Page 14 - 2014 SDCA Project

This years Charette was held at the offices of J.E. Dunn Construction. A nine hour

CHARETTE AND THE CONCEPT design effort, the group worked in three teams to break down and solve the eight
project goals while working under the mission and vision statements. We leaned on
our strongest fields of expertise and broke out into three teams: Building systems and

design, Interiors, and Site Development. The building systems team had the task of
incorporating all of the Passive House Institute requirements and how to do that with
efficiency and economy. The Interiors team had to develop that space into something

functional, flexible, warm and inviting, yet professional and secure. The Site
development team had to make the most of a small site while maximizing sustainable

practices and features.

Starting with the F.O.R. values, the analysis process began by overlaying these with the

building floor-plate, emphasizing the key words for each value of empowerment,
stewardship, and relationship. The three circles overlap where the multi-purpose

space will be located. The functional spaces create a U around this focal area, which
opens to the gardens at the rear of the site. In order to strengthen community
connections, a long front porch and rear porch are added, with business area towards

the front of the building, and community areas near the gardens. The care-taker is
strategically located at the south-east side of the building, providing “eyes” over the

parking lot and gardens while giving the residents warm eastern light in their home.
The care-taker’s space is designed with an accessible bedroom on the first floor.
Business areas located along the front and parking areas help to empower residents,

while multi-purpose areas can be joined for gatherings, community meetings, and
celebrations.

The outcome is a building that will be a true community addition, putting in place of
the old drug house a new space that can serve multiple needs and various groups at

the same time. The open floor plan will allow flexibility end to end and the colors and
materials selected will allow future partnering with the Lifecycle Building Center as

their needs grow and change. The building systems will be almost self sustaining and
set the example as they work to accomplish the goal of being certified as a Passive
House. The site will offer the same types of amenities, from access by the public to

the gardens to the use of water detention, storage and reuse techniques. This will
truly be a place everyone in the community can be proud of.

12 SDCA