This is a case study I did on ECO Modern Flats, a multifamily redevelopment project in Arkansas. Using sustainable features, the project is a perfect example of green retrofitting.
1. QUENTIN TORBERT | MASTERS IN REAL ESTATE CANDIDATE | QT21@GEORGETOWN.EDU
WEEK 2 CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT - IMPACTS OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN ANALYSIS
ECO MODERN
FLATS
NOVEMBER 4, 2017
130 S HILL AVE., FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701
2. AESTHETICS
ECO Modern Flats represents a strong example of using strong design to redevelop an apartment
complex with aesthetically-pleasing features along with functionally-positive options. One of the
functional additions is a rotating wall in the living room. Each apartment houses a transforming wall
that rotates 180 degrees. Space is optimized as the compact spaces are opened up and residents
can view their television or computer screen from any point in their unit.
180-degree rotating wall
When architecture firm Modus Studio started
designing sustainability features for the
property, one of the first measures was adding
windows and sliding glass patio doors to
brighten the interiors. Chris Baribeau of Modus
Studio says the building “looked like a series of
closed-in boxes, chopped into tiny rooms with
no clearly defined outdoor space. One of our
first steps was to add natural daylight wherever
possible” ((2017). Eco Modern Flats. ULI Case
Studies. Retrieved from
https://casestudies.uli.org/eco-modern-
flats/#sustainability).
3. AESTHETICS
Adding windows and sliding glass doors introduces more light into the apartments and makes
them feel more spacious, especially the 700 square foot floor plan. Integrating biophilia in early
design work proves beneficial. Biophilia is design that connects the residents to nature. “Biophilic
design can reduce stress, improve cognitive function and creativity, improve our well-being and
expedite healing” (Browning, M. (2014). 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design. 14). Biophilia is centered in
the idea of residents being connected to nature so when new windows are installed, it has a
positive influence on them.
Adding windows also allows residents to appreciate the newly defined green areas. Before the
renovations started, there was a lot of unused space, so Specialized Real Estate Group turned the
areas into courtyards and outdoor spaces. Residents have the luxury to sit in the 350 square foot
community garden and take in the seasonal herbs, blackberries, tomatoes, and a host of native
plants that were planted to slow storm water runoff into the parking lot. The community garden
serves two purposes. It provides residents with fresh food, but it also promotes social interaction.
The developer wants this to be a community where neighbors interact with each other in common
areas like the garden. A sense of strong community is nurtured when green spaces are inviting and
calming.
5. SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
Water conservation is one of the
focuses of the project. One of
the most striking features of the
property is two corrugated
metal pipes that the developer
turned into a rain water cistern.
Traditionally, these pipes are
buried underground, but
erecting the feature above the
ground gives the property a
distinguishing appearance. Each
cistern is 4600 gallons, and 50%
of rainwater from the roof is
collected and reused to water
the gardens.
Rain Water Cistern
6. SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
Energy conservation is another focal point where faulty
insulation and old mechanical systems were replaced.
Current residents now enjoy energy efficient heat pump
systems where they can control the heat and air in their
individual room. The area where the developer saw the most
cost savings is from the energy conservation methods.
“These aggressive strategies to reduce energy use, coupled
with the water conservation measures previously discussed,
ultimately cut the project’s utility costs in half” ((2017). Eco
Modern Flats. ULI Case Studies. Retrieved from
https://casestudies.uli.org/eco-modern-flats/#sustainability).
Many developers balk at the high up-front cost of green
design, but ECO Modern proves the long-term effects of cost
savings proves beneficial for the owner and renter.
Minisplit heat
pump system
7. SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
QUENTIN TORBERT | MASTERS IN REAL ESTATE CANDIDATE | QT21@GEORGETOWN.EDU
A heavy emphasis was put on high quality air. Energy efficient, minisplit heat pump systems for
heating and cooling were installed in each apartment. The systems reduce the amount of mildew
and dust that is in the air inside the apartment. Quality air affects the health of residents, so there
should be a low amount of carbon dioxide and toxins inside buildings. I work in construction re-
development for apartment communities, and I’ve learned the importance of clean HVAC ducts and
ensuring the air quality is good for residents.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Quentin Torbert is pursuing a Masters in Real Estate from
Georgetown University to learn about global development.
He is currently a Construction Project Associate for a
Tampa-based real estate investment firm. He is tasked
with overseeing value-add renovations for multifamily
units. He can be reached at qt21@georgetown.edu.
