PYATOK | Project Work

WILTON COURT APARTMENTS Alta Housing

Palo Alto, California Affordable Housing

Wilton Court is Palo Alto’s first approved affordable housing project since 2013 and the inaugural project for the city’s new Affordable Housing Combining District. Through a partnership with nonprofit Housing Choices, 21 of the 59 apartments are reserved for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, creating new opportunities for Palo Altans to continue living in their community.

The project’s interiors utilize Trauma Informed Design, paying attention to wayfinding and accessibility regardless of users’ posture, body size, and mobility. Its L-shaped massing steps from four stories along El Camino Real to one story towards the residential neighborhood, creating a semi-enclosed podium-level courtyard. At the ground floor, offices, a publicly reservable and kitchen-equipped community room, adjoining activity room, and bike room each have direct-to-street entrances to create a storefront activating the streetscape along El Camino Real. Terracotta and ceramic tiling establish a pragmatic yet tactile material durability. Two levels of vehicle parking are accessed via a rear alley.

All-electric energy, 100% EV-compatible parking, solar hot water and power, drought-tolerant plantings, and greywater irrigation contribute to the project’s sustainable performance. Wilton Court achieved CalGreen Tier 2 with Palo Alto Reach Goals.

Awards