Architectural Record 2015-04

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Photo courtesy of Tamlyn
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Sponsored by CertainTeed Gypsum, Oldcastle® Architectural, Pella EFCO Commercial Solutions, and Tamlyn
By Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP
/ultifamily construction and
renovation projects continue to
garner a lot of attention whether
they are rental apartments or purchased
condominium units. The reasons for this
attention seem to be driven by a number of
different social, economic, and practicalitybased
decisions that buoy their continued
popularity. Many urban areas are growing in
population, creating denser development that
combines commercial uses with residential
choices in the same building or block. Changing
demographics can mean that multifamily
housing with all-inclusive maintenance and
amenities appear better suited to changing
lifestyles and personal budgets. Interest in
greener living is causing some people to look
at smaller living spaces with less driving
or commuting time compared to life in a
suburban-sprawl, car-centered environment.
And there remains a fair bit of business
interest in multifamily real estate from both
U.S. and foreign investors. Regardless of
the motivation, it becomes incumbent on
architects to design multifamily buildings
that can respond to the needs and consumer
preferences of those spurring the activity. It
is equally important to create buildings that
use the best and most appropriate building
technology to achieve a well-constructed,
durable, and efficient end result. Doing so
involves an understanding of the availability
and workings of building products and
systems that can not only meet those criteria,
but also contribute to a well-designed,
greener, higher-performing building.
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In 2013, an independent study 1 was conducted
by the firm of Strata Research to “better
understand renter purchasing criteria and the
importance of sustainability-related apartment
features to the overall purchase decision. In
order to achieve this, Strata Research was
commissioned to test renters’ awareness
and importance of various environmentally
friendly features, as well as determine their
willingness to pay an extra premium if these
features were included.” Their findings were
quite significant. First, out of their sample of
over 1,000 interviewed renters from across the