New Passive House Supportive Apartments Fill Housing Gap for Adults with Disabilities
PRESS ADVISORY
In Scarborough, Maine, a long-awaited affordable housing development will soon bring much needed independent living opportunities for disabled adults to one of the region’s fastest-growing hubs.
Set to rise within a dynamic 524-acre mixed-use community known as Sturgeon Place (formerly The Downs), this new 51-unit fully accessible apartment building is designed by architecture and interiors firm The Architectural Team (TAT) for supportive housing provider 3i Housing of Maine (3i HoME) and national affordable housing advocate Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH).
Highlights of the recently debuted design – which passed a major milestone last week in receiving unanimous approvals from the Scarborough Planning Board – include an energy efficient Passive House approach, a focus on Universal Design and adaptability, and the utilization of innovative smart-home technologies, such as voice-controlled heating and cooling, lighting, window coverings, and security that facilitate independent living.
A public celebration and a vision tour gallery of the project’s design will be held on Saturday, June 17 at the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center in Brunswick, Maine, including a preview of the technology that makes the new community possible for people with disabilities, and those unable to perform activities of daily living.
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About 3i HoME
3i Housing of Maine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization creating Independent living options for people with disabilities through Innovative mobility and assistive technology solutions and Integrated home and community based support services.
About POAH
POAH is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve, create and sustain affordable, healthy homes that support economic security, racial equity and access to opportunity for all. POAH owns and operates 13,000 affordable rental homes in 11 states and the District of Columbia.
About The Architectural Team, Inc. (TAT)
The Architectural Team, Inc. (TAT), Is an award-winning architecture firm that has been recognized for its thought leadership and diverse portfolio in architecture, interior design and master planning. Creating lasting transformation in the communities it serves, since it was founded In 1971, the 100-person firm has earned more than 200 awards for design excellence across a broad range of building types and programs. These include new construction of large-scale urban mixed-use developments, multifamily, commercial, resilient waterfront developments, and hospitality projects, assisted and senior living facilities, and community centers.
TAT holds a national reputation in the areas of historic preservation, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse with hundreds of projects that have transformed neighborhoods across the United States, artfully restoring and reimagining neglected buildings for new uses while simultaneously preserving history. Building on its established reputation as a trusted partner in design, The Architectural Team looks forward to future decades of design innovation, client service and creative collaboration. For more information, please visit www.architecturalteam.com.
About the Project
Intended to serve both individuals with mobility impairments/physical disabilities and families in which at least one member is disabled, this community will help fill a critical regional housing gap in affordable and accessible residences, according to the development and design team. Rents are anticipated to range between $1,200 and $2,200 for the one-, two- and three-bedroom units. In addition to the private rental apartments, the project will feature a common living area for social activities, a designated workspace for service coordinators and a mobility and assistive technology hub. Bathrooms, kitchens, and all living areas will be barrier free, and the entire building will be wired for adaptable environmental controls and smart home functionality.
“Accessible community-based supportive housing empowers people to live independent lives and more fully engage with their communities,” says Paul Linet, Founder/CEO of 3i HoME. “Our focus is on providing innovative, independent, and integrated housing, and this project’s state-of-the-art approach uses smart technologies that allow people to control their environment and complete daily activities independently, reducing their risk of early institutional placement and advancing diverse, active communities.”
According to the architects TAT, who are longtime collaborators with POAH and are recognized as national experts on Passive House design and affordable and supportive housing, the Passive House construction will also benefit residents at the 3i HoME project by improving the indoor air quality for a healthier living environment. Beyond that, the ecologically sound approach will lower the operating costs through an emphasis on passive solar design, high-performance windows, highly efficient heating and ventilation systems, and other sustainable elements.
Construction of this innovative, affordable, accessible independent living community is anticipated to begin in 2024, with the aim of welcoming residents in 2025.
Buildings that utilize Passive House and Universal Design principles offer advantages for everyone and create a sensitive community that promotes healthy living. As architects, we continually seek new methods of design that help improve access to the built environment and offer holistic benefits to the residents with the aim of improving overall wellness, comfort, accessibility, development of interpersonal relationships, and enjoyment.
Gary M. Kane AIA NCARB LEED AP, Principal