CASE STUDY: LUXURY MULTIFAMILY HOUSING ROOF DECK

Photos courtesy of Bison Innovative Products/© John Cole

Project: Reed Row Apartments
Location: Washington, D.C.
Architect: Gensler
Landscape Architect: OJB Landscape Architecture

The Project: Reed Row, located in Washington, D.C., is an apartment community dedicated to luxury living using sustainable products and modern aesthetics. Residents are offered upgraded comforts and amenities featuring minimalist touches, thoughtful layouts, and environmentally conscious design. The spacious rooftop deck is a shared space for tenants complete with a sunroom, zen garden, grill stations, dining areas, and lounge spots where one can take in the beautiful views and monuments of the Capitol District.

The Rooftop Terrace Design: Commercial-grade adjustable deck pedestals and 2-by-2 smooth-plank ipê wood tiles cover the rooftop with a luxurious-feeling space, transforming the otherwise unused roof area into a desirable community amenity, perfect for entertaining or just relaxing. Adding to the feeling of elegance, the design team incorporated shady pergolas and comfortable patio furniture that complement the hardwood deck tiles.

The Result: The products used to construct the rooftop deck contributed to the LEED Silver certification earned for the building.

CASE STUDY: AFFORDABLE MULTIFAMILY HOUSING ROOF DECK

Photos courtesy of Bison Innovative Products

Project: Celadon Apartment
Location: San Diego
Architects: SVA Architects and Studio E
Contractor: Turner Construction

The Project: The Celadon is a development by the Housing Bridge, a group of professionals dedicated to providing affordable housing in California. The Celadon provides more than 250 units of affordable housing to the downtown San Diego area. The studio and one-bedroom apartments have modern amenities and major common areas, including a 15th floor terrace with stunning views of San Diego toward the bay. Also featured are three shared barbecue areas with an outdoor kitchen and resident garden.

The Rooftop Courtyard Deck Design: These shared areas were constructed efficiently by using adjustable pedestals topped with wood deck tiles. This construction technique not only created an attractive, modern space for entertaining, but it also provided a perfect solution to turn the sloping rooftop into several beautiful, level, functional environments for the building’s tenants. The larger 2-foot-by-4-foot ipê wood tiles add to the modern look of the courtyard deck. With the ability to support up to 1,250 pounds per pedestal, industrial-grade pedestals are appropriate for a variety of surface materials. The adjustable pedestals selected not only support the wood tiles, but they also support the heavier concrete pavers used throughout the apartment courtyard.

The Results: Modern decor and an eco-roof with drought-tolerant plants complete this LEED Silver certified high-rise multifamily building.

CASE STUDY: ADAPTIVE REUSE INDOOR/OUTDOOR

Photos courtesy of NanaWall

Project: The Lofts at River East
Location: Chicago
Architect: Fitzgerald
Developer: Group Fox Management

The Project: Located in an iconic, historic building just one block from Navy Pier in Chicago, the Lofts at River East were more than 15 years in development. Originally built in 1905 as a shipping terminal, the building has been beautifully renovated into 258 luxury apartments featuring exposed brick, maple hardwood flooring, and more than 100 unique layouts from which to choose.

Starting in 1905, this was an industrial building that went through many different names throughout the years. Now it is an iconic building that everyone knows. Historic details have been lovingly preserved alongside the modern, tasteful updates throughout the seven-story building. Exposed brick walls, wooden plank ceilings, 10- to 12½-foot ceilings, and enormous support columns were mostly left in place, while new mechanical systems and windows were installed to improve efficiency. Catering to the demands of a younger, tech-savvy clientele, programmable thermostats, keyless entry, in-unit laundry, espresso cabinetry, and under-counter lighting are standard features. A multiuse project, first-floor tenants include a restaurant, bowling alley, and retail. Additional on-site perks include a waterfront lounge, screening room, athletic facilities, gaming room, and business amenities.

The Challenge: After acquiring the property, Group Fox Management had the task of figuring out how to construct the unique rental units with the space available. “We wanted to keep as many aspects of the original building as possible, but we also wanted to add the newest and most high-tech finishes,” says Liz Pietka, vice president of marketing for the developer. “Additionally, we had the task of figuring out how to construct these units with the space that was given, but we also wanted to give our residents an indoor outdoor living experience.”

The Solution: Half of the units offer a unique indoor/outdoor living experience by incorporating operable glass wall systems between the dwelling units and their balconies. These operable glass walls fold open to connect the interior living space directly to the balconies. Whether open or closed, they provide views of the gorgeous downtown Chicago architecture, the river and the lake.

From a performance standpoint, the opening glass wall systems continue to add value even in the harsh Chicago winters. The closed glass panels offer an entire wall of windows from which to enjoy the beauty of downtown Chicago while sealing out the cold providing the comfort of being warm inside of the apartments. When the weather is nice, renters can completely turn off their heat or air-conditioning, open up the wall, and in turn use less energy. Further, the walls are very functional with the ability to be easily opened and closed with just a light push of a user’s hand.

The Results: The apartments with the opening glass walls were the first to rent. Upon bringing prospects into the apartments, Pietka point out, “Renters see an entire wall of windows, and they think it will just be a patio door that opens, but when we open up the entire wall, they are just blown away. They see that they have this amazing view, this amazing indoor/ outdoor living space, and it really sells itself.”

She goes on say, “I would say that the operable glass walls have absolutely contributed to the success of this building and completely exceeded all of our expectations.”