BEARDEN PLACE
Multi-Family
Live/Work Triplexes
A solar thermal façade and air heat-pump system combine to create a sustainable, affordable heating and cooling system for this multi-family residential development.

Composed of six-units on a double lot, this condominium complex is designed to be economically accessible for artists and others living in the culturally rich, activist-oriented Bearden Neighborhood of North Minneapolis. Effectively two triplexes, the buildings house a variety of units to accommodate the different types of households found throughout this area. All top levels of the one-and-a-half-story units are unfinished so owners can use a DIY approach to build equity in and expand their homes over time. The passive, native landscape includes a bioretention center beneath the turf of a central lawn where residents can host private events and public gatherings.

A sculpture garden is located on top of the single-story section of this multi-family residential complex.
Bearden Place’s solar wall façade
creates renewable heating and cooling for residents.
Green roofs, a sculpture garden, and community lawn are interwoven with the building forms to break up their massing.
The buildings overlook a collective green gathering space.
Open floor plans offer flexibility to support a variety of live/work activities.
Some condo owners may use unfinished top-floor space for a studio or office.
A central green corridor can be used for group gatherings in this activist neighborhood.
Bearden Place was designed to achieve a silver-level, Minnesota Green Star certification.
The buildings are partially clad in corrugated black metal, which serves as part of a solar wall.
A shared garage provides one parking space for each unit.
The top level of each one-and-a-half-story unit is unfinished so owners can invest in improving their homes over time.