Sanctuary Place

Homeless Housing with Dignity in Chicago, IL

Sanctuary Place provides permanent housing, and a therapeutic environment for counseling and self-development, for homeless women with substance abuse problems. The project includes 63 efficiency apartments for single women, and six townhomes for families. Central to the program brief was the owner’s desire that the project “look like a desirable apartment building, not low-income housing”. Balconies create a less institutional, apartment building look. Traditional materials—brick and block—help the project fit into its neighborhood. A sustainable design approach was sought by the owner for benefits it can provide, so every green strategy has been chosen to directly support the mission of the project.

Great Daylighting Though tiny (units are limited by regulation to 320 square feet), the efficiency apartments have ten foot ceilings and expansive Chicago-style windows (a large central pane flanked by double-hung sash on both sides). The office and support spaces on the ground floor also have large windows plus light shelves to help natural light penetrate the rooms, and dual switching so occupants can take advantage of the daylight while saving energy.

Clean Indoor Air Homeless people often have respiratory issues, so managing indoor air quality is key. This is addressed first through limiting introduction of toxic materials (paints, sealants, carpet, and furniture are all low emitting). Second, heat recovery units provide 100% fresh, clean air to corridors while capturing waste heat from unit ventilation exhaust, so, for example, smoking residents won’t contaminate public areas or others’ units.

Low Operating and Maintenance Costs The low construction budget compelled an all electric building. For space heating, electric utility rates are cut in half to be competitive with gas, but water heating is full-rate. This building uses a great deal hot water, so solar thermal panels provide 75% of residents’ needs. Other elements that reduce utility and maintenance costs:

• High insulation levels (Wall: R-21, Roof: R-40) and double glazed, low-E windows.

• High efficiency eco-elevator saves $8,000 to $15,000 a year.

• Premium wall construction uses insulating drainage plane, increasing the insulation value of the building while preventing water penetration.

• Full under-slab insulation increases comfort by reducing heat loss through floor.

• All ductwork sealed to maximize equipment efficiency.

• The true linoleum floors don’t need waxing (unlike vinyl floor), and the carpet is nearly 100% recycled and recyclable.

Completed as Principal-in-Charge and Director of Architecture with Farr Associates
Sanctuary Place

Homeless Housing with Dignity in Chicago, IL