AIA Orange County Awards SVA Architects "2017 Merit" for Potter's Lane

SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SVA Architects, Inc. and American Family Housing are pleased to announce that Potter's Lane has been honored with an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Orange County (OC) 2017 Design Award.  The Midway City, CA project received an Award of Merit in the category of Planned Residential Development at the September 14, 2017 ceremony at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA.  The annual AIA OC Design Awards honors innovative solutions to the complex architectural problems facing Orange County.  This year's competition elicited 86 entries.  Potter's Lane also earned a 2017 Gold Nugget Grand Award at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) in June.

Developed by American Family Housing, Potter's Lane is a unique housing development made of modified-steel shipping containers.  The containers were transformed into fully functional and aesthetically pleasing 480-square-foot homes for 15 chronically homeless veterans and one manager.  Each unit has a bedroom, dining area, kitchen and bathroom. The complex also offers indoor and outdoor common spaces where residents can interact and cultivate a sense of community. Residents also receive comprehensive wrap-around services to help achieve self-sufficiency.

AIA judges noted that they, "admired this building," and, "felt the architects accomplished a lot on a small budget. The composition of the front elevation and the spatial quality of the interior courtyard were applauded. This project really elevated the idea of container architecture and the jury hoped to see more projects like this being developed."

Robert Simons, AIA, President of SVA Architects, states, "We are very proud of Potter's Lane.  It is a truly innovative project, and the lessons learned here will help shape future standards for affordable housing nationwide." 

Founded in 2003, SVA Architects has become one of the Country's most innovative and respected design and planning organizations. The award-winning firm specializes in urban planning, architecture, and interior design of public, private, and mixed-use projects.  Among the firm's portfolio are civic, educational, residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.  SVA Architects values institutional and public environments as the foundation of a community and the backdrop against which we live, learn, work, worship, and play.  The company is headquartered in Santa Ana with offices in Oakland, San Diego, and Honolulu.  For more information, visit www.sva-architects.com. 

Media Contact: Beth Binger
BCI
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SOURCE SVA Architects, Inc.