More Modern Rowhouses

Inga Saffron, urban design writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, likes these buildings. I'm not so sure. See "Redefining the Rowhouse" and the project website, www.ragflats.com, for more.

From the project website:

Rag Flats is an experiment in specifically “urban” and sustainable forms of dwelling. Located in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Rag Flats gets its name from the former Rag Factory which occupied the site in the previous century. It has been recontextualized into a residential garden community created by four distinct and prototypical forms of dwelling commonly found in the City: the Row House, the Trinity, the Loft and the Pavilion. As such, Rag Flats very intentionally explores the relationships between density, intimacy and privacy present in any urban community.

As a “sustainable” project, Rag Flats will become the first community in Philadelphia in which the majority of electricity for the eleven units in the community will be supplied through a 30kw rooftop photovoltaic panel system. Additionally, all rainwater runoff is collected in a 6000 gallon cistern to be recycled for the community’s outdoor use. Heating for all units is supplied through an efficient gas fired “radiant” floor system. All units come with high efficiency cooling systems, Energy Star appliances, hard-wired cable, satellite, high speed internet, telephone, telecom and central audio systems. All units have private outdoor spaces, balconies and rooftop decks. Materials and finishes include: vertical grain bamboo flooring, slate and ceramic tile, slate countertops and stainless appliances. Off street parking is provided and public transportation is a five minute walk and encouraged.