AIA Announces the Best New Homes of 2019
According to the American Institute of Architects, these are the best houses of the year
Category 3: Multifamily Housing
Bill Sorro Community
Architect: Kennerly Architecture & Planning
Location: San Francisco, California
The American Institute of Architects, otherwise known as AIA, just announced its 2019 Housing Awards. The awards program, which is in its 19th year of existence, specifically looks to celebrate exemplary examples of architecture, restorations, renovations, and construction efforts. Projects are judged by a jury based on a variety of additional qualitative factors as well. Issues of durability, potential social impact, and context all come into play. The awards are subdivided into four categories that recognize single-family homes, double-family homes, multi-family housing, and specialized housing.
Asked by AD PRO about the evaluation process, architect Simon Ha, a Steinberg Hart partner who served as the chair of the AIA’s 2019 Housing Awards jury, said, “We not only evaluated projects for demonstrating design excellence but also whether the designs are sustainable, affordable, and innovative, among other criteria. The jury reviewed an extensive class of phenomenal projects that serve as inspiration not only to architects but to the communities where we work.”
Taking cues from older masonry buildings in the district and along Market street, the building features deeply recessed fenestration and a prominent cornice. These elements are not simply applied motifs; the thick exterior wall incorporates interior casework and the cornice performs as guardrail, sun shade, and penthouse roof.
