Architecture firm Pugh + Scarpa has just completed a new 46 unit permanent housing facility with rehabilitation and support services for the homeless and mentally disabled population.

‘Step Up on 5th distinguishes itself from most conventionally developed projects in that it incorporates energy efficient measures that exceed standard practice, optimize building performance, and ensure reduced energy use during all phases of construction and occupancy. The planning and design of Step Up on 5th emerged from close consideration and employment of passive solar design strategies. These strategies include: locating and orienting the building to control solar cooling loads; shaping and orienting the building for exposure to prevailing winds; shaping the building to induce buoyancy for natural ventilation; designing windows to maximize day lighting; shading south facing windows and minimizing west-facing glazing; designing windows to maximize natural ventilation; shaping and planning the interior to enhance daylight and natural air flow distribution. These passive strategies alone make this building 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure. Step Up also incorporates numerous sustainable features that exceed state mandated Title 24 energy measures by more than 30%.’

About the architects:

Pugh + Scarpa is an architecture, engineering, planning and interior design firm with offices in Santa Monica, California and Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1991, the firm has grown to a staff of over 20 professionals and is currently working on a broad range of major commissions for private, public and institutional clients. Pugh + Scarpa’s work emphasizes formal and material research and innovation with a particular commitment to sustainable design.

More pictures: www.pugh-scarpa.com.