The assignment: Create a sense of place and community on a site that sits across from an open-space, creekside trail system, and is adjacent to a 30-acre, semi-rural area destined to become a mixed-use neighborhood envisioned by the City of Arlington. Aside from a pharmacy, the site has no nearby buildings, so the main opportunity was to create context within the natural environs. The firm settled on a V-shaped building whose wings open toward the creek, and segmented the façade to create an illusion of a ”village” of seven linked, individual structures. This creative design both conveys a residential look and feel and anchors the project to a future main street. The two wings are united by a ground-floor core that blends lobby, mailroom, and all community amenities into one dynamic area.

 

A central fireplace lounge is surrounded by a variety of social areas, including a kitchen, media room, learning center, craft room, and spa. An open-air courtyard between the wings beckons residents outside. The exterior materials and details apply a “Northwest Regionalism” that echoes Arlington’s rural farming roots. Old-fashioned lap siding sits beside modern panels; varying colors, stone, and woods accent the façade; and the window styles, entry designs, and strong roof forms express a contemporary residential aesthetic.