CONCLUSION

Multifamily housing projects can be quite varied in type, size, and resident profiles. Nonetheless, understanding the options available for some key parts of the buildings can make dramatic impacts on the overall design of a new construction or renovation project. Further, paying attention to the details of manufactured systems and products can improve the performance of the building and allow the residents to be more comfortable, safer, and healthier.

CASE STUDY: EXTERIOR WALLS

Photos courtesy of TAMLYN

Project: Syracuse Plaza Housing
Location: Denver, Colorado
Architect: Gensler
Contractor: Milender White Construction

This high-rise property owned by the Denver Housing Authority was built in 1979 and was in need of an exterior renovation. After considering options, a commercial-grade fiber cement cladding was decided upon for most of the facility with some other materials used in selected locations. In order to achieve the desired appearance, an aluminum reveal trim system was selected and specified. This allowed the appearance to be varied, creating the desired design impact, and kept the overall facade lightweight and cost effective.

The performance of the new exterior was enhanced by the use of a building wrap material that served as an air barrier and drainage plane behind the cladding. The building wrap included an integral spacer that promoted proper moisture management and allowed full drainage between the cladding and building wrap surface. Part of the reason that this type of building wrap was used here was because of the height of the building and the proven ability of the wrap to withstand high wind loads. This was achieved by the proper overlapping seams that were secured with 2-inch double-sided tape to produce a full, continuous, barrier. The system was ideal for this location in that it created the fully prepared substrate surface ready to receive any variety of cladding materials over it.

CASE STUDY: EXTERIOR WALLS WITH TEXTURE

Photo courtesy of Eldorado Stone

Project: The Villas of Mirada
Location: Rancho Mirage, California
Architect: Steve Sennikoff
Architecture Firm: Mark Scheurer Architect
Mason: Dan Stringer Masonry

Perched high above the desert floor in California, this exclusive community of homes was designed specifically to take full advantage of close indoor/outdoor relationships in the unit designs. It was also intended to showcase panoramic views and take advantage of directional breezes since adjacent mountains sweep across the site. Inclusion of multiple water features combined with indigenous landscape seamlessly blend with the building to create a stunning sense of place among the rugged desert terrain.

The blend of nature and living space is captured in the designs that feature varied massing combined with rustic stone and wood beams. The stone used is actually architectural manufactured stone veneer in patterns of desert field ledge and old-style brick. The effect is durable and realistic, recalling the look of historic European hill towns. Each of the three living unit plans incorporates multiple courtyards and porticos with a centralized, formal entry experience. The interplay of interior volumes articulates natural light and dramatic textures. Public and private spaces have been carefully zoned to provide pockets of seclusion balanced with generous entertainment areas. In all, the effect is a rugged, natural living environment where the architecture and the surroundings work together and complement each other visually.