The first straw-insulated multifamily housing project in Maine
This project—30-units of affordable housing in Portland, Maine—is an exercise in navigating constraints. While all projects are beholden to code, zoning, and their context, this project is also subject to Historic Review and stringent dimensional standards related to affordable subsidies.
Within that context, we’re also asking bigger questions like:
1. While working on this project, we learned of Renting Partnerships. An organization in Cincinnati, Ohio who’s developed a model in which long-term renters build wealth by taking part in the upkeep of their community.
Within that context, we’re also asking bigger questions like:
- Which design decisions increase cost-savings and livability?
- Can an affordable building sequester more CO2 than it emits?
- Can renters build equity? 1
1. While working on this project, we learned of Renting Partnerships. An organization in Cincinnati, Ohio who’s developed a model in which long-term renters build wealth by taking part in the upkeep of their community.
Ground Floor Plan
Typical Upper Floor Plan
Alternating bands of pine clapboard break down the building’s scale. The lighter tone at the corners help dematerialize the volume
The windows stack vertically and (the majority) are rectangular, in reference to the neighboring buildings
Client
LB Atlantic, LLCTimeline
2023-Status
In DesignLocation
Portland, MaineServices
ArchitectureInterior Design
Credits
Acorn Engineering, IncCivil Engineering
Base Design Group, Inc
Structural Engineering
BLW Engineers, Inc
MEP-FP Engineering
Croft,
Collaborator & Straw Panel Provider
Pieszak Lighting Design,
Lighting Design
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