From project inception to completion the developers created a project that allowed the architects, contractors and realtors to work collaboratively to ensure the building of a sustainable neighborhood. Four concept specific “design” boards were created at the beginning of the project to serve as inspiration.
SITE DISCOVERY- preservation of the natural ravine, enhancement of the existing open space and water features as well as the clustering of buildings to create a variety of outdoor “living spaces” and a sense of place. Keeping open space is a high priority.
BUILDING TRANSPARENCY- large areas of glass to let daylight in and views out of the buildings as well as building clustering to allow multiple views between and among structures to the landscape beyond.
BUILDING FORM- diversity of building form to promote a sense of interest and scale, manage sound and climate elements to enhance livability as well as choices in unit size, affordability, work and aging in place options.
BUILDING TEXTURE- simple, enduring, sustainable material choices to compliment the sustainable vision of the project as well as provide visual interest and architectural integrity for years to come.
Early on in the process, the project team engaged the O'Brien Company to conduct a sustainable approach, materials and durability analysis. The choices where carefully weighed by the architects, developers, contractors and real estate team with respect to constructability, durability, availability, cost, marketability and sustainability. Like many projects and especially multi-family projects, we designed with a series of opportunities and constraints. Our goal was to understand how each of these opportunities or constraints ranked in priority for the contractor, realtor, developer and design professional so that we could choose sustainable elements with intention. Vineyard Lane is the fi rst multi-family development to earn Kitsp County's highest 3-Star Built Green rating.
It became readily apparent that our vision for 45 residences on a 3-acre site was ambitious, especially with the added constraints of ravine setbacks to the east and the south and highway setbacks to the west. Allowing open space to be our highest priority, it readily followed that units would be small, cars would be limited in number and location, and that buildings would be clustered. Sharing amenities would become paramount. The idea for a community living room begat the Bistro facility to hold larger gatherings and catered events. The bed and breakfast facility was seen as the perfect solution to those long stay guests or in-laws. The need for a second car was mitigated with the use of a community flex car. To further reduce the need for cars and encourage non-motorized trans-portation, the project built a bridge over the ravine to connect the neighborhood to the ferry and downtown Winslow. Embracing these concepts, the project team went further with the idea of sustainability and designed a diverse housing stock that would allow community members the opportunity to age in place and work in place. Units can be adapted for accessible kitchens, bathrooms and elevators. Almost all units have in-home offices and four cottages have in-home offices with exterior access for receiving clients. Along with the diverse housing stock, the team thought that a diverse population was an important element for sustainability. There are 4 low-income, one bedroom units; two bedroom townhouses; 3 bedroom cottages; one and two bedroom flats as well as two story penthouse units.
Vineyard Lane is a neighborhood embracing space, place and people. It was created for people who desire an enduring community committed to sustaining the environment.
Developer: The Winery LLC
Architects: J. Kriegh Architects and O'Connor Architects
A project of O'Connor Kriegh Architects
Design team: Kathy Bergum, Ken Hartz, Brandon Hogg, Julie Kriegh, Chip McGuire and Peter O'Connor
