© Sam Oberter
- Architects: ISA
- Location: Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Architect In Charge: Brian Phillips, AIA, LEED AP
- Area: 6500.0 ft2
- Project Year: 2016
- Photographs: Sam Oberter
- Client: Crawford Group
© Sam Oberter
As marginalized urban areas transition into desirable neighborhoods, seemingly problematic contextual elements like adjacent vacant land and elevated railroads can be treated as productive design constraints. Historically a divider, the elevated train line running along Front Street in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood is becoming an attractor for new retail and nightlife.
© Sam Oberter
This 6-unit apartment building shifts program to the long edge of a narrow site along the busy Frankford-Market elevated Blue Line in East Kensington, creating an interior façade facing an adjacent vacant parcel. A ground floor commercial space faces Front Street, activating the urban edge under the El.
Section
As a reaction to the owner’s concern about living directly adjacent to the elevated train, the project emphasized an intimacy with the railroad that looked to turn a liability into a surprisingly novel asset.
© Sam Oberter
Floor Plans
© Sam Oberter
With a roofline that connects the dots of a quirky zoning envelope, the elevation juxtaposes housing above with a storefront tucked underneath the elevated train line. The north-facing blank property line facade creates an opportunity for art and signage oriented toward viewers riding south on the train.
Detail
Sig Nordal 