2024 USGBC-CA Green Building Awards
Merit in Health & Wellbeing
My Angel Apartments is a groundbreaking affordable housing project designed specifically for veterans and individuals transitioning out of homelessness in North Hills, Los Angeles. This innovative development prioritizes sustainability and community well-being, aligning with key sustainable goals and strategies that address pressing social and environmental challenges.
The project is centered on creating a healthy living environment through sustainable design principles. One of the standout features is the integration of a robust solar energy system, which includes high-efficiency photovoltaic panels that harness solar power to reduce energy costs and reliance on the grid. This renewable energy source not only powers the building but also supports communal spaces, such as the community room, which serves as a resiliency hub during extreme weather conditions and utility outages.
Energy efficiency is further enhanced by the use of high-performance lighting fixtures throughout the building, which contribute to reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs. The building’s design incorporates open-air corridors and colorful courtyards, allowing for natural ventilation and abundant daylighting. These outdoor spaces create uplifting environments that foster social interaction and improve residents' mental health and overall well-being.
Water management is another crucial aspect of the project. My Angel utilizes Low-Impact Development (LID) strategies, including specially designed planters that manage stormwater effectively. This system promotes water retention and filtration, contributing to cleaner stormwater practices while supporting a diverse array of drought-tolerant plants that thrive in the local climate.
The project achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. Notably, it fell just short of LEED Platinum certification, missing the mark by a mere 4.5 points. This achievement underscores the project's innovative approach to sustainability, making it a model for future developments.
My Angel collects solar and energy, then reuses at night. The project includes (47) PV panels that charge a series of Sol-Ark batteries at 36.9kwh capacity for on site energy use. These batteries in this affordable housing project allow for reduced energy costs in the high pricing hours by using battery power. It also allows for the community room to be used as a resiliency hub during extreme heat and utility outages.
A look at the solar panels on the roof designed with a ballasted system. These (47) panels are a 25.4kw capacity system and produce around 20% of the 54 unit Multi-family energy use.
My Angel has high-efficiency JA8 rated light fixtures throughout the project. These fixtures reduce overall energy use in the building and ensure long durability and life cycle in the building while also retaining high-efficacy. You can also see here the open air corridor and courtyards allowing ventilation and daylighting further into the building.
Further look at some of the lighting fixtures which were included into this community room space for tenants to enjoy. This room has a TV, bank of computers and small kitchen lounge area for use and relaxation by the tenants.
My Angel used Forbo marmoleum flooring throughout the project in units and some of the common spaces. This bio-based product has low embodied carbon content and a large sum of recycled content. Additionally this was provided in a tile so it allows for easier replacement and maintenance over the products life.
This affordable housing project uses low-impact development (LID) planters to retain the water during storm events and slowly filtrate it and return it to the stormwater system for clean stormwater practices. This EPIC system was the LID system used for the project allowing water tolerant plants to thrive in these planters.