St Thomas’ temperate climate and high cost of energy on the island made it a priority to integrate passive strategies for thermal comfort into the designs. All units are designed to maximize opportunities for natural ventilation in all living spaces.
Large, covered balconies create shaded outdoor living spaces for each unit and allow for generous daylighting and ventilation from balcony doors and windows while protecting the interior of the unit from excessive solar heat gain. 3D energy modeling was used to determine the most favorable orientation for the buildings based on prevailing breezes at the site, sun angles, and shading for maximum daylighting with minimal solar heat gain.
Due to the steep incline of the building, units had to be back-to-back, rising two stories on the uphill, street side, and four stories on the downhill side. The two ground floor units at each building are accessible or visitable.
In addition to providing an added level of post-storm resilience, these passive strategies for occupant comfort will improve affordability and energy efficiency year-round.
