Sustainable affordable housing is also playing a strong role in breathing new life into economically challenged neighborhoods. William Stein, AIA, LEED, principal of New York-based Dattner Architects, presented an affordable housing development located in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y., that his firm designed. The benefits that the Atlantic Avenue Apartments (pictured below) presented to the community is reduced air pollution and promoting environmentally friendly materials to the community.
Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, the Atlantic Avenue Apartments, which consist of three four-story, walk-up buildings, is participating in the Enterprise Foundation’s Green Communities Initiative. Sustainable features include low-flow plumbing fixtures, EnergyStar appliances and fixtures, low-VOC sealants and paints, recycled building materials, and abundant insulation and ventilation.
The residences share a common landscaped garden with sitting and play areas. A rainwater harvesting system will provide irrigation, while low-maintenance and native plants will be set up throughout the space. “Do what you are already doing as a designer, but do it better,” Stein offered.
AEVIA Reveals the Source