PB Design Awards: 33 award-winning projects that capture today's market

GREEN PROJECTS - GOLD AWARD

Madox
Jersey City, N.J.

Located in the historic Paulus Hook neighborhood in downtown Jersey City, this 131-unit luxury apartment building is on pace to achieve LEED Silver certification and become the first LEED residential building in the city. The entire complex will be 100 percent smoke-free — an unusual feature in the New York City market — and will include a vegetated rooftop terrace, PV solar array, electric car charging stations, and use of low-VOC materials and finishes, among other green features. The building features studio and one- and two-bedroom units, some with an optional den for small families or young couples planning to start a family. Amenities include street-level retail, valet parking, a fitness center, bike storage, landscaped courtyards, children’s play area, and proximity to public transportation.

In bestowing the Madox with a Gold Award, the Professional Builder Design Awards judges cited the thoughtful integration of the green features. “It’s great to see such a large-scale project achieve such high standards,” said judge Jean Dufresne. “The elements seem well integrated; all too often they are tacked on and unresolved.”

Submitter: Fields Development Group (developer)
Architect: Marchetto Higgins Stieve
Builder: Fields Hi Rise Construction Company
Interior designer: Fogarty Finger

Hard cost (excluding land): $139/sf

Sale price: $40/sf

Completion: October 2012

Average sales per month: 15 leases/month (forecast)

No. of units: 131 

Density: 177 units/acre

 

 

 

GREEN PROJECTS - BRONZE AWARD

Healdsburg 2012
Healdsburg, Calif.

This project, which also won a Platinum Award in the Modular category, was designed as a net-zero house, with the use of solar electric and solar thermal to offset energy consumption. The homeowners specified Blu Homes’ Breezehouse plan, which offers three bedrooms (with an optional fourth) and three baths in an open-plan layout that provides plenty of daylight, views, and connection to the outdoors, thanks to large windows and multi-slide glass doors.

Judge Jean Dufresne liked the home’s custom feel and unique spaces. “I would not have guessed this home is modular,” he said. “It’s a clever layout solution and features a great variety of spaces, nooks, and social gathering points. I especially like the unique millwork cabinets.”

Submitter: Blu Homes (architect, builder, developer)
Interior designer: Jo Cooper
Photographer: John Swain Photography

 

GREEN PROJECTS - BRONZE AWARD

Brown to Brown Housing
Providence, R.I.

Brown University commissioned this team to transform an old carriage house into faculty housing. The team was also charged with the task of making the structure as energy efficient and sustainable as possible. In doing so, the team went through painstaking measures to update the structure while maintaining its historic charm. For instance, the team developed a special system of strapping to maintain the exterior walls while also accommodating additional insulation. Energy-efficient technologies include geothermal heat pumps and radiant flooring. 

“It’s great to see an old structure restored to its original character,” said judge Donald Evans. “Lots of attention to detail. Impressive use of green elements, yet looks like an old home.”

Submitter: A4 Architecture+Planning (architect, photographer)
Builder: Vasco Construction

 

 

GREEN PROJECTS - SPECIAL RECOGNITION

2012 Eco Showhome
Washington, Mich.

The intent of this showhome was to test and demonstrate a variety of energy-efficient and sustainable approaches while staying within a hard-cost budget of $100 per square foot. The builder wanted to show that modest luxury living could also be green without breaking the bank. In the end, the builder focused on technologies and systems that would provide a payback of eight years or less. These include a refrigerant-based geothermal system, enhanced insulation and air sealing measures, passive solar design with operable skylights, and lighting controls. The team exceeded its goal, ending up around $90 per square foot.

Submitter: Cranbrook Custom Homes (architect, builder, interior designer)
Photographer: Michael Woodard, Matthew Cottone