Guaynabo, Puerto Rico (2023)
Guaynabo Senior Housing This affordable housing project occupies a privileged site in Guaynabo. One hundred ninety-six one-bedroom apartments are arranged in a nine-story L-shaped building. An array of amenities is arranged on the ground floor, including a library, computer facility, gymnasium, community room, lounge, and bike room. The community’s administration areas are also on the ground floor. All of the apartments feature shaded balconies that organize and break down the bris sole facade into a playful and colorful pattern.
The entrance is accessed through a gateway beneath a portion of the building, and the parking is located on grade with a roof podium that provides space for a large common outdoor plaza. This space is designed to support a variety of activities. A dominant oval accommodates the entire residential community along with guests. Gatherings with music, food, and film screenings are envisioned. Smaller spaces on the north side of the site support more cloistered activities, such as intimate seating arrangements, denser landscaping, and a sort of paseo to stroll.
The building is designed for ICC-700 Sustainable Design Certification, and landscaping materials in the Courtyard are carefully selected to minimize the need for irrigation.