Designs Northwest Architects in collaboration with ARC Architects designed Housing Hope Madrona Highlands as a low-income multifamily development on a 1.35-acre (+/- 58,646 square-feet) site designed to support local families with children who are experiencing homelessness. Four 3-story structures consist of 52 dwelling units totaling 43,619 gross square-feet, offering 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom configurations. All of the units are accessed via exterior balconies and stairways that are configured around a central courtyard to foster outdoor living for residents such as play areas, picnic and gathering spaces. The courtyard utilizes festival lighting for evening gatherings and to provide added security. To meet a tight construction budget, the buildings are designed as simple rectangular forms with shed and gable roofs. The facades are constructed of value-driven cement board panels and horizontal siding which are brightened with a variety of color configurations and surface modulation.
Families receive tailored supportive services where coaches work with residents to help them engage in activities that strengthen their ability to be self-sufficient and participate within their community. Located on the ground level, these services include property management, health consultations, multipurpose rooms, food pantry, central laundry and maintenance. Site improvements include streetscape features such as raised planters and seating, courtyard outdoor living and play areas, covered bike storage, electric vehicle charging, 50 parking spaces, and an off-site sports court shared by a neighboring church. Accessibility is prioritized throughout the site and in common areas. The fourteen ground-floor units offer accessibility ranging from Accessible / Type A to Type B standards. All units were designed to bring in as much natural daylight as possible.
in lieu of LEED certification, Madrona Highlands was designed to meet the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard 4.0. with 78 points achieved.
• Structural materials, siding and roofing were processed and produced within 500 miles of the site.
• Durable finishes ensure that the interior spaces will support families and reduce maintenance/replacement costs.
• All washers, dishwashers, refrigerators and kitchen vent hoods are Energy-Star certified and a central laundry is provided to reduce in-unit energy use.
• High efficiency WSEC-compliant heat pump water heater plants serve each building.
• Low flow toilets and faucets enhance water conservation throughout the units.
• Enhanced lighting controls and occupancy sensors conserve energy.
• Landscaping is composed of native or adapted, drought-tolerant plant species that require no irrigation once established.