The Iceberg

The Iceberg is set to make 100 units newly accessible to those seeking permanent supportive housing in Palmdale California. 

Location: Palmdale, California
Architect: Kadre Architects
Project Team: Nerin Kadribegovic, FAIA IIDA; Brian O’Laughlin, AIA, Judith Mussel, AIA; Jagger Chen, Andrew Davis
Structural Engineer: Nous
MEP Engineer: CEG
Civil Engineer: Barbara L. Hall and Associates
Landscape: HKLA

The Iceberg is set to make 100 units newly accessible to those seeking permanent supportive housing in Palmdale California under project HOMEKEY.  In addition to the existing building’s 33,324 sq ft conversion from a dilapidated hotel to housing, a brand-new community building is slated to anchor a newly created courtyard.

In a sea of dessert tones, the new structure will be a community beacon and a draw for the residents.  New significant shade structures will play off the forms of the community building to create privacy and refuge from the sun, while the existing parking lot will be transfigured into a beautiful desert landscape.

The project will abandon fossil fuels and be a prototype of sustainable environmental design featuring all electric services.  New cutting-edge water heating systems will encompass heat pump condensing elements that output 55 degree cool air as a byproduct of its process.  The systems are creatively screened, and positioned to benefit major outdoor gathering areas, thus providing much needed cooling in the desert climate.

Combination of gravel and decomposed granite in the landscape recharges the natural aquifer and retains the water during the infrequent rains.  Native shrubs and trees will be added to provide shade and a natural environment all around.  Additional components to the site include a pickleball court for resident engagement and a trellis-shaded barbecue area.

Contact: STUDIO@KADRE.ORG