Berkeley Way Apartments and Hope Center

Design for Resources Award

Berkeley Way Apartments and Hope Center

The Hope Center and Berkeley Way Apartments provides innovative, new, affordable housing spanning four typologies that addresses housing and food insecurity in its community, serving as a model for other communities. By co-locating the full spectrum of housing, shelter, food and critical supportive services for people experiencing housing and food insecurity, the project benefits from both greater operational efficiencies and stronger community impact. Since a disproportionate number of unhoused people experience physical and cognitive disabilities, economical Universal Design strategies throughout welcome people of all abilities.

Since under resourced populations are most vulnerable to impacts of the climate emergency, the project integrates a wide range of resilience, sustainability, universal design, wellness, and decarbonization strategies to provide safe, healthy, and resilient homes. By integrating these, the project proves that thoughtful design isn’t just for the few – it’s emphatically for everyone.

“I can’t believe such a beautiful place is for me!” – Hope Center new resident

A pilot project in the Bay Area Low-Carbon Concrete Codes Project, cement content was reduced by 55% from national average, resulting in 680 metric tons of CO2 and 1.7 million pounds of cement saved. This was also the first approved SB35 project in Berkeley

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This an affordable housing project that feels elegant. | A great program mix and very high performance.

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Measure 1: Design for Integration

Climate action and social justice intersect in the design of housing for unhoused people – the most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate emergency. Consequently, the project integrates a wide range of sustainability, wellness, and decarbonization strategies to provide safe, healthy, and resilient homes.

Compact building forms reduce surface area, enhancing both construction economy and energy/carbon efficiencies. On-site photovoltaic and solar hot water systems further reduce energy and operating expenses, resulting in a Site EUI reduction of 42% from baseline. High efficiency HVAC systems reduce heating loads and offer active cooling as demand rises in the future. Supply air is filtered at the rooftop, ensuring clean air and simplified filter replacement as wildfires become more frequent. A pilot project in the Bay Area Low-Carbon Concrete Codes Project, cement content was reduced by 55% from national average, resulting in 680 metric tons of CO2 and 1.7 million pounds of cement saved. Since a disproportionate number of unhoused people experience physical and cognitive disabilities, economical Universal Design strategies throughout welcome people of all abilities.

Measure 2: Design for Equitable Communities

There are over 1,000 unhoused individuals -75% of them unsheltered – and another 19,000 people living in poverty in the City of Berkeley. In a region where the average home price is $1.5 million, and the cost of living is 75% higher than the national average, providing safe, dignified housing and food security to very low-income and unhoused people is a major social equity emergency.

“When you’re all the way down on hard times, there’s only one place to look, and that’s up.” – Resident

Measure 3: Design for Ecosystems

Landscaping at the street and in the courtyards meet Bay Friendly Landscape Guidelines. The plants are predominantly native, drought-tolerant species, reducing potable water use and supporting native biodiversity. Cooking herbs are planted right outside the commercial kitchen. 6 Native coastal live oaks replaced the 5 ailing oaks on the sidewalk. Upper floor apartments offer expansive views of the forested Berkeley neighborhoods and hills. Construction start was delayed to avoid disrupting nesting Rock Doves. High-reflectance roof and courtyards materials mitigate the heat island effect, helping to control localized temperature rise during the increasingly warm summer days.

Measure 4: Design for Water

With climate scientists predicting the disappearance of the High Sierra snowpack by 2050, effective water conservation and storm water management is more critical than ever. This project utilizes a variety of low-cost design features to conserve and manage the water cycle. Low-flow water fixtures reduce potable water use by 40% from baseline. Drought tolerant native planting, drip irrigation and smart sensors reduce exterior water consumption. Centralized laundry rooms with high efficiency washing machines save water by reducing the number of loads. 100% of site storm water is detained, filtered, and released by bio-retention planters and permeable pavers.

Measure 5: Design for Economy

The final construction cost of $523/SF is low compared to similar buildings in the Bay Area that also use union labor and comply with strict Berkeley fair labor laws. Comparable regional costs for multifamily affordable housing is closer to $600-700/SF. The low-carbon concrete podium with 4 floors of wood-frame construction above allows for multiple housing typologies all in one building and still provides a potential lifespan of 100 years. The exterior is primarily clad in inexpensive cement board siding with discrete recessed accents in composite wood panels for warmth and visual variety.

Measure 6: Design for Energy

Project EUI is 20 kBtu/sf/yr, a 78% reduction from baseline that exceeds the 2030 Challenge within a limited budget. A high-performance envelope includes thermal glazing and multiple layers of exterior sheathing and insulation. Solar water heating provides 70% of required BTU. A solar photovoltaic canopy off-sets energy costs and demonstrates a commitment to low-carbon design. Apartment ceiling fans reduce cooling demand, while cooktops with timers reduce wasted energy and promote safety.Shared laundry rooms with high-efficiency machines allow the units to be smaller and encourage casual social interaction among the residents. The project is rated GreenPoint Platinum.

Measure 7: Design for Well-Being

The community dining room provides 200,000 healthy meals/year. Social, resident, and medical services offer wrap around care. The courtyards offer opportunities for play, respite, and healing. A kitchen garden provides fresh herbs for cooking shared meals. Nature inspired art, by Local artists, throughout the building creates more beauty and delight. MERV13 air filtration provides improved indoor air quality. Formaldehyde and low-VOC material were selected. Biophilic design includes natural, organic materials strategically placed for warmth and welcome while maintaining durability. Large windows provide views and daylight. A spatial daylighting model confirmed natural lighting in all occupied dwelling spaces.

Measure 8: Design for Resources

§ Bay Area Low-Carbon Concrete Codes Pilot Project: 55% less cement used compared to the national average. 614 metric tons CO2 equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions avoided.
§ Multifamily GreenPoint Rated Platinum.
§ Zero onsite parking: the team negotiated with the city to relieve the project from the cost and carbon load of providing on-site parking
§ Materials selected for rapid renewability, durability, abuse resistance, easy maintenance and fire resistance.
§ Cement board lap siding selected for fire resistance and durability.
§ Ground and sealed concrete slab provides durability and reduces finish flooring and adhesives.
§ Construction offers a potential lifespan of 100 years

Measure 9: Design for Change

§ Universal Design features including lean rails, wide hallways, distinctive way finding, and accessible restrooms, serve people with disabilities and allow for aging in place.
§ Durable, fire-resistant materials, and a structural design meeting stringent seismic code, ensure long term resilience and passive survivability.
§ Emergency power via generator provides for lighting and power for phone charging and medication refrigeration during blackouts.
§ Filtered, tempered air maintains healthy indoor air quality as climate changes and wildfires increasingly create hazardous air
§ On-site renewable energy reduces demand on a strained energy grid
§ Design is adaptable to other future housing uses.

Measure 10: Design for Discovery

After one year of occupancy a POE will be informed by interviews and surveys of owners, staff, and residents, along with energy use and renewable energy monitoring. This, along with insights gained from other completed affordable housing projects, provides a useful database for all future projects and effective discussion points with our experienced non-profit developer clients and service providers. One lesson learned is that after occupancy of this building, we learned that at least one resident in crisis has threatened reception staff and the security measures already in place were not sufficient