Tierra Montosa Affordable Housing

 This project was the highest scored MFA (Mortgage Finance Authority), LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) category in 2016. Tierra Montosa, a high quality affordable housing community within the original urban core of historic Taos sits within a mile of Taos Plaza as well as the main corridor for shopping and retail.  Tierra Montosa intends to meet the highest levels of sustainability and has been designed from the ground up to achieve this affordably and beautifully. This project consists of seventy low-income rental apartments with 3 bed / 2 bath, 2 bed / 2 bath and 1 bed / 1 bath units.  There are 44 re-hab units and 26 new units.  The re-hab scope of work entails improving the building envelope, installing better performance windows / doors, new mechanical systems and bathroom and kitchen overhauls.   The twenty-six new units are designed to Passivehouse standards with wall insulation of R56 and roof insulation of R106.  The units share fresh air and mechanical systems to reduce costs and improve performance.  All new units have an optimal solar orientation to reduce the heating load during the cold season.  As an in-fill site adjoining Taos Plaza and the retail core, Tierra Montosa provides substantial and much needed affordable housing to the area.  By bringing high quality, healthy, and affordable living spaces to the town, the project supports the local economy and celebrates the ongoing rich heritage that Taos provides.