Located in Houston’s 3rd Ward, the Melifera Lofts aim to increase neighborhood density, while providing a pedestrian friendly experience on one of Houston’s most prominent city streets. The project was initiated by a long-term resident of the neighborhood looking to re-invest in her community. The mixed-use building provides commercial spaces and covered parking at the ground floor while offering four floors of residential apartments on the floors above.
A concrete podium defines the commercial spaces at the street level. Windows between the concrete columns allow a high level of transparency and openness to the public realm. Tree canopies above shade the sidewalk below, creating a comfortable and active urban experience along the sidewalks and provide neighborhood residents with a local hub of activity.
A faceted volume rests upon the ground floor’s concrete podium. Folded planes reduce the scale of the facades, allowing light and shadow to play on their surfaces. A rainscreen, punctured by generous balconies, wraps the residential levels, while recessed areas within the façade provide amenity spaces where residents can gather outdoors. Within each unit, exposed wood decking and polished concrete floors offer a loft like feeling to the interior of each space.