Case Study
Somanath Senior Apartments
Better Housing Coalition’s Somanath Senior Apartments is comprised of a 22-unit historic adaptive re-use property, a 32-unit new construction project, and seven units of near net-zero apartments, all of which provide affordable, green housing to 61 families. Somanath Seniors, the seven-unit near net-zero building, is one of the most energy-efficient EarthCraft Multifamily projects to date. The infill development harvests energy through photovoltaic panels to produce electricity and solar thermal panels to produce hot water.
Building Snapshot
- New Construction in Richmond, VA
- One-story, seven units
- One or two bedroom/one bath units averaging 700 square feet
- Low-income housing for seniors 55 & up
- Total construction cost of $854,000
Project Team
- Owner/Developer/Property Manager: Better Housing Coalition
- Architect/Engineer: Baskervill
- Solar Consultant: Solar Services, Inc
- Certified by: Viridiant
The Somanath Seniors Apartments set a new standard for affordable, green housing. With near net-zero energy efficiency, solar-powered systems, and eco-friendly design, these award-winning units provide sustainable, comfortable living for seniors 55 and up.
Building Highlights
- HERS 20 (80% more energy effi cient than a standard unit, pending monitoring for one year)
- 98 photovoltaic panels that generate energy required for each unit (not including water heating)
- High-effi ciency heat pump powered & heated by 6 solar thermal panels
- Mitsubishi minisplit ductless heating & cooling systems
- Kubix energy recovery ventilation devices
- Tight building envelope with doubleglazed windows
- R20+ blown cellulose insulation in walls & R40 open cell spray foam
- Insulation on underside of roof deck
- ENERGY STAR appliances & WaterSense low-fl ow plumbing features
- Landscaping made up of native & drought-resistant plants
- Landscaping & sod turf irrigated by automatic system using recovered water stored in underground rain tank
Want something similar at your property?
Let us help you achieve outstanding results like those showcased in this case study.