Brooklyn's First Energy Star Condos Debut

A few responses to all of the above:
1. LEED criteria played a part in the design, but the documentation aspect is prohibitive for small projects. We discovered energy star by looking into NYSERDA rebates for energy efficiency. This is all a learning process, as the field has changed tremendously over the past 10 years, and building science has become more rigorous. Our energy star rater has been an invaluable resource in the design and commisioning of 6 projects now, both energy star rated and non-rated.
2. The design started with the renovation of an existing frame structure and the construction of a new non-combustible addition. That is expressed through the materiality. The original concept was to use a cement plank in a clapboard installation to reference the original siding of the frame house, but stucco was used by the developer as a cost saving measure. The aluminum siding is meant to be a "sign" of the non-combustible steel and concrete construction within. thus the materiality attempts to express the idea of the old house meeting the new house.
3. The glass on the rear is not arbitrary "minimalist" pallette - it is used for passive solar gain. The rear faces southwest. Drapery pockets were built in for sun control.
4. The concrete floors of the addition are the structural concrete that were polished, thus no additional material was added. They also serve as a thermal mass for winter solar heating.
5. The exterior balconies also act as sun control for the south glazing during the summer months.
6. Interior lighting is concealed high CRI fluorescent lighting and compact fluorescents.
7. All plumbing fixtures are low flow. We are now using dual flush toilets on current projects. We are looking into storm water/gray water cisterns for future projects. These are difficult on what amounts to renovation projects, and the codes are still not resolved on this and requires waivers and pre-considerations.
8. The original design called for a trellis on the roof to support photovoltaics. this was cut for budget reasons, though we did install 2" conduit from roof to cellar for future installation for cables.
9. we are designing for solar hot water on a current project.
10. this building is super insulated with R50 roof and R30 walls. The windows could have used improvement and are only U 0.50. For an upcoming project we are looking at triple glazing with a U of 0.21 from a German window company.

As for brownstones vs. modern, this is a non-issue. The row house is a wonderfully maleable typology, and it is the scale of these buildings more than their style which is the desirable quality. The main point is not style but scale, and this house is completely in the context of the neighborhood in this regard.

I live in an 1860 house. it is unreinforced masonry with undersized wood joists. Modern construction, even at relatively developer minimum construction is far more robust and safe than these old houses. god forbid we have an earthquake of even 6.0 here - it would be a disaster. This house is well above developer minimum.

Posted by: architect at September 8, 2006 11:08 AM