Interfaith Housing Development Corporation (IHDC) held a groundbreaking of the Conservatory Apartments. They will be located just north of the landmark Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago.
The Conservatory Apartments will serve two populations that are in need of permanent, supportive housing with forty-three new, affordable units that hopefully will set a new standard for affordable housing.
Of the 43 units, 34 will target individuals who are chronically homeless and who have a disability. Nine will be set aside for persons from the Illinois State Referral Network. IHDC is partnering with Deborah's Place, a nonprofit supporter of housing and services to people who have experienced homelessness, and Trilogy Behavioral Health, a comprehensive integrated care agency that enable people in mental health recovery to build meaningful and independent lives.
PR Newswire states that the IHDC's goal is to be Chicago's first large-scale affordable housing project to be Passive House Certified. The apartments are being designed to meet Passive House Standards and achieve Passive House certification through the Passive House Institute of the United States. It will be the largest multi-family building in Chicago to meet this standard.
The building was designed by national A/E firm HED. The design utilizes biophilic design strategies, simulating natural forms through specified light fixtures, textures and patterned glass. The incorporation of a low maintenance moss wall in the lobby of the building is both a way of bringing nature inside as well as a nod to the namesake conservatory a block away.
Multi-housing News reports that IHDC wants to demonstrate that the Passive House Certification for large, affordable, multi-family housing projects is with reach in a Midwestern climate. Henry Bros. Co. will be the construction firm for the project.
"IHDC has two goals. First, designing the building to achieve Passive House certification through the Passive House Institute. It is a passive house standard that combines thorough design verification protocol with a stringent QA/QC program to deliver better buildings. The second goal has already been met - being selected to participate in the Living Building Challenge Pilot Program for affordable housing."
Sector leader with HED & in charge of the design team | Susan King
To meet the PHIUS goals, the building will be equipped with a variety of energy-saving features including:
- 14kW photovoltaic systems
- Energy-saving appliances and lighting
- Water saving plumbing fixtures to reduce indoor water use by 25 percent
Achieving the PHIUS standard will be significant because it will show that goals can be attained in a region with a demanding four-season climate. It will also send a message about the necessity for affordable housing to prioritize resident and environmental health through innovative design. The only other affordable Passive House that is certified in Chicago only has six units.