Project Name: Holy Cross Project, Global Green USA
Project Type:
6) architecture
Project Mission/Goal:
1) improve the human spirit
2) increase awareness of the environment and/or address climate change
3) respond to our growing need for clean water, power, shelter, healthcare, education
4) address humanitarian crises
5) other.
Project Description:
Founded in 1994 by activist and philanthropist Diane Meyer Simon, Global Green is the American Arm of Green Cross International (GCI), which was created by President Mikhail S. Gorbachev to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment. Global Green USA’s work is primarily focused on stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and cities. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Global Green USA made a dedicated commitment to sustainable building in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. As part of that commitment, Global Green, in partnership with Brad Pitt, sponsored an international design competition during the summer of 2006; more than 125 entries competed to design a zero energy affordable housing development in the Holy Cross Neighborhood of the Lower 9th Ward. Global Green worked with skilled team of sustainable design and building experts and to Holy Cross Neighborhood Association to translate the winning design, by Matthew Berman and Andrew Kotchen of Workshop/APD, into a reality, the Holy Cross Project.
The Holy Cross Project consists of 5 single-family homes, an 18-unit apartment building, and a community center/sustainable design and climate action center, all designed to achieve LEED Platinum standards (LEED for Home for the single family homes and LEED NC for the other buildings) and to be both net zero energy and carbon neutral. Through this project, Global Green aims to create as a green model or showcase for development and rebuilding for New Orleans, and green affordable housing in the US; ensure the sustainability and long term affordability of the Project’s housing units for residents; educate residents and visitors about the benefits of green building; and, advance smart solutions to global warming that benefit communities and engage stakeholders in building will for action.
By using solar panels, high performance building design, HVAC systems, energy and resource monitoring systems, and energy efficient appliances, the buildings in the Holy Cross Project will use at least 75% less energy than typical buildings and offer marked reductions in utilities expenses as compared to average homes. The five single family homes will be first made available to and sold (for an estimated average of $175,000) to displaced residents of the Holy Cross and 9th Ward communities; soft mortgage options and low utilities expenses will accommodate lower income homebuyers. The apartment building's 18 units will be income restricted, affordable housing, renting for approximately $550/month for one-bedroom units and $650/month for two-bedroom units.
The first home, finished in May 2008, will initially serve as a Visitor Center for developers, contractors and residents to learn how to rebuild green. Education will continue through The Sustainable Design and Climate Action Institute, which will be a “Center of Excellence” for the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast, demonstrating all aspects of green building appropriate for the climate zone, while providing opportunities for sharing knowledge across the United States and world.
The Community Center will feature community services (e.g., ATM, corner market, etc.), a Visitor’s and Green Building Resource Center, an arts and cultural component, and an emergency center. For emergency needs, a rain water harvesting system will collect water (with filtration bringing it to drinking water standards), and solar panels on the roof of the Center will charge batteries that will provide power for emergency refrigeration (for medicines, etc.), lights and mobile phones in case residents are left without power or are unable to evacuate in an emergency.
Text from www.globalgreen.org/neworleans/holycross
Links and Captions:
http://www.globalgreen.org/neworleans/holycross
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25246882@N05/collections/72157605939063768/
Project Details:
Location: New Orleans, LA
Concept/Lead Architect(s)/Designer(s): Workshop/APD
Project Architect(s): Workshop/APD
Architect of Record: John C. Williams Architects, LLC
Year (s): 2006 (design competition) to present
Client:
User Client:
Number of beneficiaries/users:
Project Phase:
Major Funding: The Home Depot Foundation
Cost/Cost per unit:
Area (if applicable):
Structural Engineers: Morphy Makofsy, Inc
Electrical/Mechanical Engineers: Supersymmetry USA, Moses Engineering
Contractor/Manufacturer: Landis Construction Co., LLC
Additional Consultants:
Landscape Designer – D.I.R.T Studio
Senior Advisor – Bob Berkebile / BNIM
Developer – Kathy Laborde, Gulf Coast Housing Partnership
Development Consultants – Matt Smith/CMC Enterprise, Carlton Brown/Full Spectrum of NY, LLC
Landscape Architect – Carlos Cashio, LLC
Civil Engineer – Julien Engineering
Energy Consultant – Think Energy, Inc
Building Science Consultant – Building Science Corporation
Other:
Estimated prices:
Single-family houses for sale -- $175,000 (average)
18-unit apartment building -- $550/month (1 bedroom); $650/month (2-bedroom)
Nominated by Kate Stohr
