Oxford Green: A case study in affordability and efficiency
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is currently constructing 20 row homes in the Sharswood community that will be affordable homeownership units for households between 30 - 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). The first new construction affordable units in the community in over a decade, they represent a paradigm shift for Habitat Philadelphia in scale and approach to projects. Efficiency - both energy and construction - was essential to the project’s design strategies. From an efficiency standpoint, the project focused on building envelope and stormwater management as a response to construction materiality, city regulations, and homeowner affordability.
The tour will include walk-throughs of units at different stages of construction to show the techniques utilized to meet efficiency goals. We will discuss the role of the architect, civil engineer, green roof designer, energy rater, an owner to address coordination amongst the team, and how design decisions impacted schedule and construction methods in the field. Oxford Green serves as a case study to highlight how design considerations and efficiency planning can streamline construction processes and lead to a quality, affordable product, and forward Habitat’s vision of Philadelphia where everyone lives in safe and affordable homes.
Tour Guide | Neil Goldman, Habitat for Humanity
