Jamaica Plain, MA

This 40,000SF mixed-use project for the Jamaica Plain NDC was developed as a sustainable, Transit-Oriented Development adjacent to the Jackson Square T Station and the Southwest Corridor Park. The program includes retail and office space at the street level and affordable housing on the upper three floors. The façade has a rhythm of multi-story corrugated metal bays that break the building massing, and relate to nearby houses. Facing Jackson Square, the corner bay is curved, with a prow above of vegetated screen. The brick exterior at the streets gives way to fiber-cement clapboard at the rear. With a high performance envelope and energy efficient systems, it meets Energy Star and LEED standards. The design includes passive solar strategies: the long elevations face north and south, and natural light and ventilation are maximized with large operable windows. The roof is planned to incorporate a photovoltaic array providing electricity to the building, and drought-resistant vegetation to reduce the heat island effect.