Grow Community, a master-planned development on Bainbridge Island, Washington, has social interaction at the core of its design and programming. Asani Development partnered with Davis Studio Architecture + Design LLC and Cutler Anderson Architects, to develop the project, which will include 132 residences, a community center, an early childhood center, and nearly two acres of community gardens and open space at buildout.

Their One Planet Living framework encourages “active, sociable, meaningful lives to promote good health and well-being” and promotes zero-net-carbon buildings, water use reduction, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable, healthy building materials. This framework guided the development of affordable housing for young families, people on fixed-incomes, and single households. Parking is located on the perimeter and underground to minimize impervious surfaces and to promote spontaneous encounters between residents using the interior footpaths. In place of a playground, natural play elements such as flat granite rocks were incorporated into walking paths. A solar-powered electric charging station is provided for an on-site carsharing program to reduce automobile dependency.

Learn more about Grow Community in ULI’s Building for Wellness: The Business Case report.