We designed this six-story, 32,000-square-foot building for the Institute of Community Living (ICL). Located on Myrtle Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, the building provides supportive housing for people with mental health issues, including young adults transferring out of the foster care system. Forty studio and two-bedroom apartments serve ICL clients whose ability to live independently assists their mental health goals; for many of the residents, this will be their first home on their own. In keeping with ICL’s mission, the building provides residents a safe and nurturing place to learn independent living.

The landscaped and terraced backyard is a key feature of the project. Seating, a trellis, and a barbeque area create places of refuge and relaxation. The building program provides support offices, a lounge, a young adult recreation space, and a dining/activity room with a warming pantry. We divided the building’s façade into two masonry masses of different colors that maintain the streetwall. The concrete brick patterning techniques reference the rich detailing of the area. Generous windows on the façade subtly shift on the exterior, hold the corners of the room on the interior, and integrate the energy efficient PTAC system.

We focused the interior design on the concept of shifting linearity, using a natural materials palette complimented by rich walnut wood and vibrant splashes of color at accent walls and thresholds.

Client: Institute for Community Living

Agency: NYS Office of Mental Health

Owner’s Representative: Olive Branch

Structural: Silman

Mechanical: Abraham Joselow, P.C., P.E.

Landscape: Billie Cohen, Ltd.

General Contractor: Michael Borruto General Contractor

Awards:

2019, Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), National Council Design Awards Honor

2012, New York Housing Conference Awards, Awards Gallery