Net Zero Residential Development

Opportunity: The city of Milwaukee requested proposals for the design and development of a Net Zero Energy Community. Booth Hansen is part of a team who hopes to transform the 5.6-acre former army reserve training site into a residential community which produces as much energy as it consumes. Located in the low-rise residential neighborhood of Bay View, the site offers direct ties to public transit, walkable parks, neighborhood amenities, and Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Solution: Booth Hansen developed a site plan and housing types which respond to the density and context of neighboring bungalows, while offering a variety of living options ranging from single family to multi-unit. Organized along the existing street grid, the site plan works to optimize the solar orientation of the homes while creating abundant open-space. The result is a livable community with lowered levels of energy consumption supplemented by sustainable technologies such as PV panels, wind turbines, and water cisterns and rain gardens.

Value: Working with the project team, Booth Hansen was able to determine the impact of various technologies and identify which best fit the goals of the project. By considering cost-analysis, real-world use data, and proven technology, the team was able to provide a feasible model for a net zero-energy development which responds to both current needs and future demands.