THE VALE

Located outside of Philadelphia’s central urban district, this 36-unit mixed-use development is situated on a steeply sloped, converging hillside. As a means to preserve the site’s existing natural features and permeable landscape, the design leaves half of the parcel undeveloped. At the street, the building’s commercial base emerges as an extension of the topography and is clad in an undulating ribbon of weathering steel – a modern interpretation of the resilient, patina-covered Wissahickon Schist found throughout the region. Above, a simple wedge-shaped box perches above this dynamic landscape. Its corrugated cladding expresses the site’s subtle curve with the day’s changing light, while a repetitious series of punched openings emphasize its efficient network of all electric living modules.