Echo Ridge Duplex

El Dorado was challenged to offer new insights for the duplex typology for the Echo Ridge duplexes, executed within HUD-regulated budget constraints.

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In 2012, the Topeka Housing Authority received one of twelve HUD grants given nationally to incentivize innovative, sustainable design and construction within the low-income housing sectors. Additionally, as part of the HUD grant, we were required to meet every item outlined by the Enterprise Green Communities Checklist. Typical duplex typologies were re-configured for Echo Ridge to provide natural cross ventilation for all major rooms of each unit. Arranged in a stacked configuration to create a shared interior courtyard, the new configuration of duplexes were designed with a focus on single mothers, providing a protected and easily supervised communal space for small children. The second level of each unit has a private, shaded patio and a planted roof. The new duplexes also gain energy efficiency through the use of highly insulated envelope construction, fully ventilated rain screen systems, and a shared ground source heat pump system. Storm water management is achieved through planted rooftops and pervious concrete sidewalk paving. Materials containing recycled content were specified throughout the design. The result, built for just $115 per square foot, is an energetic and optimistic re-thinking of a low-income housing typology that promotes sustainable living and a strong sense of community.
  • 2012
  • Architect
  • Topeka, KS
  • 4,400 SF

Client

  • Topeka Housing Authority

Eldo Team

  • Steve Salzer
  • Josh Shelton

Collaborators

  • Contractor: Kelley Construction
  • Structural Engineer: Bob D Campbell & Associates
  • MEP Engineer: Latimer Sommers & Associates
  • Code Consultant: Jeff Boyle

Awards

  • 2012 AIA Central States Region Design Awards - Honor Award
  • 2012 ARCHITECT Magazine Residential Architect Design Award (RADA) - Affordable Housing Merit Award
  • 2012 AIA Kansas City Design Excellence Awards - Merit Award
  • 2013 AZURE Magazine AZ Award - Residential Architecture Winner
  • 2013 KC Magazine Design Excellence Awards - Green Design, Silver
  • 2013 KC Magazine Design Excellence Awards - Exterior Architecture, Bronze
  • 2013 The Chicago Athenaeum - American Architecture Award

Press

Photography by

  • Mike Sinclair

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