in the second feature of a film series documenting some of grimshaw’s most important projects, we take an exclusive look inside a mixed-use, mixed-income residential development in new york. ‘via verde’, or ‘the green way’, is a mid-rise 20-storey tower containing duplex apartments and town-houses. located in the south bronx, the development contains 222 residential units, 71 ‘for sale’ units for middle-income households, and a balance of low and moderate income rentals.

grimshaw via verde
the 20-storey tower is topped with an ascending rooftop garden
image by david sundberg © esto (also main image)

 

 

in 2006, grimshaw won the first juried design competition for affordable housing in new york city. the brief called for a scheme with sustainable practices and healthy living principles that could serve as a replicable model for future developments in the city. as its name suggests, the focal point of ‘via verde’ is a garden that serves as the community’s organizing element. the garden begins as a courtyard at ground level, before spiraling upwards through a series of programmed, south-facing roof terraces — creating an ascending promenade for residents.

grimshaw via verde
the scheme contains a mixture of duplex apartments and town-houses
image by david sundberg © esto

 

 

each apartment ensures cross-ventilation and daylight, as well as low VOC finishes, and water and energy conserving fixtures. the building’s high-performance façade uses a pre-fabricated rain screen with composite wood, cement, and metal panels. ‘the composition of ‘via verde’ seeks to promote both a healthy lifestyle and a vibrant community, promoting wellness and social well-being through increased physical activity, shared common spaces and access to natural light and fresh air,’ explains grimshaw.

 

see our first featured film here, where sir nicholas grimshaw returns to a residential building in london where he lived with his family for six years. 

grimshaw via verde
the brief called for a scheme with sustainable practices and healthy living principles
image by david sundberg © esto

grimshaw via verde
each apartment ensures cross-ventilation and daylight
image by david sundberg © esto

grimshaw via verde
rather than elevators, residents are encouraged to use stairs and walkways
image by david sundberg © esto

grimshaw via verde
photovoltaic panels have been included as part of the development
image by david sundberg © esto

grimshaw via verde
the design serves as a replicable model for future developments in new york
image by david sundberg © esto

grimshaw via verde
illustration of the elevated gardens that comprise the ‘green way’
image © grimshaw

 

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grimshaw via verde residential development the bronx new york video designboom
 
grimshaw via verde residential development the bronx new york video designboom
 
grimshaw via verde residential development the bronx new york video designboom
 
grimshaw via verde residential development the bronx new york video designboom
 

 

project info:

 

location: new york, NY, USA
project type: living
client: jonathan rose companies / phipps houses
area: 290,000 sqf
status: complete 2012
associate architect: dattner architects

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