Innovative Design: Raising the Bar

Open Air

The Rivermark, developed by BRIDGE Housing, is serving as an anchor of a new smart-growth area in West Sacramento, Calif., creating 70 units of affordable workforce housing at the start to ensure economic diversity in the new neighborhood.

David Baker, principal of David Baker Architects, focused on providing open-air circulation so that the internal open space in the building benefits the public and provides a direct relationship to the city as a whole instead of being buried inside the walls.

One corner features an open-air staircase in a tower that serves as a beacon for the neighborhood and steers residents toward the steps instead of the elevator. Breezeways, patios, and balconies also bring in light and fresh air and help connect residents with nature.

“Open-air circulation makes a huge difference in how the building feels,” says Baker.

A second-level podium courtyard is the heart of the project, with balconies, decks, and patios surrounding the space. Large concrete steps and a climbing wall provide fun spaces for children to play.

The $29.4 million development, which was completed in 2014, received GreenPoint certification. The building also is oriented for solar gain in the hot climate. The units all face either north or south and feature large windows and sunshades, while the sides of the building facing west have small windows.

“We made a big design statement that’s also practical that people don’t roast on the western side of the building. It has an interesting big gesture there,” Baker says.

The Rivermark also consists of primarily humble materials, but Baker says it’s good to spice it up with a little bit of premium material, too. In this case, the exterior of the building features touches of standing-seam galvanized steel.