NET ZERO 12 UNIT MULTI-FAMILY COMMUNITY LAND TRUST | Curtis Bay, Baltimore
- Jason
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 22
ENERGY & ECONOMY...A New Model for Community Ownership
The Challenge:
For generations, historic inequity and environmental injustice have burdened the residents of Curtis Bay. The South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT) approached us not just to design a house, but to help them answer a much deeper question: How can we create a new model of housing that builds community wealth, promotes health, and gives residents the opportunity for permanent, affordable ownership? The challenge was to design a home that would serve as a tool for ecological and social justice.
The FADE Approach:
A challenge this complex required our fully integrated FADE process. As Architects, we designed high-quality, Net-Zero homes to the rigorous Passive House standard. This wasn't just about energy savings; it was about health—providing a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air in a community impacted by industrial pollution. We incorporated "Age-in-Place" principles to ensure residents could live safely and comfortably for their entire lives. Our Development mindset was central to the partnership with the Community Land Trust, creating a legal and financial framework that guarantees permanent affordability and builds generational wealth for families earning 50-80% of the area's median income. Finally, and most critically, this project was an act of Education. The construction site became a classroom, engaging a local workforce in skills training for the future of green construction.
The Outcome:
The result is more than just houses; it's a complete community ecosystem. Families now own high-performance homes that are beautiful, healthy, and have utility bills reduced by up to 90%. Situated next to a new community park, these homes are a source of pride and stability. By training local workers and partnering with the CLT, the project invests directly back into the community it serves. This is a replicable, scalable answer to how we can build a more equitable and ecological Baltimore, one home at a time.
If you're a community leader, a non-profit, or an organization looking to apply this approach in your own community, we can help.
