affordable / merit

casas las granadas, santa barbara, calif.
peikert group architects
santa barbara

Emmalee Thomas Contextual architecture, eco-sensitive amenities, and an inviting pedestrian plan make this low-income project a very good neighbor.

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Detlev Peikert, AIA, squeezed a long list of “must-haves” onto a tiny piece of land. The building masks a four-story parking garage, offers housing for low- to very low-income workers, and establishes a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare in downtown Santa Barbara, Calif.

Our judges felt his design achieved all the required goals and more: “It takes care of the garage, creates public and private outdoor space, respects local style, and looks like a pleasant place to live. What's not to like?”

Peikert implemented a sustainable strategy too. The south-facing units have high ceilings and balconies to usher in light. A bicycle station with maintenance equipment and showers encourages cheap eco-conscious transportation while creating a courtyard. “The way all of these elements come together,” Peikert says, “makes it a great place to live.”

principal in charge / project architect: Detlev Peikert, AIA, Peikert Group Architects;
general contractor: Ken Trigueiro, Peoples' Self-Help Housing, San Luis Obispo, Calif.;
landscape architect: Phil Suding, Suding Design, Santa Barbara, Calif.;
structural engineer: Thomas Long, Thomas Long Engineering, Santa Barbara;
project size: 485 square feet to 602 square feet per unit;
site size: 0.09 acre;
construction cost: $230 per square foot;
rental price: $560 to $680 per unit per month;
units in project: 12;
photography: Emmalee Thomas.

product specs
awnings: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics (Sunbrella); exterior siding: ParexLahabra; hvac equipment: Louisville Tin & Stove Co.; lighting fixtures: Techtron Products; roofing: Maruhachi Ceramics of America; ventilation system: Panasonic Corp. of North America; water heaters: Rinnai America Corp.; windows: Eagle Window & Door

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