Sustainable Development- Multi-family Housing
Eco Oaks was envisioned and designed to be the first “green” affordable housing project in the State of Florida. The owner/developer, “not for profit” Tampa Crossroads, Inc. is currently seeking certification for LEED for Homes – Platinum, Energy Star and Florida Water Star – Gold for this urban infill project. This project was supported by the City ofTampa’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP #1 and NSP #2) and also received a HUD grant for veterans housing assistance.
Ekistics Design Studio was responsible for low impact site design, working closely with the Project Architect, SEArchitecture, LLC and team subconsultants. Incorporating 18 dwelling units on this two acre site was complicated by the goal to preserve existing trees. Roof runoff will be captured in cisterns for landscape irrigation, a stormwater bioswale is vegetated with wetland grasses, the parking was paved with pervious pavers, and landscape plants were selected for drought tolerance and low maintenance. These strategies helped eliminate the need for a conventional stormwater pond with fencing and retaining walls.
Ekistics developed the hardscape design for a linear urban-scale courtyard unified by a serpentine and undulating concrete wall. A variety of small outdoor spaces were developed as functional open space for residents incorporating a garden plaza, barbeque court, sitting areas, outdoor lighting, walking path and playground. The end result was a unique collaboration between the architect and landscape architect in defining sustainable urban form.
