Architects: Cook + Fox Architects Location: Brooklyn, NY Project Name: The Hegeman Client: Common Ground Comunities Completion: 2012 Size: 64,469 SF
The Hegeman, designed by Cook + Fox Architects, is a residential community in Brownsville, Brooklyn that provides housing for low-income and formerly homeless individuals. Developed by Common Ground Community – an innovative non-profit whose mission is to end homelessness – the Hegeman Residence also provides a range of on-site social services in a model known as supportive housing.
Situated on a former vacant site, its location automatically alters the context of the neighborhood and creates higher density and street life, factors that Jane Jacobs often sited for making neighborhoods safer and more accessible. The six-story building is designed with textural articulations to bring visual life to the building that is otherwise constrained with NYC’s zoning regulations. Large windows frame views of the street and provide access into the interior courtyards and green spaces, providing a welcoming and open entrance. The courtyard also provides opportunities for a future urban farm.
The design for the Hegeman emphasizes healthy living, restorative and biophilic design, and best practices to save tenants money on energy bills. The building has many advanced features including: entry-activated control systems and individual room-metering capabilities that give control over energy usage and infrastructure has been placed for a future co-generation system.
Approximately 3,400 square feet of greenery on the roof cool the building and handles storm-water run off from the site. Solar panels are also located on the roof for exterior lighting requirements. Individual units are finished with durable, non-toxic materials, designed to save energy and water. These measures may earn the building an anticipated LEED Silver certification.
For more, check out our previous coverage on The Hedgeman.
