1 8 8 5 E l C a m i no R ea l, P a lo Al to , C A 9 4 3 0 6 • 6 5 0 3 2 2 2 2 8 8 • F AX : 6 5 0 3 2 2 2 3 1 6 • a rc hi tec ts @ c a rra sc o . c o m A P ro f e s sio na l C o rpo ra tio n
CARRASCO & ASSOCIATES
A R C H I T E C T S
PROJECT DESCRIPTION “910 WEBSTER STREET”
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINUM UNITS
Project Overview
The proposed development “910 Webster Street” is a high-density residential community designed to integrate seamlessly into the Downtown Palo Alto context. The project balances the objective of maximizing housing density with a sensitive architectural approach that prioritizes neighborhood compatibility, environmental sustainability, resident well-being and sense of community. Project will include 20% affordable housing units distributed throughout the project.
Massing, Solar Access, and Daylight Plane
The building’s envelope is the result of rigorous solar geometry analysis (refer to Sheets T.1.03 and T.1.04). To protect the solar impacts to adjacent properties, the design implements a 65-degree Daylight Plane on the South and West elevations. • Shadow Study: Our study confirms that this massing eliminates shading on building structures to the south and west after 10:00 AM during the Winter Solstice. • Contextual Sensitivity: Shading impacts on the Channing House are minimized by directing shadows toward unfenestrated walls, while winter evening shadows are largely intercepted by the existing mature canopy of along the sidewalk of Webster Woods Apartment complex on Webster Street.
Community and Pedestrian Orientation
“910 Webster” project is centered around a lushly landscaped central courtyard , anchored by four shade trees and a 12-foot-wide circulation veranda. • Active Ground Floor: Indoor common areas, including the dining hall and fitness center, are oriented toward the courtyard to foster social interaction. • Urban Interface: Ground-floor units feature private front yards and individual street- front entries, reinforcing a "row-house" pedestrian scale and activating the Webster Street sidewalk.
• Rooftop Amenities: A community library and terrace lounge provide diverse gathering spaces for residents.
1 8 8 5 E l C a m i no R ea l, P a lo Al to , C A 9 4 3 0 6 • 6 5 0 3 2 2 2 2 8 8 • F AX : 6 5 0 3 2 2 2 3 1 6 • a rc hi tec ts @ c a rra sc o . c o m A P ro f e s sio na l C o rpo ra tio n
Sustainability and Energy Performance
The project aims for high energy autonomy, particularly regarding common area climate control.
• Integrated PV System: Photovoltaic panels are utilized as a functional architectural cornice, providing both renewable energy production and passive solar shading for the upper floors.
• Passive Climate Control: All balconies are equipped with operable Plantation Shutters , allowing residents to manually modulate natural ventilation, solar gain, and thermal comfort.
Privacy and Residential Interface
The floor plan is strategically programmed to respect the privacy of the adjacent low- density residential zone.
• Acoustic and Visual Buffers: Bedrooms are primarily located on the south elevation. • Movable Screening: The floor-to-ceiling plantation shutters on all balconies provide a customizable visual buffer, protecting the privacy of both building residents and neighbors.
Landscape and Tree Protection
Recognizing Palo Alto’s commitment to its urban forest, the project is designed around the preservation of existing tree health.
• Subterranean Setbacks: The underground garage is significantly set back (22’ on North, East, and West; 10’ on South) to ensure the root zones of neighboring trees remain undisturbed.
• Permeability: The design maximizes permeable surface area through the central courtyard and perimeter setbacks to manage stormwater runoff effectively.
Requested Concessions/Waivers/Incentives for Affordable Housing:
FAR: 2.69 proposed
Coverage: 50% proposed
Stories: Six-story proposed
Parking: 8% less vehicle parking
Daylight Plane: 65° proposed angle