New Photos: The Tidelands
Located in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood, the Tidelands make the most of a tight lot size while respecting the warehouse character of the neighborhood.
Photos by Bruce Damonte.
Faced with an increasing shortage of affordable housing for medical residents and trainees, the University of California, San Francisco, commissioned the Tidelands, a mixed-use urban housing complex providing sustainable accommodations for over 700 occupants. The Tidelands' mix of micro-unit, studio, and two-bedroom apartments are offered at rates 40% below market and are spread across two courtyard buildings. An adapted integrated project delivery model fast-tracked completion and occupancy.
The buildings' envelopes are strong and light, constructed from GFRC concrete and shaped to provide shading on the building, removing the need for mechanical air conditioning.
To keep units affordable for UC San Francisco medical residents, living spaces are modest while communal spaces and shared amenities are ample and light-filled.
Each building features a planted courtyard with plants that thrive in the coastal climate.
Rising on either side of 18th Street, the Tidelands buildings are fraternal twins, reflecting each other while standing out in their own right.
Wide, planted walkways around and through the buildings enhance walkablity.
Openable windows and a super-insulated envelope make this development tight and efficient, reducing carbon and utility bills.
Sustainability was a critical aspect of the project, both for the University and the neighbors. The all-electric, LEED Gold-aspiring complex features a self-shading exterior that blocks unwanted solar heat without sacrificing natural light or views. The GFRC billows distinguish the buildings at the street level, especially as sunlight shifts across their surface throughout the day.
Throughout design, the KieranTimberlake team worked closely with UCSF and neighborhood stakeholders to blend the complex into a neighborhood sensitive to development. As a result, the Tidelands' buildings are minimally intrusive and complement the flow of the existing street.
Photos by Bruce Damonte.
