Housing Examples
Conserving Open Space while Promoting Affordable Living
5 Examples of Contemporary, Affordable Design
Next Key | Novato, California
Well-planned Design Features
- Mission-inspired buildings
- Native, drought-resistant landscaping
Total Number of Apartments: 32
Studios: 32
Apartment homes per acre: 32
All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The adult employment-and-training students pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, clothing, school supplies, transportation, etc.
San Rafael Commons | San Rafael, California
- “Sensible Growth Award” (National Association of Home Builders and Better Homes and Gardens Awards)
- “Outstanding Contributions for Better Housing for All Americans Award” (National Association of Home Builders and Better Homes and Gardens Awards)
Studios: 36
Apartment homes per acre: 47
All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The seniors pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, medications, clothing, transportation, etc.
San Clemente Place | Corte Madera, California
- Open courtyard and landscaped central lawn area create sense of openness.
- Garden and strategic use of planters in courtyard entryways tie in the natural beauty from the surrounding community.
- Architecture was designed to “uplift the entire neighborhood.”
One-bedrooms: 20
Two-bedrooms: 33
Three-bedrooms: 25
Apartment homes per acre: 29
All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The families, seniors, and developmentally disabled tenants pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, clothing, medications, school supplies, transportation, etc.
Parnow Friendship House | San Rafael, California
- Used landscaping to blend development into its surroundings and conceal height.
All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The seniors pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, medications, transportation, etc.
Garden Oak Manor | Oakley, California
Award Winner
Maxwell Awards of Excellence Program for Production of Low-income Housing
Well-Planned Design Features
- Colorful and rich landscaping allows development to serve as an extension of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Careful attention paid to ensure development enhanced the existing neighborhood.
Total Number of Apartments:50
One-bedrooms: 49
Two-bedrooms: 1
Apartment homes per acre: 26
All apartment homes in this development are affordable: The seniors and disabled tenants pay no more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leaving enough money for food, medication, transportation, etc.