Sustainable Design Consulting

Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

Green building for multi-unit residential projects requires intense coordination among designers, builders, developers, as well as property managers and residents, to ensure healthy and efficient operations. These include condominiums, rental apartments, and senior living developments.  SDC has provided LEED process management for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of thousands of market-rate and affordable dwelling units, as well as services for multi-unit residential projects using other standards, including Green Communities, EarthCraft, Green Globes, and the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).

The Pearl, Silver Spring, MD

The Ritz-Carlton, Chevy Chase, MD: Designed by David M. Schwarz, with the Martin Architectural Group, this 157,321 sf six-story luxury condominium building includes 65 units and 19,828 sf of ground-floor retail space. In addition, it offers a penthouse, fitness center, lounge, and private dining room. SDC worked directly with the developer, Bozzuto, to provide LEED-NC Process Management, energy modeling, and project review. In January 2023, the project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification.

Arthur Capper Senior Building, Washington, DC
Arthur Capper Senior Building, Washington, DC: This reconstruction of the 141,605 sf senior housing building, which had been previously destroyed by a fire, sits within DC Housing Authority’s Arthur Capper affordable housing community. The project site is located within walking distance of the Navy Yard Metro Station, as well as several public services. Designed by Torti Gallas Urban, the replacement project features energy-efficient construction processes and was Enterprise Green Communities certified in May 2021.
Cadence at Downtown Crown, Gaithersburg, MD

Harwood Flats, North Bethesda, MD: This 445,010 sf mixed-use building provides 335 luxury apartment units above 5,450 sf of retail and underground parking and complies with Montgomery County’s Green Construction Code. The building achieved a Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) of 46.8, which means it uses less than half the energy of an average building. Real-time energy data is displayed through meters, and LED lighting with auto-daylighting controls is used throughout.

Residences at the Hayes, Washington, DC
Eckington Yards, Washington, DC: This mixed-use urban development spans a 3.1-acre site and features four residential towers with 273 units and 33,663 sf of retail. Landscaping and irrigation systems reduce potable water consumption by 72%, and energy-efficient systems save 22.7% in energy costs. The project exceeded its initial Silver-level target, achieving LEED-NC Gold-level certification in July 2022. Low-emitting materials were used throughout, with 12% recycled content and 22% regionally sourced materials.
Virginia Square Towers, Arlington, VA

Muse Condominiums, Alexandria, VA: This eight-story, 131,518 sf residential tower designed by SK+I Architectural Design Group includes 73 units, a 5,000 sf art studio, ground-level retail spaces, and access to walking trails. The project features an “Art Walk” with landscaped open space and hardscape for residents and visitors to enjoy. This project completed construction in December 2022 and attained LEED-NC Silver-level certification in March 2023.

Hine South Residential, Washington, DC

Boro A, Tysons Corner, VA: Designed by Shalom Baranes Associates, The Boro achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification for this 905,032 sf residential development at the corner of Greensboro and Westpark Drives. The Boro development was designed to create a pedestrian-oriented streetscape, encourage alternative transportation practices, and reduce heat island effect. This portion of the development includes 677 multi-family units, seven parking levels, swimming pools and decks, fitness centers, clubs, and outdoor spaces. 

VIO Condominiums and Incancto Apartments at the Wharf, Washington, DC

Boathouse Apartments, Washington, DC: This 119,607 sf 10-story former hotel and dormitory has been transformed by WDG Architecture into a market level apartment building with a penthouse pool. Public transportation is within a short walking distance to of the project site and bicycle storage facilities were provided for more than 31% of residents. SDC worked directly with the developer, Urban Investment Partners, to enable this project to attain LEED-NC Silver-level certification in April 2021.