Pacific Landing Affordable Housing

2024 Residential Design Awards Honor Recipient

Pacific Landing Affordable Housing

Pacific Landing is a mixed-use, Net Zero, LEED Platinum, 100% affordable housing project designed for people living with disabilities and those on limited incomes. Located on Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica, the building is in proximity to downtown Santa Monica and the beach. The project was developed by Community Corp of Santa Monica, a local non-profit developer.

The 4-story, 42,000-square-foot building replaced a gas station that once occupied the 14,160-square-foot contaminated corner lot. Thirty-seven residences are provided for families in need. The forms of the building are reminiscent of iconic home imagery, reinterpreted in a new composition that represents a fresh perspective on affordable housing. The massing of the building is broken down into several smaller components, with volumes separated by voids, each accentuated with green spaces.

An interior courtyard at the ground level provides a landscaped respite for residents. All units are accessed from the central courtyard, which serves as shared space and includes a playground for children. Social services, a café, and other amenities are located on the ground level, with parking provided below grade. Ample common spaces are distributed throughout the building, including a rooftop terrace that opens to the north, offering views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

The building was designed to incorporate both passive and active sustainable strategies, resulting in a LEED Platinum designation. The all-electric building is Net Zero.

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This affordable housing project is designed with brilliant massing on the exterior and interesting courtyard interstitial space between the two main blocks. It’s a really well done project that has a feeling of restraint but its expression is fun and exuberant. That takes a lot of care and skill.

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Measure 1: Design for Integration

Pacific Landing embodies sustainability through its architectural design, achieving Net Zero and LEED Platinum certifications while benefiting occupants, the community, and the planet. Developed by Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM), the project repurposed a former gas station site into a 42,000-square-foot building offering 37 affordable residences for individuals with disabilities and low incomes.

Architecturally, Pacific Landing maximizes energy efficiency with all-electric systems, including heat pumps and a 40-kW solar photovoltaic array. These features minimize carbon emissions and lower energy costs for residents, ensuring long-term affordability and environmental stewardship. The design prioritizes occupant comfort with abundant natural light, optimal ventilation, and communal spaces like a central courtyard and rooftop terrace, promoting physical and mental well-being.

Beyond its environmental benefits, Pacific Landing enriches the community by revitalizing the neighborhood and promoting walkability. Integrated social services, a café, and a playground foster community engagement and enhance quality of life for residents and neighbors alike.

Pacific Landing sets a precedent for sustainable urban development, demonstrating how thoughtful architectural design can address housing needs while fostering social equity and environmental resilience. It serves as a model for future projects seeking to create inclusive, sustainable communities in urban settings.

Measure 2: Design for Equitable Communities

Pacific Landing enhances equity among building occupants by providing 100% affordable housing, ensuring that residents of varying income levels, including those with disabilities, can access high-quality living spaces. The project promotes equitable communities through its inclusive design, which features accessible amenities and on-site social services. By fostering a supportive environment that accommodates diverse needs and backgrounds, Pacific Landing encourages social equity and enhances community integration. This approach not only addresses housing disparities but also fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect among residents, contributing to a more inclusive and cohesive neighborhood in Santa Monica.

Measure 3: Design for Ecosystems

Pacific Landing integrates a sustainable ecosystem by repurposing a former gas station into a vibrant community hub. The design preserves existing trees and introduces native, drought-tolerant vegetation that supports local wildlife and pollinators. The landscaped courtyard and rooftop gardens promote biodiversity while offering residents access to green spaces. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the site’s ecological health but also creates a harmonious environment where nature and urban living coexist.

Measure 4: Design for Water

The project prioritizes water sustainability with innovative design features. Rainwater collection systems and infiltration planters manage stormwater responsibly, preventing runoff into local waterways. Greywater and rainwater reuse systems reduce potable water consumption for irrigation and toilet flushing. These strategies ensure efficient water use and support healthy regional watersheds. By incorporating these measures, Pacific Landing exemplifies a commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing the resilience of its water systems in Santa Monica’s urban context.

Measure 5: Design for Economy

Pacific Landing maximizes economic efficiency through strategic design choices and versatile use of space. Cost-saving strategies include the use of durable, low-maintenance materials like metal panels and concrete, minimizing lifecycle costs. The design integrates multipurpose spaces such as the central courtyard, which serves as both a communal gathering area and a playground. This approach optimizes square footage and enhances functionality without compromising quality. By leveraging these design strategies, Pacific Landing achieves sustainable affordability, ensuring long-term economic viability while meeting the diverse needs of its residents in Santa Monica.

Measure 6: Design for Energy

Pacific Landing excels in energy efficiency with advanced glazing strategies to optimize daylight and reduce heat gain. The building operates entirely on electricity, utilizing high-efficiency HVAC systems and electric appliances. A 40-kW solar photovoltaic system on the roof generates renewable energy, offsetting electricity needs. These integrated strategies exceed standard efficiency requirements, aiming towards net-zero energy use. By prioritizing renewable energy sources and minimizing energy consumption through innovative design, Pacific Landing sets a high standard for sustainable building practices in Santa Monica, enhancing environmental stewardship and resident comfort.

Measure 7: Design for Well-Being

Pacific Landing prioritizes resident well-being through thoughtful design elements that foster physical and emotional comfort. The building features ample natural light and ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality and occupant health. Spacious common areas, including a landscaped courtyard and rooftop terrace, promote social interaction and relaxation. On-site amenities like a café and social services further support community well-being. The design emphasizes accessibility with features tailored to residents’ diverse needs, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all. By integrating these elements, Pacific Landing creates a nurturing environment that enhances the quality of life for its residents in Santa Monica.

Measure 8: Design for Resources

Pacific Landing demonstrates a commitment to sustainable resource management through thoughtful design choices. Materials were selected for durability, sustainability, and low environmental impact. Strategies include using low-carbon materials, locally sourced products, and efficient construction methods to minimize waste and embodied carbon. The building’s lifecycle was considered with a focus on longevity and adaptability, ensuring minimal environmental impact over time. Through these practices, Pacific Landing exemplifies responsible resource stewardship, supporting a sustainable future for Santa Monica and beyond.

Measure 9: Design for Change

Pacific Landing anticipates future needs through adaptable design strategies that enhance usability and resilience. The building’s flexible interior layout and robust infrastructure support diverse uses and evolving technologies. Passive survivability features ensure functionality during emergencies, with on-site energy storage and efficient systems reducing dependence on external resources. The design prioritizes long-term sustainability, with provisions for future upgrades and maintenance cycles. By fostering adaptability and resilience, Pacific Landing remains prepared for changing environmental, social, and economic conditions, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness in Santa Monica’s urban landscape.

Measure 10: Design for Discovery

Pacific Landing fosters ongoing discovery through collaborative design strategies that engage owners, designers, and occupants. The project emphasizes post-occupancy evaluations and community feedback to refine and improve building performance over time. Features like adaptable spaces and advanced building systems encourage exploration and learning about sustainable living practices. Regular communication channels between stakeholders ensure that lessons learned are applied to future projects, promoting continuous improvement and innovation. By nurturing a dynamic relationship between all parties involved, Pacific Landing establishes itself as a learning environment that evolves with the needs and aspirations of its community in Santa Monica.