Form followed function and inspiration in the concept and design of the newly installed "living column," created to grace the entry courtyard of The Knoll, an affordable housing development for seniors set to open next spring in Tigard.
The soaring 40-foot column of stacked 18-inch-square sheet metal cubes will create a continuous, vertical growing area for deciduous leafy vines. Anchored in the landscape of the courtyard, the free-standing column will match the height of a glass atrium planned for the front of the building and provide visual interest from three sides.
Much like its functional cousin the tree, once established the leafy vines will shade the atrium in the summer, reducing the amount of solar heat captured through the glass front, and allow direct sunlight to warm the space in the winter when the vines have dropped their leaves.
"Our goal was to integrate as many green elements in the design of The Knoll as possible," commented Sheila Greenlaw-Fink, executive director of Community Partners for Affordable Housing, the nonprofit that owns the apartment complex. "An ecoroof or living wall were not practical for this project but we liked the idea of softening the urban facade of the building with leafy vines." The finished complex will have energy-efficient apartments and use rainwater collected in a buried 15,000-gallon cistern to flush toilets.
The CPAH partnered with Metro's Transit-Oriented Development Program in developing the four-story complex with 47 housing units priced for seniors living on modest means. The TOD program provided $100,000 in financial support toward the development of The Knoll which is located less than a half mile from both the Barbur Avenue frequent service bus and the future downtown Tigard light rail station. Metro also provided $40,000 from their green innovation fund to create the living column.
Ben White, project architect and co-designer of the living column along with landscape architect Pat Lando, liked the duality of the living column as both landscape element and functional energy savings system. "The living column concept is a unique feature that I would really enjoy adapting to future projects," said White. "It's innovative, functional and easily replicated."
The TOD program helps spark vibrant downtowns and main streets through public-private partnerships, investments and incentives in key development projects located near transit.