Red Rock Creek Commons

CLIENT:

Community Partners for Affordable Housing

CERTIFICATION:

Earth Advantage Platinum

AWARD:

Earth Advantage Multi-Family Project of the Year (2021)

Second Place, DJC Top Projects (2021)

Rock Creek Commons (RRCC) delivers deeply affordable housing with 48 units, eight of which are reserved for residents with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). In partnership with New Narrative, a local non-profit providing mental health services, the development team approached RRCC as an opportunity to design a supportive community for health and healing.

The building form follows the hillside toward a creek bed and takes its inspiration from the surrounding rocks and trees. The building is reminiscent of shale, with paralleled breaks and layering. Shadows cast by the sunshades mimic the silhouette of the surrounding trees against the horizon. The theme of natural beauty, strength, and endurance is consistent with the spirit of supportive community to which Red Rock Creek Commons aspires.

The project’s strong connection to its natural setting aligns with the trauma-informed design principles. A large deck off the main lobby overlooks the creek below. Additional trauma-informed features include lighting controls with dimmers to give residents the ability to control their living spaces. Rounded corners throughout the building soften interiors and feel less institutional. The community room and lounge allow for flexible use from casual social interactions among residents to more formal gathering spaces for events.

The client and design team favored energy efficient design choices whose long-term benefits outweigh upfront costs. These measures include the rooftop solar array, continuous insulation, on-demand water heater, and energy efficient windows. RRCC earned Earth Advantage Platinum.