façades compliment the surrounding structures through their varied use of color, texture and pattern. undercroft parking is accessed via a rear alley, while plantation above ensures a rich and comfortable living environment. strips of fabric are floated above the internal courtyard, which not only provide privacy from the overlooking sheraton hotel, but also offer a visual contrast and variation. this space can be seen from the passing street, activating the ground level and offering a pedestrian connection with pico boulevard.

photo by john edward linden

from an environmental perspective the scheme is LEED platinum certified, with on-site sustainability an important part of the building’s design. the design fully incorporates such devices through each phase of development, construction and occupancy, exceeding required energy efficient measures. passive solutions include the careful positioning of the structure to control solar gain, placing windows in order to maximize daylight and natural ventilation, and the utilization of low flow fixtures and a storm water retention system.

photos by john edward linden

due to the relatively mild climate, the apartments are not air-conditioned. however, the biggest challenge for the architects was to overcome the temperature difference between night and day. to compensate for this, concrete walls are strategically placed and used as thermal heat sinks. deep balconies help regulate summer and winter heat gain, while dual glazing with a low-E film is utilized in thermally broken vinyl frames to control temperature fluctuations.

photo by john edward linden

‘pico place’ reuses an existing urban site where no prior housing existed. the sidewalk width in front of the building was increased above the city standards, and bike racks were added to encourage a walkable community. additionally, the scheme’s central location, near many schools and other amenities, ensures that residents are not dependent on cars as a means of transport.

photo by john edward linden

photo by john edward linden

photo by john edward linden

photo by john edward linden

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project info:

location: 430 pico blvd., santa monica, california
client/owner: community corporation of santa monica
area: 3,554 sqm (38,250 sqf)
total cost: $10.5 million USD
completed: 2013

architects: brooks + scarpa (formerly pugh + scarpa)
project team: lawrence scarpa, FAIA – lead designer, angela brooks, AIA, leed AP – principal-in-charge, emily hodgdon – project architect, mark buckland, ching luk, silke clemens, brad buter – project design team
landscape: PEG office of landscape + architecture
engineering
weidlinger associates – structural engineering
E2DI – mechanical, electrical and plumbing
barbara hall – civil engineering
IRC – roofing
acoustics: veneklasen associates
specifications: phil easton
general contractor: morley construction
photography: john edward linden