Willoughby Corner Housing Development Achieves Enterprise Green Communities and WELL Certifications

[Lafayette, Colo.] Employee-owned, national architecture, engineering and consulting firm, RS&H, is proud to announce that Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA)‘s Willoughby Corner, a groundbreaking residential community in Lafayette, Colorado, has been officially awarded Green Communities Certification Plus Zero Emissions and achieved the globally recognized WELL Certification. These achievements underscore RS&H’s commitment to partnering with clients and developing designs that are rooted in sustainability, resilience, and community well-being.   

Developed by BCHA and designed by RS&H, Willoughby Corner, Colorado’s largest affordable net-zero energy-ready home community, reflects BCHA’s mission to create high-quality, environmentally sustainable communities while addressing the critical challenge of affordable housing in Boulder County. RS&H, through the former architecture firm HB&A, worked closely with BCHA at every stage of the project, ensuring a shared vision to deliver affordable, healthy, and environmentally responsible homes for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. 

“Supporting BCHA on this groundbreaking project aligns with RS&H’s purpose of elevating communities through thoughtful design,” said Tino Leone, RA, Associate Vice President and Principal Architect. “Together with our design team partners and the general contractor Pinkard Construction, we’ve delivered a community that embodies the ideals of sustainability and affordability, while prioritizing the health and needs of residents.” Through the Enterprise Green Communities certification, Willoughby Corner has been recognized for its significant contributions to sustainability, including the construction of fully electric buildings, rooftop solar arrays, high-efficiency geothermal systems, and advanced air-sealing methods. These features reduce energy usage while maintaining affordability for residents.   

The WELL Certification, a leading performance-based system for measuring, certifying and monitoring urban spaces, further affirms the community’s focus on human health and well-being. The site incorporates thoughtful design elements such as enhanced air and water quality, opportunities for social interaction, and spaces that encourage physical activity and mental wellness, including community gardens, walking trails and a dog park.   

Willoughby Corner’s ability to balance innovative green building strategies with inclusive design sets it apart as a model for affordable housing communities nationwide. The project offers accessible homes for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, fostering a vibrant, multi-generational neighborhood supported by integrated community spaces and welcoming outdoor amenities.   

“Willoughby Corner exemplifies the kind of partnership-driven work that allows us to make a meaningful impact,” added Leone. “By working hand-in-hand with BCHA, we’ve created a space that reflects our shared goals of resilience and care for people and the planet.” Notable design partners include Farnsworth Group, Group14 Engineering, HCDAHCDA Engineering, Norris Design and Drexel, , Barrell, & Co.   

About RS&H

Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering and consulting firms whose associates work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future for clients in the aerospace, aviation, corporate, federal, healthcare and science, and transportation markets. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities and build relationships as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together.