As a construction professional, I'm always excited to see ambitious projects that push the boundaries of design and sustainability. The Marbella Apartments project is one such development that has caught my attention. The project is located at1300-1305 North Pierce Street in the Fort Myer Heights neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. The 92,862 sq. ft. site currently houses the Marbella Apartments, a low-rise garden-style apartment complex. The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) is the applicant, proposing the redevelopment of the site, with two new multifamily residential towers, including a senior housing component and 100% of the units designated as Affordable Dwelling Units.
In this blog post, I'll explore the key features of this groundbreaking two-phase development and delve into some fascinating construction aspects that might not be immediately apparent to the average person.
Marbella Apartments Project Approval
On February 12th, 2022, the highly anticipated Marbella Apartments project received the green light from the County Board. This transformative development is now well underway, bringing a new era of sustainable and vibrant living to the region. In this article, we delve into the key features and benefits of this groundbreaking two-phase development.
An Overview of Marbella Apartments' Two-Phase Development
The Marbella Apartments project consists of two distinct phases, each phase introducing a new 12-story residential tower. These towers offer a mix of residential units and below-grade parking spaces, catering to various demographics, including a significant portion of units dedicated to senior housing.
Phase 1 boasts a 12-story tower featuring 325 residential units, with 132 units dedicated to senior housing and 163 below-grade parking spaces. Phase 2 expands on this offering with another 12-story tower housing 236 residential units and 118 below-grade parking spaces.
Prime Location and Unparalleled Accessibility
Marbella Apartments' prime location provides residents with easy access to a wide array of amenities and services. The development is well-connected, with close proximity to public transportation, major roadways, and bustling commercial hubs. Residents can enjoy excellent transportation options, including nearby metro stations, bus stops, and bike-friendly routes. Essential amenities such as shopping centers, schools, hospitals, parks, and recreational facilities are all within easy reach.
Embracing Sustainable Design and Green Living
The Marbella Apartments development exemplifies sustainable design and green living. Each phase incorporates numerous environmentally-friendly features and practices, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for residents. Some of these features include a high-performance building envelope, energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient irrigation and landscaping.
A Deeper Look: Post-Tensioned Concrete Slabs and Building Envelope Optimization
As a construction expert, I can't help but be impressed by the innovative techniques and technologies used in this project. For instance, Marbella Apartments utilizes post-tensioned concrete slabs, which provide additional strength and flexibility to the structure. This allows for longer spans between columns and thinner slabs, offering greater flexibility in designing open-concept floor plans and reducing the overall weight of the structure.
The building envelope is another area where the Marbella Apartments project excels. High-performance glazing systems with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass strike a balance between energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics. This type of glazing helps reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, resulting in lower energy consumption and increased occupant comfort.
Community-Centric Amenities and Spaces
Marbella Apartments prioritizes fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. The development offers a variety of community-centric amenities and spaces that promote social interaction, health, and well-being. These include state-of-the-art fitness centers, swimming pools, sports courts, clubhouses, outdoor seating areas, and community gardens.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Marbella Apartments
As the Marbella Apartments project progresses, it's clear that this innovative residential complex is set to redefine modern living in the region. Combining prime location, sustainable design, community-centric amenities, and a diverse range of units, Marbella Apartments offers a unique and exciting living experience for its residents. As a construction professional, I'm thrilled to witness the successful completion of this project and the positive impact it will have on the community.
Do you have any questions or insights about the construction aspects of the Marbella Apartments project? Feel free to leave a comment below!
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