Copperwood is a 153 unit rental apartment complex on a beautifully wooded site in Princeton Township, surrounded by the 200-acre Princeton Ridge Preserve. More than seventeen acres of the 21-acre site are preserved, giving the residents unobstructed views of natural settings in all directions. This design saved 487 trees more than a previously approved design by a national homebuilder and disturbs only 17% of the site versus the original 77%.
Natural, muted colors and materials conceal the exterior of the complex in the woods and the sunlit internal courtyards are enlivened with a hint of light yellow. This coloration has been implemented to respect the character of Princeton Ridge Preserve.
In order to preserve the site with its pristine Beech tree landscape, the project footprint was minimized with five apartment buildings tightly organized around piazzas, courtyards, and gardens while sitting atop a below grade garage. The carefully studied placement of the complex into the existing woods minimized the site disturbance and tree removal and protected existing specimen trees.
The surrounding pathways from the woods are connected to the landscaped plaza which accesses the community amenities of the complex including the café/lounge, meeting room, and healthy club. The urban park character of the plaza is intended to encourage interaction among the residents and create a strong sense of community.
