The Hegeman Residence is a residential community in Brownsville, Brooklyn providing housing for low-income and formerly homeless individuals. Developed by Common Ground Community – an innovative non-profit whose mission is to end homelessness – the Hegeman Residence will also provide a range of on-site social services, in a model known as supportive housing.One of the first projects developed under Common Ground’s Green Campaign, the Hegeman Residence emphasizes good health and indoor air quality, restorative and biophilic design, and best practices to save tenants money on energy bills. Efficient energy performance is accomplished through various measures, including individual room-metering capabilities with entry-activated control systems. Infrastructure has also been put in place for a future co-generation system.Views on green space and natural daylight are prioritized, even in below-grade office spaces. An inner courtyard provides protected green space with room for urban agriculture and a gently winding, paved path makes the courtyard accessible to residents of all ages and physical abilities. On the rooftop, 3,400 square feet of greenery cool the building and slow stormwater run-off from the site. In addition to the extensive green roof, an array of solar panels produces renewable energy for exterior lighting requirements.  Individual units are finished with durable, non-toxic materials and are designed to save energy and water, helping the building qualify for its anticipated LEED Silver certification.Addressing the local architectural context as well as its natural environment, the six-story building respects the surrounding neighborhood with its restrained planning, height, and massing. The Hegeman Residence replaces a former parking lot, filling in a gap in the street wall and adding to the quality of the residential and pedestrian environment. Traditional brickwork techniques add depth and articulation to the brick façade, encouraging light and shadows to play over its surface. This thoughtful yet economical masonry detailing yields a minimalist, elegant façade of a quality uncommon in affordable housing.The building’s single entrance on Hegeman Avenue is both welcoming and secure, with large windows in the entry lobby allowing visual connections to the street. By encouraging restorative connections to nature as well as a sense of shelter and refuge, the building will provide a comfortable, high-quality living environment for residents.