This proposal was a response to a Request for Proposal for the redevelopment of about 4.5 acres of parking lots at the northwest corner of the Fairfax Government Center Campus. We proposed to transform an existing parking lot into a thriving community that includes 275 mixed-income residences, ample social services, generous public spaces, and beautiful landscaped areas, all of which would greet residents, visitors, and workers as they arrive at the Campus.
The building is broken down, conceptually, into two buildings, Each with its own entry, one to the south and the other to the north. The design responds to several major factors around the site. The first, is the bus stop at the southeast corner of the site, where a small plaza and drop-off area is proposed from which one can access the residential building entry, and entries to a daycare facility and social services offices.
To the east of the site, we proposed and designed a street with future development in mind. The street has been laid out with parallel parking on both sides along with street vegetation, so that future development across this street can be built on. Furthermore it has been designed to slow down traffic with areas of permeable pavers and raised areas. This will also allow the local community to use this street for future events. Thirdly, along the west edge of the site we find a beautiful existing alley of trees, which we worked to preserve, by providing a reasonable building setback. We see this as a valuable amenity to the site and to the surrounding community. Lastly, there is an existing nature preserve with an active trail. To help activate this edge of the site we proposed another main entry with another drop-off to help activate this side of the site.
One of the key aspects of this design proposal is the inclusion of a garage with 460 spaces, which is completely concealed from the outside all around the site. This layout provided us with two separate courtyards, one for each building section. The facades of the garage, visible in the courtyards, are envisioned to be designed as a continuation of the building facades, so that the courtyards can be attractive places for families to enjoy.
We are proud of being a part of this proposal, and look forward to future proposals to design beautiful, high quality, places to live.
Location: Fairfax, VA
Developer: AHC Inc.
Builder: Harkins Builders
Engineers: Walter L. Phillips
Landscape Architect: Bradley Site Design
Project Info: North Building: 5 stories | 148 units | Wood-framed Type IIIA construction
South Building: 4 stories | 137 units | Wood-framed Type VA construction, with partial concrete podium at Social Services, Child Care Center, and Common Areas
The building is broken down, conceptually, into two buildings, Each with its own entry, one to the south and the other to the north. The design responds to several major factors around the site. The first, is the bus stop at the southeast corner of the site, where a small plaza and drop-off area is proposed from which one can access the residential building entry, and entries to a daycare facility and social services offices.
To the east of the site, we proposed and designed a street with future development in mind. The street has been laid out with parallel parking on both sides along with street vegetation, so that future development across this street can be built on. Furthermore it has been designed to slow down traffic with areas of permeable pavers and raised areas. This will also allow the local community to use this street for future events. Thirdly, along the west edge of the site we find a beautiful existing alley of trees, which we worked to preserve, by providing a reasonable building setback. We see this as a valuable amenity to the site and to the surrounding community. Lastly, there is an existing nature preserve with an active trail. To help activate this edge of the site we proposed another main entry with another drop-off to help activate this side of the site.
One of the key aspects of this design proposal is the inclusion of a garage with 460 spaces, which is completely concealed from the outside all around the site. This layout provided us with two separate courtyards, one for each building section. The facades of the garage, visible in the courtyards, are envisioned to be designed as a continuation of the building facades, so that the courtyards can be attractive places for families to enjoy.
We are proud of being a part of this proposal, and look forward to future proposals to design beautiful, high quality, places to live.
Location: Fairfax, VA
Developer: AHC Inc.
Builder: Harkins Builders
Engineers: Walter L. Phillips
Landscape Architect: Bradley Site Design
Project Info: North Building: 5 stories | 148 units | Wood-framed Type IIIA construction
South Building: 4 stories | 137 units | Wood-framed Type VA construction, with partial concrete podium at Social Services, Child Care Center, and Common Areas
