Healthy Communities:
Healthy Affordable Live/Work Housing with Citizen HKS
Richmond, VA January 2021 - May 2021
How can affordable housing prioritize a robust community engagement process and achieve a net-zero distinction? This is the goal for the Benefield Building, designed by Citizen HKS (A project of HKS Architects) in Richmond, Virginia.
Image by HKS Architects
It is programmed to be “a unique live/work model that incubates local businesses on the first floor and provides mixed-income/affordable housing above…The project’s intent is to create opportunity for the Highland Park community, providing local youth with access to strategic synergies and innovative resources. It’s a place to incubate dreams while reconnecting with the wisdom and support of older generations, becoming an example of social, economic, and environmental resilience in a caring, connected hub that is rooted in the strength of the community’s rich Black history,” -HKS
Video by HKS Architects
HML worked with the design team to create new palettes of materials for the project. The materials are healthier, more sustainable, and, by drawing from historic buildings and current community initiatives, representative of the local community.
Healthier Material Choices for Interior Finishes
Healthier Material Choices for Exterior Finishes
Healthy Design Principles to Achieve Material Health Goals
Identifying materials and surfaces that can contain toxics
Material, Color and Texture study
Communal Laundry Room Floor Study : Solid Wood
Communal Kitchen Floor Study : Forbo Marmoleum Solid Sheet
Steps for Maintaining Material Health Goals
We support the mission of Citizen HKS, who are “guided by the belief that all people deserve to live in socially, economically and environmentally healthy communities.”
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