See the Work
Tekoa Boys Residential Campus
A group home and learning environment for at-risk youth boys
“By incorporating green products and sustainable features into this project, we are able to provide a healthier environment for the residents and staff, one that is also gentler on the environment. This project’s greatest outcome, however, is the success of the at-risk youth, who can feel both emotionally and physically comfortable in their new home.”
— Colin Arnold, AIA, Director of Community Design Studio
Blending green building with affordable housing, Community Design Studio and parent corporation Community Housing Partners partnered to build the studio’s inaugural project, a group home for at-risk boys that can house and educate up to 20 youth. The Tekoa Boys Residential Campus is a 10,871-square-foot, block-and-wood structure designed to meet LEED™ (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) standards in green building and sustainable design, while providing licensed residential treatment, counseling and special education to at-risk boys aged 12-17.
Situated on 15 acres, the building is designed to be 50 percent more energy efficient than typical buildings, with key energy saving components, including a geothermal heating/cooling system, compact fluorescent light bulbs and a rainwater-capture irrigation system. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the complex with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Sustainable aspects include edible landscaping, renewable bamboo flooring and porous pavers eliminating storm water runoff. Low-volatile organic paints, adhesives and sealants were used throughout the project to provide a healthy living and working environment for the residents and staff. In fact, Tekoa administration, staff and residents were included throughout the design process to incorporate learning opportunities into the site design.
The building is situated at the crest of a ridge and is centered on an inner courtyard, which serves as a quiet place for reflection. Most importantly, the campus helps its residents overcome their psychological, academic and social challenges, while serving as a model for energy efficiency, social sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Gallery
(hover over image to zoom)
by Community Housing Partners
Color rendering of site overview.
by Community Housing Partners
Exterior of facility from a distance.
by Community Housing Partners
Entrance to facility.
by Community Housing Partners
Exterior of glass forum.
by Community Housing Partners
Exterior of facility.
by Philip Beaurline
Interior of forum.
by Philip Beaurline
Interior of forum detail.
by Philip Beaurline
Dorm room.
by Philip Beaurline
Dining hall.
by Community Housing Partners
Youth group exercise in forum.
by Community Housing Partners
Youth and staff meeting in forum.
Project Summary
- Location:
- Christianburg, Virginia
Cambria District - Program Scope
- 10 affordable rental housing units
- 3 community rooms
- Common courtyard/terrace (14,688 sq ft)
- 6 offices
- Surface parking
- Project Status
- Completed, March 2003
- Location:
- Christianburg, Virginia
Cambria District - Project Scope
- 4.75 acres gross site area
- New construction
- 10,871 sq ft gross project area
- Program Scope
- 10 affordable rental housing units
- 3 community rooms
- Common courtyard/terrace (14,688 sq ft)
- 6 offices
- Surface parking
- Residential Unit Profile
10 Dorm room 0-0 sq ft - Green Benchmarks
- LEED Silver (anticipated)
- Cost
2,200,000 Combined costs 2,200,000 TOTAL - Major Funders
- Community Development Block Grant
- Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises
- Neighborhood Assitance Program
- Community Housing Partners
- Project Status
- Completed, March 2003
- Awards
- Virginia Sustainable Building Network — ‘Virginia Green Innovation Award - Best Institutional Project’ (2005)
