Cypress Landing is an apartment complex, for homeless and disabled low-income veterans, nestled behind Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. The apartments were designed to accommodate residents in need of one-bedroom or two-bedroom residences. Each apartment contains a full kitchen, living room, covered balcony, bedroom, full bathroom, and a closet with a side by side washer-dryer. All units are equipped with appliances that are Energy Star rated. Incorporating the principles of sustainability enhances the quality of life for all residents, encouraging them to maintain their housing. Improving the energy efficiency of the buildings also helps lower operating expenses which allows Second Act Communities to maintain the affordability of the units. In addition to the residential units, Cypress Landing has a community room with a kitchen and outdoor patio, custom designed outdoor grilling shelter, community garden space, a front desk, staff offices, and a fitness room. These key elements enable the residents to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

The site presented numerous challenges through the design process. Due to the parcel being approximately 2/3 wetlands, we creatively positioned the complex on the remaining 1/3 of developable land. Further constraints in the developable limits is a Dominion Power transmission line which crosses a portion of the site. Ultimately the design takes advantage of the apartment’s natural setting, by creating an outdoor space with privacy from traffic and creating woodland views. This viewpoint will never be obstructed due to the adjacent undevelopable wetlands further resulting in an oasis for residents and future visitors.

The overall design goal for Cypress Landing was to provide a cutting edge design inspired by contemporary international architecture. The client requested the design be bold and stand apart from the typical cookie cutter apartment complex. We worked hand-in-hand with Second Act Communities to create an inviting and experiential home for the residents. The end result is an innovative riff on contemporary design that looks nothing like you’d expect.