Philadelphia’s Stylish ‘Thin Flats’ Is First Duplex to Receive LEED Homes Platinum

The Thin Flats takes the traditional<a href="http://inhabitat.com/leed-for-homes-winners-are-as-affordable-as-they-are-green/leed-homes-winners-2010-6/?extend=1"> Philadelphia </a>row house and turns up the charm big time with a LEED Platinum certification and a slew of clever design elements. Designed and built in-house by <a href="http://www.onionflats.com/#/Work/">Onion Flats</a>, the nine units complex is the first certified LEED Homes duplex in the nation. The construction hosts state-of-the-art energy and water conservation measures complimented by an intriguing interior design and rooftop garden patios. A vertical façade helps blend the contemporary look seamlessly with its aged neighbors, playfully magnifying the row house aesthetic. With these flats, meaning<a href="http://inhabitat.com/amazing-showa-cho-micro-house-is-only-ten-feet-wide-inside/"> thin is in</a>.

The development had to pack a pretty big punch to achieve<a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=leed+platinum"> LEED Platinum</a>.

The design starts with an efficient shell made for low-impact framing materials and filled with closed-cell expanding foam.

The façade is placed over the shell to provide a mini veranda.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/daylighting/">Natural daylighting</a> is ever present.

An upper skylight provides ambient light that penetrates through the stairwell’s translucent floor to the levels below.

Below floor hydronic heating is supplemented with a solar thermal system.

In fact each unit’s system - from lights to HVAC to entertainment - is centrally controlled. The result is a 50% reduction in energy costa compared to the standard.

The building is close to public transportation and helps<a href="http://inhabitat.com/melbourne-fire-station-transformed-into-gorgeous-modern-home/"> revitalize </a> the dated neighborhood.

The back parking area uses permeable pavers to absorb rainwater and reduce heat gain. The parking area also features plug-in stations for electric vehicles. Alternatively, residences can use the electric wheels provided.

The roof deck looks is an extraordinary place welcoming relaxation.

An <a href="http://inhabitat.com/enchanting-japanese-rooftop-oasis-is-a-soothing-secret-garden/">elevated sanctuary</a>, the private garden and patio provides an outdoor living space without taking up valuable urban space.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/watershed-university-of-marylands-solar-decathlon-home-gives-more-than-it-takes/">Rainwater</a> is collected for the public and private gardens on-site.

The overall design of Thin Flats exemplifies clever place making, contemporary style and sustainable systems, all while pushing the quality of dense but spacious <a href="http://http://inhabitat.com/urban-design/">urban development</a>.