Bluebonnet Studios

Size: 74,000 GSF with 27,000 SF structured parking
Owner: Foundation Communities

Bluebonnet Studios were developed by Foundation Communities, a non-profit agency that builds and maintains affordable, sustainable housing and provides free on-site support services for families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. This 6-story multifamily housing project involved demolition of existing  buildings on an urban infill site and excavation and earth retention for new construction of two levels of underground parking, one level of ground floor amenity and resident service spaces, plus three additional levels of  efficiency dwelling units focused inwardly around a 3-story, internal courtyard.

The use of load bearing cold-formed steel stud framing and prefabrication of wall panels shortened the construction schedule, reduced labor costs, improved quality, and reduced job site waste.  Use of concrete slabs on long-span composite steel decks that span from party wall to party wall without additional intermediate framing reduced floor-to-floor heights and envelope costs. The building was further  designed to achieve Zero Net Energy certification by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) and has been recognized by the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects with an AIA Austin Design Award.