The Modules, Philadelphia

Multifamily / Merit

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The Modules, Philadelphia
Interface Studio Architects
Philadelphia

In designing Temple University student housing for a private developer, Interface Studio found the sweet spot between one-off design and the strengths of modular protocol. “We saw modular construction as a way of navigating the cost structure and making the building greener,” says Brian Phillips, AIA, LEED AP. Stacking the boxes in back-to-back “E” shapes yielded the most square footage and natural light on the perimeter. The building—which achieved LEED for Homes Midrise Gold certification—incorporates ground-floor parking for 38 cars and 100 bicycles and a green roof terrace, part of a stormwater system that reduces runoff by 50 percent. The factory-built model was speedy, too: Construction began in January and students were in by August. “It’s sustainable, and it’s where construction is heading,” one judge said.

View all 2013 RADA winners.

Project Credits

Principal in charge: Brian Phillips, AIA, LEED AP, Interface Studio Architects
General contractor: Jonathan Weiss, Equinox Management & Construction, Philadelphia
Developer: Jonathan Weiss, Carlisle Street Partners, Philadelphia
Land planner: John Anderson, Cornerstone Consulting Engineers and Architectural, Lansdale, Pa.
Landscape architect: Roofmeadow, Philadelphia
Project size: 80,000 square feet
Site size: 0.5 acre
Units in project: 72
Sales/rental price: $700/bed, $1,400/2-bedroom unit, $2,100/3-bedroom unit
Construction cost: $130 per square foot
Photography: Sam Oberter

Product Details

Bathroom cabinets: Merillat merillat.com
Doors: Taylor Entrance Systems taylordoor.com; Masonite masonite.com
Exterior siding: Sil-Leed cbf11.com; Atas atas.com
Flooring (carpet): Nood
Flooring (tile): Daltile daltile.com
Flooring (vinyl): Toli cbcflooring.com
Garage doors: Overhead Door overheaddoor.com
Hardware: Schlage schlage.com
Kitchen cabinets: Merillat merillat.com
Paints/stains/wall finishes: Sherwin-Williams sherwin-williams.com
Roofing: Mule-Hide TPO mulehide.com; Hanover Architectural Products hanoverpavers.com
Windows: MI Windows and Doors miwd.com; Kawneer kawneer.com

About the Author

Cheryl Weber, LEED AP

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