Architecture Firm:
GGLO
Completion Date:
2017 estimated project construction completion date
Project Format (not yet built / built):
not yet built
Project Size (sf / site acreage):
±83 acres / 380 residential dwelling units / ±72,000 gsf non-residential facilities
Project Location:
Angwin, California
Budget ($/sq Ft, optional):
n/a
Interior Designer:
n/a
General Contractor:
n/a
Landscape Designer:
n/a
Lighting Consultant:
n/a
Structural Engineer:
n/a
Mechanical Engineer:
n/a
Electrical Engineer:
n/a
Commissioning Agent:
n/a
Air Quality Consultant:
n/a
Civil Engineer:
n/a
Other:
Planning & Landscape Architecture: SWA Group with GGLO; Infrastructure Design: ARUP, Transportation Planning: Nelson/Nygaard; Illustrator: Anita Lehman
Owner:
Triad Communities
Sustainable Sites:
Located in the foothills in California’s northern Napa County, the Angwin community has evolved around historic Pacific Union College (PUC), a small Adventist college. PUC intends to sell portions of their land holdings to build their endowment and fund their future operations. In line with their core principles, PUC wants the land used for a sustainable project respecting the existing environment and the relationship of PUC to the surrounding community, while adding much needed housing & community services. Significant acreage is to be preserved as forest or dedicated to agricultural/conservation use. For infill housing & services in the Angwin ‘urban bubble’ that will serve their needs, PUC selected Triad for their commitment to principles of sustainability and experience in the development of quality community & workforce housing.
The Angwin Ecovillage project has adopted seven Guiding Principles of Sustainability titled: Economics and Employment; Housing and Green Building; Transportation and Land Use; Agriculture and Ecology; Health and Environmental Justice; Renewable Energy and Conservation; and Education and Eco-Literacy. The resulting plan focuses on affordable housing near jobs; compact development footprint; conservation easements; water reclamation; renewable energy; rainwater recapture through gardens & swales; alternative transportation; and local food production.
The Angwin Ecovillage is a participant in the LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program. Its master planning focuses on a compact development within an existing community in order to reduce land consumption, reduce automobile dependence, promote pedestrian activity, and decrease runoff of polluted stormwater. Features that distinguish the Ecovillage from a traditional development include:
• Compact development to preserve agricultural land, forest land and open space (which make up 90% of PUC’s property)
• Emphasis on walkability, with an enhanced network of pedestrian and bicycle circulation.
• Transportation management, including private electric shuttle buses and shared electric vehicles.
• A new, mixed-use, Village Square including retail, restaurants, an Inn and professional services
• Solar and geothermal energy for new homes and businesses
• Local organic food production
• Graywater irrigation
• 100% wastewater reuse
Toward Zero Energy:
Individual commercial and residential structures will target LEED certification and focus on meeting goals of efficient use of energy and other resources. Photovoltaic and ground source heat pump technologies will be used throughout the project. New homes will reduce electricity usage by at least 30% below Title 24 requirements by employing highly efficient designs, equipment, controls & insulation. The combination of green design and alternative energy sources means that Ecovillage homes will draw approximately 60% less electricity annually from the grid than comparable homes constructed without regard from principles of sustainability.
Local and Sustainable Materials:
New commercial and residential site development and buildings will incorporate local and sustainable materials to help meet LEED certification. The Angwin Ecovillage infrastructure also focuses on recycled content, regional, and energy efficient materials while targeting a high level of construction waste management. Because Education & Eco-Literacy are guiding principles of the Angwin Ecovillage, a Resource Center will be incorporated in the Village Square to help Ecovillage residents, neighbors and visitors access transit routes and green building information
Sustainable Water:
The Ecovillage will use existing PUC sewage treatment and storage facilities, all of which have been determined to have sufficient capacity to serve planned development. By incorporating sustainable and efficient features into the specific building construction, the Ecovillage will use 50% less water, and generate less sanitary sewage, than comparable housing.
• 100% wastewater reuse
• Graywater irrigation
IEQ and Comfort:
The Angwin Ecovillage will create a compact, livable, walkable, vibrant and healthy community. Site development emphasizes a variety of public open spaces that include parks, recreation areas, shaded sidewalks, outdoor eating areas and connection to the natural environment including the PUC Forest Preserve. Alternative transportation including provisions for bicycling and pedestrian circulation will contribute to air quality and health . Green development guidelines will require building practices to optimize IEQ. The temperate climate will allow plentiful natural ventilation of homes and businesses.
Collective Wisdom and Feedback:
Specific sustainable design strategies can be equated to good common sense design. Design character has drawn from local vernacular building tradition and responded to knowledge of local climatic conditions. Integrating all the components and navigating the new LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program has been a stimulating experience. We hope that the Ecovillage project can provide inspiration and help shape the future of LEED-ND for projects striving for appropriate development by increasing density within an urban growth boundary in semi-rural locations.
Regional/Community Design:
Angwin Ecovillage has included the existing Angwin community in its planning process from its inception through public meetings, design presentations at PUC, and will continue the community outreach at the Village Square’s Resource Center to provide education & assistance with alternative technology support.
