Case Study

Cool Lane Commons

Developed by SupportWorks Housing, Cool Lane Commons exemplifies the potential of adaptive reuse to create sustainable, inclusive, and energy-efficient housing. Certified EarthCraft Gold, this innovative project blends advanced building practices with a mission to provide stable, affordable housing for underserved populations.

Building Highlights

Adaptive Reuse: The project transformed an existing structure into 86 studio and one-bedroom apartments, averaging 596 square feet each.
Inclusive Housing: Of the 86 units, 13 are fully accessible. The community serves low-income residents, including individuals transitioning from homelessness and those with disabilities affecting housing stability.
Built to Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Standards: While ineligible for ZERH certification due to its Adaptive Reuse status, the project adheres to its rigorous energy efficiency principles.
High-Performance Design:

Energy Efficiency: Achieved an average HERS rating of 51, signifying outstanding energy performance.
Renewable Energy: Features 180 solar panels, offsetting approximately 20% of the building’s energy load.
Advanced Systems: Ducted and ductless Mitsubishi minisplit systems, a high-efficiency heat pump water heater, and a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) for optimal ventilation.
Insulation: Exterior walls use Rockwool batt and closed-cell spray foam insulation, equivalent to R-17.
Water and Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR appliances and WaterSense low-flow fixtures.

Community Impact

Cool Lane Commons represents a mixed-income approach to housing, addressing critical needs with purpose-built spaces. The development dedicates units to individuals overcoming homelessness and disabilities while offering affordable housing options for low-income residents. This approach fosters a stable and supportive community environment.

Project Team

Cool Lane Commons showcases the possibilities of adaptive reuse and sustainable design. Through SupportWorks Housing’s leadership and commitment to innovative building practices, this project serves as a model for balancing environmental responsibility with meaningful social impact.

"Cool Lane Commons is the adaptive re-use of a vacant assisted living facility into 86 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless and low-income individuals. SupportWorks Housing (formerly Virginia Supportive Housing) developed the property and serves as the property manager and supportive services provider. Cool Lane Commons is a testament to SupportWorks Housing's dedication to its mission of ending homelessness by providing quality, affordable, and energy efficient housing to those with the greatest need. In partnership with Viridiant, SupportWorks Housing was able to design and construct Cool Lane Commons to meet EarthCraft Gold and Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) standards, prioritizing both sustainable design methods and the long-term health of the property and its residents."

-Elizabeth Nice, Associate Director of Real Estate Development

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