Located in the newly created Central District of the Tasman East Specific Plan area in Santa Clara, CA, Passero consists of two high-density, mid-rise residential buildings totaling 388 residential units. A publically- accessible paseo greenway runs between the two buildings that connect with parks in the neighborhood.
This project presents a refined, contemporary architectural expression that balances urban density with a distinctly Californian sense of openness. Its massing is organized into clean, rectilinear volumes that step subtly to break down scale, allowing the building to sit comfortably within the evolving cityscape. The façade composition relies on a disciplined palette of materials with smooth stucco, warm-toned wood accents, and dark metal detailing that together create a rhythm of light and shadow throughout the day. This interplay gives the structure a quiet sophistication without resorting to ornamentation.
Large, carefully placed windows define the elevations, emphasizing transparency and natural illumination. Their proportions are deliberate: tall apertures in living areas frame outward views while smaller, more intimate openings modulate privacy in bedrooms and circulation spaces. The result is a facade that feels both dynamic and composed, responding thoughtfully to interior program and exterior orientation.
At the ground level, Passero engages the street with landscaped edges and a welcoming entry sequence. Plantings soften the building’s geometry and introduce a biophilic layer that ties the architecture to the region’s climate. Upper levels incorporate balconies and recessed terraces, extending living spaces outward and reinforcing the building’s connection to the outdoors. These moments of relief also articulate the structure’s verticality, giving it a graceful, human-scale presence.
The residential units are organized around an upper-level central courtyard with pool and spa, lounge deck and landscaped terrace. Amenities include a fitness center, wellness studio, club and game rooms, and co-working spaces. These shared amenities are positioned to encourage community interaction while maintaining a sense of calm. Passero promotes a healthy, resilient community through the reduction of on-site resource usage, use of drought-tolerant landscape, stormwater retention, shaded open spaces, on-site Electric Vehicle Charger Stations, shared vehicle allowance, and other green building strategies.
