Geos Neighborhood

Arvada, Colorado, United States

The Geos Neighborhood is a mixed use community revitalization project built on former industrial land. The project intends to Utilize sustainable neighborhood practices to create a people oriented community that enhances the environment and deters sprawl.

Size:

23 acres, 282 residential units

Dates:

2009- ongoing

Project Team:

Architect: Michael Tavel Architects, Landscape Architect: David Kahn Studio

Performance levels achieved:

Standard
Good
Better
Living
Regenerative

Place
Limits to Growth
Food
Habitat
Transportation

Water

Energy

Health + Happiness
Civilized Environment
Neighborhood Design
Biophilia
Resilient Connections

Materials
Material Plan
Embodied Energy & Carbon
Waste

Equity
Neighborhood & Access
Access to Nature
Access to Community Services
Investment

Beauty
Inspiration

Goals & Strategies:

Place

Food

Goals: Not reported

Strategies: Edible landscaping. Fruit trees, community gardens. Central square designed to hold a farmer's market. Garden space available on residential property.

Habitat

Goals: 8.5 acres of park and open space.

Strategies: Tree-lined streets, community greens and parks. Wildlife habitat.

Transportation

Goals: Not reported.

Strategies: Walkable communities, bike paths, pedestrian-oriented development. 1.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit.

Water

Water

Goals: Promote stormwater infiltration.

Strategies: Stormwater management planned at all scales of the development. Permeable pavers. Stormwater retention through bioswales and parks. Surface water runoff. Water-conserving irrigation.

Energy

Energy

Goals: Net-zero energy. 100% renewable energy produced on site.

Strategies: Passive solar design. Solar PV. District heating through ground source heat pumps, energy-efficient design to reduce energy demands by 20%. SIP construction to promote air-tight, well-insulated envelope. Insulated slab. Triple-pane windows.

Health + Happiness

Materials

Embodied Energy & Carbon

Goals: Sustainable materials

Strategies: Low-emitting materials. Renewable sources for floors. Recycled ceramic tile.

Waste

Goals: Construction waste diversion.

Strategies: Trash and recycling services.

Equity

Neighborhood & Access

Goals: Promote a walkable community.

Strategies: Public access to streets. Mixed-use neighborhoods. Variety of housing, including co-housing, single-family and apartments. Access to services. Walkable design, walkable to amenities. Indoor air quality monitoring and filtered ventilation.

Download Case Study (PDF)

Sources: http://discovergeos.com | http://www.discovergeos.com/GEOS-DesignBook.pdf | https://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/geos.html

*Note: This case study was developed using found information.