Amber Drive Wins Award for Architectural Excellence  

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco’s newest affordable homes in the heart of San Francisco win prestigious Golden Nugget Award for Architectural Excellence. The modern and sustainably designed townhomes in historic Diamond Heights were designed by San Francisco-based architectural firm Kerman Morris Architects.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – (July 18, 2024) – Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, the leading nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable homeownership opportunities and combating displacement, is thrilled to announce its newest project along Amber Drive in the Diamond Heights neighborhood has been honored with the coveted Judges Special Award of Excellence for Affordable Housing from Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC). This prestigious accolade recognizes excellence and innovation in design and development within the building industry.

The Amber Drive project was designed to celebrate the local neighborhood, incorporating elements of the surrounding Eichler homes, while also adding a modern and eco-friendly aesthetic and impact. The homes are the result of a team of Bay Area experts coming together to bring the project to life, including architectural design by Kerman Morris Architects, interior design by Grange Home, project landscape architecture by Integrated Design Studio, civil engineering by BKF Engineers and overall development and construction by Habitat Greater San Francisco.

The 100% affordable homes are all-electric with energy-efficient appliances and mechanical systems, super insulated walls, 114 rooftop solar panels and water-saving fixtures. The result is a building designed for net zero energy usage and low utility costs for homeowners.

“We are incredibly honored for our Amber Drive project to receive this special Golden Nugget Award,” said Maureen Sedonaen, Chief Executive Officer at Habitat Greater San Francisco. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire design and construction team who share a commitment to creating high-quality housing that is affordable, sustainable and community focused. This award underscores the fact that affordable housing solutions can be beautiful, forward-thinking and enhance the surrounding neighborhood.”

Earlier this year, eight local families and their 12 young children moved into their 2-4 bedroom homes on a lot that once held one single-family home. It is a prime example of successful urban infill and innovative, green design.

The PCBC’s Golden Nugget Awards celebrate those who improve communities through exceptional concepts in design, planning and development. Habitat Greater San Francisco’s Amber Drive project was selected from a competitive pool of 675 entries, highlighting Kerman Morris’s standout design and the project’s significant impact.