Court consists of 10 duplexes and triplexes forming 28 townhouses.  Each townhouse has living space on the ground floor adjacent to private enclosed garden space.  The living space is a large open space that spans the length and width of the townhouse and is designed to accommodate large family gatherings.  Each townhouse has 3 bedrooms and is designed to accommodate multi-generational families.

This project provided an affordable alternative to the single family houses in the area, while providing much of the functionality and live-ability not found in the apartment complexes.  Each unit has its own garage, its own private open space, and its own roof.

As an entry level townhouse project, the budget was tight at $138 per square foot.  Structure was carefully integrated into the design and needed to solve multiple problems.  For example, floors were upgraded to TrussJoist which was sized to accommodate wall loads which eliminated beams and allowed for utility runs which eliminated soffits.  Building articulation was dimensioned to lumber sizes which allowed for top plate continuation on the top and bottom of the beams.  This created simple detailing while providing facades that were visually complex.  Inexpensive T-111 and plywood skin was augmented by battens that transform into railings at the balconies.  Exterior beams and wood details were integrated into the structure rather than being decorative.

It was a challenge to build housing near a freeway.  These are some of the last unbuilt parcels of land, but need to be carefully designed to compensate for the noise of the freeway.  The architect hired acousticians, specified windows and details that met certain sound criteria, but most importantly oriented buildings to block sound and create courtyards and gardens that are appropriate gathering spaces and provide respite from the noise.

Another challenge was to show the community that we can build housing that not only reduces development impacts, but creates a better community.  Housing attainability requires projects designed with local community engagement and sensitivity to change local community attitude towards growth and in the end provide housing attainability for everyone.  The architect met with the community prior to designing a project and kept the community informed on the project during both design and construction phases.  Meetings at the local community room were hosted by the architect to listen to the community and to present ideas.  The local community embraced the project and many community members that had fought development on the site, became advocates and spoke in favor of the project.  The project was used as a successful model for community engagement to other development projects that have followed.