Design Rendering - Street Façade

Shinsei Garden
Alameda, CA

Family Housing

SUMMARY: 39 units of new affordable housing embedded in an expansive new residential development on land that was part of the former Alameda Naval Air Station.

One reason that buildings by Mikiten Architecture consistently win community support is that they are simultaneously fresh and contextual. They are visually innovative, yet they reflect the patterns and rhythm of the surrounding neighborhood, taking cues from both the old and new in ways appropriate to the site. This project’s site is unusual: rich in history as part of the former Alameda Naval Air Base, yet lacking a physical context since the warehouses and military housing that once stood on the surrounding 85 acres were demolished.

Aware that this building will rise as part of a completely new residential neighborhood, we chose to present a gabled façade parallel to the street, while employing curved geometries once within the site boundaries. This site layout creates a welcoming parking area and an unusual interior courtyard with a variety of usable outdoor spaces.

The two-story complex comprises four separate buildings of various sizes connected by exterior walkways. The low-slope shed roofs are oriented to allow for transom windows at south and east façades. Each unit entry is marked by a wood arbor

The project is being developed with input from Santa Monica-based Global Green to incorporate sustainable materials and design strategies.

The project will be managed by local nonprofits, with about 35% of the 39 units targeted to house people with physical disabilities.

The indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to accommodate the numerous support services provided by the operator, which may include individual and family counseling, job training, group breakfasts and barbeques, and teen recreation.

Project Data:
Building: 39 units (49,240 s.f.)
Construction Cost: $8,100,000 (budget)
Site: 2.5 acres (15.6 units per acre)
Parking Spaces: 60 (1.5 per unit)
Features: Community room, full-story ramp, teen room, green design

Project Team
Client: Resources for Community Development
Contractor: Branagh Construction, Inc.
Principal Designer: Erick Mikiten, AIA
Project Manager: Bethany Opalach

Design Rendering - Entrance/Drop-Off

Entry Screens Leading Into the Courtyard

Design Sketch - Courtyard Perspective Showing Ramp