CREJ

Page 20 — Multifamily Properties Quarterly — August 2019 www.crej.com Design S ustainable design has evolved tremendously over the past decade. What was once an unfamiliar and cutting-edge science is now a much more commonplace practice. In the early 2000s, the design, development and construction sectors were in a “green” race to understand, imple- ment and promote environmentally friendly techniques and expertise. LEED began to gain traction in the multifamily market as a recogniz- able, third-party certifying standard for forward-thinking developers to brand their properties as sustainable. While some thought it was a positive market differentiator or reflective of their corporate values, others were concerned about additional design and construction cost premiums and sat on the sidelines unless forced by jurisdictional governments and legis- lation to certify. Fast-forward to today where the fluency in the basics of sustainable design has increased tenfold and its implementation is widespread. LEED has diverged into multiple rat- ing systems to specialize further by project type, and with each new ver- sion, the bar is raised for designers, owners and builders to conserve, reuse and recycle materials, energy, natural resources, etc. Although still a leader, LEED is no longer the only recognized standard. The National Association of Home Builder’s National Green Building Standard ICC 700, the WELL Building Standard and Fitwel also have emerged as credible options for sustainable design and construction certification. How do these standards and rating systems differ? The NGBS is most like LEED with emphasis on construction materials, techniques and resource conservation goals. Generally, it is thought to be an easier and less-expensive alterna- tive for green building certification, which has fueled its popularity over the past five years. Both have their merits and implementing either is a positive strategy. What is even more interesting is the shift from focusing on building materials, energy and water use, and construction tech- niques to the experience people have working, living, playing and inter- acting in and around the buildings. This is where the WELL and Fitwel standards enter the conversation. Sustainable design in multifam- ily development has evolved from focusing heavily on the material- ity of buildings to the promotion of healthy living practices. With LEED- or NGBS-certified apartments, residents may notice smaller util- ity bills, have dedicated bike stor- age, live in brighter spaces and can charge their electric vehicles, as well as take advantage of myriad simi- lar possible options. The WELL and Fitwel standards have a more con- centrated emphasis on design deci- sions that more noticeably impact all the human senses to encourage healthy lifestyles. Whether develop- ers choose to formally certify their buildings or not, there are several great design strategies surrounding the healthy lifestyles concept that are worth incorporating. One strategy to promote healthy living is to encourage exercise and change the elevator-mindset. Our sedentary lifestyles are putting us on a straight path to the doctor’s office and create a plethora of health issues as we age. But what if we change our approach to designing stairs from a purely functional egress path to a nicely daylit and inviting component of an exercise route? With minimal extra cost and some creativity, a well-designed stair will draw residents in and away from the elevators. It is approximately a 60-step climb, one-way, from the first floor up to the fourth floor of an apartment building. Stair climbing does not require any special skills and has no added cost. It is great for those with limited time to exercise, it burns more calories per minute than jogging and, because it is weight bearing, it builds bone strength. Another strategy for multifam- ily developments is to encourage healthy eating practices by providing opportunities for on-site vegetable and herb gardening, offering refriger- ated package storage options for food deliveries and treating residents to biweekly cooking classes or demon- strations by local restaurant chefs. In addition to encouraging better eat- ing practices and helping to reduce “food deserts,” these strategies can promote increased social interaction. All too often these days, we com- municate to each other through texts and emails. Some would say we’ve lost the art of conversation. Social interaction can feed the soul. Mixed-use projects, with retail and/or office uses, offer even more opportunities for socialization. In markets where the development of retail makes economic sense, having restaurants and shops at the base of a building is an excellent extension of a resident’s on-site amenities. The key, though, is to make the path to the retail from an apartment clear and inviting. Similarly, incorporating other uses, like medical offices, into a project can have a very positive effect on a resident’s health. Provid- ing easy access to a medical office, pharmacy or lab can be a tremen- dous benefit and draw, particularly to senior tenants. The evolution of sustainable design strategies for multifamily buildings has come a long way. The new mar- ket differentiator extends beyond simply building a “green” building, it encompasses a much broader approach that includes helping residents to live healthier through lifestyle changes. Multifamily and mixed-use projects that offer inno- vative solutions to promote activity and social wellness give residents an opportunity to thrive. ▲ The evolution of sustainable design in multifamily Monica Robertson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CGP Principal, Hord Coplan Macht Hord Coplan Macht’s design of the Glasshouse in Pittsburgh for High Street Residential is following the National Green Building Standard. It has well-lit stair towers with doors on automatic hold-open to capture the city vista and encourage residents to walk to a popular walking and biking trail along the Monongahela River. Hord Coplan Macht’s design of The Wren in Washington, D.C., for MRP Realty is fol- lowing the LEED New Construction rating system. It offers a Whole Foods on the ground floor and exceptional rooftop amenities, including a bridge with inviting lounge space over the internal courtyard, a swimming pool, community garden and unparal- leled views of the Washington Monument and Capitol. Sustainable design in multifamily development has evolved from focusing heavily on the materiality of buildings to the promotion of healthy living practices.