Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an emerging model of practice proven to reduce chronic homelessness. PSH recognizes the importance of housing-first, providing the stability of long-term housing to the previously homeless, first, then providing residents with access to community-based social support services. The Astra is one of FORA’s first PSH housing development. While designing the Astra, we had to learn alongside the lessons of the emerging field of PSH. Our team worked with agility, adapting our designs alongside this research - even through construction. For example, we learned of the concept of Trauma-informed Design (TID) during construction which led us to incorporate placemaking opportunities in the lobby, for exapmle. Our client, Eden Housing, actually introduced us to TID as a principle they are working into their design standards. By working through an equity lens to integrate supportive services and housing, Eden aims to promote social mobility among residents.

The Astra is located in the Diridon Station neighborhood, on the cusp of Downtown San Jose, in an area where the City and Google are both investing significant resources. The building design infills three empty lots which were combined into a single odd-shaped site. It will house 130 affordable dwellings, 50% of which will provide permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless, in a dynamic area close to multiple transit stations. The site provides rich opportunities for holistic wellness to households that are in threat of being priced out of the housing market, but are essential to a strong and diverse community, including the lower-income workforce and formerly homeless individuals and families.

The building mass reinforces the urban edge along Auzerais and Delmas Avenues, hugging the existing coffee shop on the corner of the streets and extending a pleasant ground floor interface. It features variegated rain screen paneling and window surrounds in varying depths. From within, residents benefit from natural daylight supplied to their homes, corridor ends are glazed for natural light and wayfinding, and a central courtyard unites the three wings and acts as a lightwell. The meandering green space along the western side of the building acts as the project’s own backyard, making space for outdoor activities such as gardening, while protecting light and fresh air access alongside the longest off-street façade. Community spaces, offices, vehicular and bike parking on the ground floor connect to the urban village of the surrounding area, while the four floors above hold residential units and additional amenities.

Our clients are pursuing the Green Point Rated certification for The Astra; we incorporated an array of sustainability strategies. Photovoltaic panels and battery storage will help to fulfill the building’s energy needs with solar power while increasing the project’s resilience during climate events. Stormwater management principles were applied across the site. As an affordable housing community, with many formerly homeless residents, it was important that the project be durable and easily maintained to increase the life of the project.

Learn More: https://architectsfora.com/por...