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A whimsical approach to the form of the stormwater infiltration planters at Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom enables this important sustainable infrastructure to double as an informal play area within the main resident courtyard. The combination of dappled light, wood decking, sinuous planters and geologic sampling create richness in the modestly scaled space. The courtyard perimerter is lined with a large community room and supportive service offices, promoting easy everyday connections between building staff, service providers and residents, enmeshed in the physical and psychological benefits of access to outdoor space. @brucedamonte

Posted: 04.29.2022

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The paseo at Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom regenerates the function of historic Mission Creek ecology (infilled over time as part of the urbanization of San Francisco) by reconnecting stormwater to the native permeable subgrade. By using permeable pavers on an over-excavated subbase, stormwater reaches the former creek soils at about five feet below finish grade, helping mitigate the flood-prone site. On the far side of the wood fence, stormwater gardens in the residential courtyard absorb rooftop runoff, directing it to root zones of native Sycamores, reestablishing the relationship between stormwater and root uptake. Structural soil cells allow proper root volume beneath courtyard paving, ensuring balance between ecological function and outdoor space for residents. @brucedamonte

Posted: 04.29.2022

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Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom won an Honor Award for Community Impact in the 2022 @asla.norcal Design Awards! The design process at Casa Adelante 2060 Folsom sprang from years of community-based planning and political advocacy by nonprofit partners @MEDAinSF, @MissionHousing, Mission Agenda and @poder.sf. The design team extended the ‘framework of listening’—listening to continued community conversations and listening for the design cues embedded in the site’s ecological history. The result is a series of joyful outdoor spaces that demonstrate how affordable housing landscapes can be a vehicle for multiple benefits in the service of equity, sustainability and social spaces, helping define ‘home’ for more than 200 low-income residents. Shown in photo, the multi-functional paseo features distributed gathering spaces and connects residents to the adjacent In Kaajal Park. Permeable hexagonal pavers act as a stormwater sponge, and research-informed pollinator habitat planting supports the park’s community food garden. Along the building edge are entrances to new headquarters for three community-based nonprofits that empower youth as creators of societal change through environmentalism, social justice, advocacy and the arts. @brucedamonte

Posted: 04.28.2022

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We’re excited to share a peek into our newly refreshed offices at Seattle’s Pier 56. Featuring a wide range of collaboration and focused work settings, the biophilic space is Fitwel certified and targeting Living Building Challenge (LBC) Materials Petal certification. Stay tuned for more details! 📷: @k7scott

Posted: 04.28.2022