Pacific Landing is a mixed-use, Net Zero, LEED Platinum-certified affordable housing project designed for people with disabilities and low-income residents. Located on Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica, near downtown and the beach, it replaces a former gas station on a 14,160-square-foot corner lot with a 42,000-square-foot, four-story building developed by Community Corp of Santa Monica. The project provides 37 residences along with social services, a café, and community amenities to support its residents holistically.
Architecture rooted in sustainability and community
The design reinterprets traditional home imagery through broken-down massing, creating smaller volumes separated by green spaces and voids, reinforcing a sense of scale and community. A central landscaped courtyard at the ground level serves as a shared space for residents, offering direct access to all units and featuring a playground for children.
Ample common spaces are distributed throughout the building, including a rooftop terrace facing north that provides panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific Ocean. The ground level hosts social services, a café, and additional amenities, while below-grade parking preserves open space and enhances pedestrian access.
Net Zero and LEED Platinum
Pacific Landing is a fully electric Net Zero building designed to significantly reduce operational and embodied carbon, achieving 44% lower energy consumption than similar code-compliant buildings. Key sustainable features include:
Energy efficiency and emission reduction:
-40-kW solar photovoltaic system offsets 37% of total electricity consumption.
-High-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, and a CRRC-1 certified reflective roof minimize heat gain and reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
-Advanced heat pump water heaters, high-efficiency HVAC, and all-electric appliances eliminate fossil fuel use and lower operational carbon emissions.
Water conservation and stormwater management:
-Infiltration planters capture and filter runoff, preventing drainage into municipal sewers and Santa Monica Bay.
-Rainwater collection systems are integrated for irrigation, while greywater and blackwater recycling further support irrigation and toilet flushing.
-The project meets EPA “Water Sense” standards, with plumbing fixtures that are 20% more efficient than required.
Sustainable materials and embodied carbon reduction:
-FSC-certified wood ensures ethical sourcing.
-Locally sourced materials reduce transportation emissions and support the regional economy.
-Reduction in steel and concrete use results in both cost savings and lower embodied carbon.
-100% recycled plastic lumber is used for durable decking and exterior elements.
A holistic approach to 24/7 energy efficiency
Unlike commercial buildings, residential projects operate continuously, requiring optimized efficiency across all systems. Passive strategies—solar shading, thermal massing, and natural ventilation—help stabilize indoor temperatures, reducing energy demands.
Additional energy-efficient features include LED lighting, high-performance insulation, and programmable thermostats, further minimizing heating and cooling loads. The project’s carbon footprint primarily stems from embodied carbon, calculated at 260.2 metric tons CO₂ for the 50,300 sq ft (4,672 m²) building. However, operational emissions remain negligible due to renewable energy integration and ultra-efficient systems.
Long-term sustainability
Pacific Landing incorporates durable, low-carbon materials designed for longevity while allowing for flexibility in future renovations to reduce material waste. The building also features comprehensive waste management and recycling programs, along with water fountains to reduce single-use plastic waste.
Post-occupancy evaluations provide critical insights into energy performance, resident comfort, and operational efficiency. These findings will be shared with residents, the architectural community, and the public to inform future Net Zero, LEED Platinum, 100% affordable housing developments.
