Colorado Court Housing: A Sustainable Beacon In Santa Monica By Angela Brooks

23 Nov 2023
By Paras Gandhi

Angela Brooks' Colorado Court Housing: A Sustainable Masterpiece In Santa Monica | Archiinterio

Renowned architect Angela Brooks stands at the forefront of contemporary design, celebrated for her remarkable ability to harmonize form and function. With a career spanning decade, she has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape, shaping cutting-edge structures that effortlessly meld with their environments. A dedicated advocate for sustainability, Angela consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation, setting the standard for the architectural vanguard.

Here, are three of her most influential projects:

1. Colorado Court Housing:

Colorado Court Housing, a groundbreaking 44-unit project by Pugh + Scarpa, stands as the inaugural LEED-certified multi-family housing in the U.S., achieving "Gold" certification. Nestled at a prominent Santa Monica freeway offramp, this five-story, 100% energy-neutral structure exemplifies sustainable urban development. Meticulous design considerations, such as natural ventilation and strategic positioning, showcase an innovative model for affordable housing, fostering community, and promoting diversity in Santa Monica, California.

2. Solar Umbrella House:

Nestled in Venice, Los Angeles, the Solar Umbrella House is a transformed private haven designed to operate off the grid through active and passive solar techniques. Inspired by Paul Rudolph's 1953 Umbrella House, the owners expanded this 650-square-foot bungalow in 2005, adding 1,150 sq ft. The result is a nearly 100% energy-neutral residence, showcasing innovative solar design strategies.

3. Bergamot Station Arts Centre:

Established on September 17, 1994, Bergamot Station Arts Centre stands as a vibrant Santa Monica facility hosting diverse private art galleries. Revered as a cultural hotspot, it's prominently featured in tourist guides. This campus-style complex, initially named Bergamot Station, is owned by the city of Santa Monica and currently overseen by the Worthe Group.

Renowned architect Angela Brooks, in collaboration with the architectural firm Pugh + Scarpa, has etched an unparalleled mark on sustainable urban development with the groundbreaking Colorado Court Housing project in Santa Monica, California. This LEED-certified multi-family housing masterpiece, awarded the prestigious Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, transcends traditional architectural boundaries, embodying innovation, affordability, and environmental responsibility.

Introduction:

Colorado Court Housing, completed in November 2002, stands as a pioneering example of sustainable urban living. Located at a prominent Santa Monica freeway offramp, the 44-unit, five-story building serves as a gateway to the city, a testament to Angela Brooks' commitment to creating structures that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings.

Design and Sustainability:

Angela Brooks' meticulous attention to detail is evident in the careful placement and siting of the building, which maximizes natural ventilation. The orientation and shape consider prevailing winds and sun exposure, resulting in a nearly 100% energy-neutral structure. A model for private/public partnerships, this project strategically places affordable housing, fostering community and promoting diversity in an urban environment.

The building's environmental aspects are revolutionary. Innovative sustainable energy technologies, including a natural gas turbine cogeneration system and integrated photovoltaics, contribute to its Gold LEED certification. The building harnesses prevailing breezes for cooling, eliminating the need for air conditioning. Rainwater runoff is collected and filtered, preventing contamination while nurturing soil health.

Energy Efficiency:

Colorado Court Housing is a testament to climate-responsive, passive solar design. With arms reaching out to prevailing breezes, the building ensures cross-ventilation through every unit. Over 90% of the glazing is on the north and south facades, with the south facade shaded by abstract fins and solar panels. On-site electricity generation through solar panels and a natural gas-fired micro-turbine meets 100% of the building's electricity needs. Waste heat from the micro-turbine is repurposed for domestic hot water and space heating.

The units prioritize energy efficiency with double-glazed windows, blown-in recycled cellulose insulation, and highly efficient appliances. Motion sensor-equipped light switches and the use of compact fluorescent lights contribute to the building's overall energy efficiency.

Awards and Honors:

Colorado Court Housing has earned widespread recognition, including the National AIA Honor Award for Design Excellence, the National AIA "COTE" Top Ten Green Building Award, and the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence, among others. These accolades underscore the project's significance in the realms of design, sustainability, and urban excellence.

Conclusion:

Angela Brooks' Colorado Court Housing project exemplifies a harmonious fusion of innovative design, sustainability, and community engagement. Serving as a beacon of responsible architecture, it not only meets the highest standards of environmental certification but also stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful, purpose-driven design. In shaping Colorado Court Housing, Angela Brooks has not only contributed to the architectural landscape of Santa Monica but has set a standard for sustainable, community-oriented urban development that reverberates far beyond its immediate surroundings.