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Union Studio Newsletter – Nov. ’19

01 / PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

A framework for form-based codes on Cape Cod

Current zoning is broken. The development patterns that create the vibrant, walkable areas of Cape Cod that complement and coincide with traditional New England village development, are generally non-conforming with existing regulations and cannot be emulated today due to current zoning bylaws.
This form-based code framework was developed as part of a larger effort known as Community Resiliency by Design, carried out by Union Studio, the Cape Cod Commission (CCC), and several towns on the Cape. The objective of this effort was to develop a series of context-appropriate prototype designs that could deliver needed housing options at densities somewhere between the typical single-family, detached house and the large format, multi-family, corridor building that are the dominant forms of residential development today.

 

02 / STUDIO NEWS

A framework for form-based codes on Cape Cod

ABX ’19 / Stephanie Zurek , Associate at  Union Studio   joined a panel with  One Architecture & Urbanism  to discuss “Reconciling Preservation and Adaptation in Downtown Boston” and “Keeping History Above Water in Newport, RI.” The panel addressed constraints and opportunities for resilience in these historic areas – characterized by historic buildings and landmarks central to early American narratives. As experts in building and urban scale climate adaptation and historic preservation the participants shared the unique challenges of building-level adaptation for historic structures and neighborhoods.
Cape Housing Institute / Union Studio’s Douglas Kallfelz , Principal, and Jeremy Lake , Senior Associate, recently presented our recent project with the Cape Cod Commission, “Community Resiliency by Design”, it included various community engagement opportunities to garner feedback on the desired types of housing and strategies proposed while also helping demystify and alleviate concerns around the notion of increased density in appropriate locations. The lecture also covered the “Framework for Form-Based Codes on Cape Cod”, which you can download above.
03 / FEATURED PARTNER

One of the nation’s first mixed-income net zero energy communities.

Matt is the founder of the THRIVE Collaborative and considered one of the world’s net zero energy building leaders. Green Building Elements magazine called him the “proven Zero Energy Master” and MyFord Magazine one of “Greater Detroit’s most progressive personalities.” His 1901-built Ann Arbor home was the world’s first home in a cold climate to achieve Net Zero Energy Certification . Matt is an internationally sought-after speaker, a frequent source for journalists and a leading advocate on the topic of regenerative systems design.

🔗 Learn more about our partnership with Matt

04 / IN PROGRESS

255 Main Street | Hyannis, MA

Located in the heart of Hyannis’s historic village, 255 Main Street played a key role in the town’s economic development. Constructed in 1880, 255 Main Street was the original home of the Hyannis Board of Trade. Most recently, it housed a CPA and lawyer’s office and vacant first floor retail space. Over the years, the storefront had been modified and several additions added.
Today, the building is being converted to mixed-use residential and restored in a character true to its historic style. The first floor will contain 4,000 square feet of retail and dining with a rehabilitated storefront and outdoor patio off of bustling Main Street. The second and third floors will house ten residential units and additional storage and laundry in the basement.

If you have any questions, an idea you would like to share or would like more info on a certain project, please feel free to reach out.

Chris Jasinski
Union Studio Architecture & Community Design
Director of Marketing
chris@unionstudioarch.com