MacDonald Architects' Buildings

This urban/suburban infill project innovatively provides its inhabitants with the privacy and security of a single family detached dwelling. The high density housing project has underground parking, and each townhouse has it’s own private underground garage with secure door. Additionally, each unit has it’s own front yard. One side of the project faces a residential community while the other side faces industrial live/work studios.

The project is a unique addition to the community as a mixed-use development in a residentially zoned neighborhood, and therefore was required to gain City Planning and City Council approval for PD zoning. This has extended the normal design time for a project of this scope but will result in higher density and more efficient development in terms of land use. The design of the project encourages communities that value pedestrians and social living, and has not been denied any of the required governmental approvals thus far.

The planning process of this project includes working within the constraints of the urban context, working closely with neighborhood and governmental agencies, designing efficient yet practical habitable and outdoor spaces, and employs the use of “green” building technology and planning to promote sustainable community living.

	Virginia Terrace , San Jose, California					Review More Projects: Education Residential Commercial Mixed-Use Institutional Live / Work Small Projects Industrial Design

	This urban/suburban infill project innovatively provides its inhabitants with the privacy and security of a single family detached dwelling. The high density housing project has underground parking, and each townhouse has it’s own private underground garage with secure door. Additionally, each unit has it’s own front yard. One side of the project faces a residential community while the other side faces industrial live/work studios. The project is a unique addition to the community as a mixed-use development in a residentially zoned neighborhood, and therefore was required to gain City Planning and City Council approval for PD zoning. This has extended the normal design time for a project of this scope but will result in higher density and more efficient development in terms of land use. The design of the project encourages communities that value pedestrians and social living, and has not been denied any of the required governmental approvals thus far. The planning process of this project includes working within the constraints of the urban context, working closely with neighborhood and governmental agencies, designing efficient yet practical habitable and outdoor spaces, and employs the use of “green” building technology and planning to promote sustainable community living.