Green Multifamily Development: Concepts for Infill

Infill development is a frequent occurrence in the urban landscape. Vacant lots and older homes are reconstructed or replaced with a wide variety of medium to high-density residential buildings. In the past few years some multifamily developers have recognized the benefits of green building to attract buyers and renters. Green attributes, such as energy efficiency, solar panels and low-water landscapes, can sell (or rent) units sooner and demand a higher premium. Some cities offer green building incentives while state and utility programs offer favorable rebates. DSIRE lists many.

62-unit complex ~ Courtsey of Dwell

A few years ago a developer convinced Architect Robert Swatt to design a green multifamily project near Oakland, CA. Through careful planning the concept became a LEED certified 62-unit complex with 5 separate buildings. With a combination of studios, townhouses and lofts ranging in size from 500 to 2000 square feet there is sense of uniqueness and common community. For more...

In one area of coastal Southern California, existing multifamily properties are selling for roughly $275,000 per unit. That’s why eco-friendly modular housing starting at $100,000 is so enticing. The traditional benefits of modular housing are reduced construction time and costs from factory efficiencies and labor-saving designs. Eco-friendly designs further provide high quality, energy efficient units. Factor in additional costs such as: land, foundation and contractor finishing. You may find new modular housing infill to be comparable in cost to an inefficient complex from the 50’s. 

Craning a ZETA modular

ZETA finished home

ZETA Zero Energy Communities is all about super green urban infill. They are tailoring their San Francisco business to multifamily housing. Their townhomes, condos and flats can be connected and/or stacked four stories. What’s cool about their modular units is that they are built to be net zero energy. Tenants or homeowners will have zero electricity bills. They incorporate all of the energy saving technologies while claiming to produce 20% lower construction costs than traditional builders. For more on Zeta.

weeHouse model

Alchemy Architects in Wisconsin offers various designs and sizes of their weeHouse. A 1 bedroom, 1 bath studio starting at $79,000. Imagine a small community of these stacked.

Living Homes out of Santa Monica offers many design options and will tailor for multifamily developments. Their homes start at $180-$250 /square foot.