Lexington Student Apartments

Transportation:

In the life cycle of buildings, transportation produces the vast majority of pollution and consumes most of the energy. More than any other ecological decision, it is most important for people to live within walking distance of downtown to eliminate auto-trips.

This project is well within the existing infrastructure close to the downtown of Davis. Most of the tenants are UC Davis students who can walk to school since they are only five blocks from campus. In fact, the site is closer to campus than many University parking lots. Living close to downtown also reduces student auto-trips into town.

This project was set up to encourage ecologically friendly transportation modes with:

450 bike parking spaces conveniently located on site, more than 1 per bedroom, and many of the spaces covered;
4 electric vehicle-charging stations available on site;
Motorcycle parking on site, 1 space per four units;
"Ride Share" central board to the Bay Area, and other locations;
A new Bus Stop funded by the project added nearby;
50 percent of parking was situated under the buildings to reduce run-off from impervious surfaces and allow for more density;
"Phantom" Parking: 13 parking spaces were landscaped as reserve parking. The spaces are in reserve and can only be used in the future if needed. This parking reduction makes the use of cars more difficult, and adds more landscape; and
DSL Data lines were installed in all the units to allow easy tele-commuting to the campus and reduce necessary trips.

Until this project, Olive Drive had been used as a cut through for freeway traffic. The traffic calming measures enacted included a chacade, pedestrian islands and curb radius changes. The bulb-out and tightening of the curb radii at busy intersections nearby improved the livability and walk ability on Olive Drive considerably. Also, separated sidewalks now ensure a pleasant and safe route under the trees.

Buildings:

Below is a partial list of project features:

Residence Energy Efficiency: Exceeded Title 24 requirements by 20 percent.

Orientation of the buildings was carefully considered for maximum shading, reducing heat gain and air conditioning needs in this hot climate.
Selective transmissivity glass for insulation and control of solar gain.
Glass shading, trellises and overhangs to control solar gain.
Patios and Balconies on all units encourage outdoor living.
Building orientation for maximum daylight to reduce electric needs.
Natural daylighting is maximized with high ceilings and windows in the Living areas, this reduces the need for electric light.
Passive heating in the community building: The curved south wall is both shaded and allows for winter sun penetration to warm concrete floor in the student lounge, reducing energy needs.
Low Flow Fixtures

Solar Electric Panels:

Community building powered by a 2 KW system.
Residential Buildings with East-West building axis for prominent rooflines for best solar exposure. The roofs have been set up to accept solar panels in the future when legislation will allow tenants to have metered solar power.

Mixed-use buildings:

Community building and another building on site have significant retail space on the ground floor with 2 floors of residential above.

Landscape:

Large shade trees were added to the project to provide extensive shade for reduced heat and new habitat for wildlife. In addition, these new trees will absorb carbon dioxide. The existing Cork Oaks and Historic Olive Trees were incorporated and carefully protected within site and landscape design. The existing trees along the freeway remain and new citrus trees were added to provide edible landscape for the residents.

All the landscape is drought tolerant and use a water saving irrigation system. More than 50 percent of the hardscape areas are shaded with trees, trellises and vines for reduced heat and cooling in summer and daylight in winter.

Site Features:

Density: 24 units to the Acre plus commercial space.

Recycling:

Recycling areas conveniently located and well lit;
Recycling containers in all units and at each trash enclosure;
Construction recycling - see construction below.

Refuse: Site Trash compactor on-site minimizes landfill volume.

Narrowest possible roads:

To increase landscape opportunities;
Minimize run-off;
Encourages pedestrians;
Slow on-site traffic.

Dark Sky: All exterior fixtures comply with Dark Sky guidelines to improve the visibility of the stars.

Construction Process:

Green Specifications:

Construction Waste Minimization;
Construction waste recycling;
Recycled material content in the concrete (fly ash) and gypsum board;
Framing and finish design that minimizes material use;
Cellulose insulation.