Orchid This 96-unit affordable is located on a 1.47-acre site adjacent to the Community Park, Amanecer Apartments makes the most of its location, orienting the building and its public spaces towards the park. The C-shape configuration creates a courtyard that is a hub of family activity and includes a BBQ and dining area, a play structure for kids and a citrus orchard. The open space is ringed with resident amenities, including a fitness room, laundry, computer room, community room and kitchen.
The 4-story building presents itself with a textured façade of fibercement panels and a wrap-around canopy surrounding the entrance and main stair with a bright accent color. The open-air lobby allows a peek through the building to the courtyard and park beyond and connects to a feature stair which descends to the central courtyard.
The main residential wings are simple white plaster boxes that sit atop an overhanging concrete podium, allowing tuck-under parking. This overhang also creates an arcade providing shade along the south-facing façade of the central courtyard. Upper residential levels include open-ended corridors providing daylight and natural ventilation. At level 4, the corridor terminates in a large, sunny terrace overlooking the park.
While well-intentioned and much needed affordable housing, this project just fails. Generic box architecture. Been done and done.