Case Study: Brooklyn Passive House

‍Design challenge:

The challenges were great – combining a wide variety of net-zero and passive house practices while meeting the strict code limitations set by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission “required us to be creative and think deeply about the methods of installation and the products selected. The windows played a big role in helping to achieve this goal,” says Gita Nandan of Brooklyn’s thread collective.

‍What makes this project outstanding?

“We were able to design and build an outstanding project that was both beautiful, net-zero energy, and holistically sustainable in the heart of a dense urban neighborhood. From the skylights, to the placement of the solar system, to the type of dryers installed, each and every detailed was highly considered and specialized to meet the aesthetic goals and sustainable design goals.”

What was your personal design theory or focus for this project?
The overarching design theory was to create a home that deeply and seamlessly integrates modern aesthetics with the existing salvageable historical detailing. The client’s mandate was sustainability without compromising aesthetics – to build a highly energy efficient home while addressing material resource efficiency.

‍What product line did you use from Zola for windows and doors?
“We have two product lines: on the front façade is the Thermo Wood Meranti [from the American Heritage SDH line] with a painted finish (black on exterior, white on interior) and on the rear facade is the Thermo Clad Finger Jointed Pine (black on exterior, white on interior), with painted finish on the interior.

“We had four issues to contend with on this project while searching for the perfect window – NYC Landmarks approvals, Passive House standards, cost and beauty. Most windows can achieve two out of these four requirements but finding a window that met all proved to be a challenge.  Zola was the only one that met the challenge with an historically appropriate window approved by NYC LPC, high energy efficiency, well priced, and aesthetically beautiful.  We were extremely happy to have found a perfect solution.”

Why did you choose this product line?
The front façade product was chosen to meet NYC Landmarks requirements for the front façade, and for the cost effectiveness of the product. On the rear façade, the clad product was selected in order to minimize maintenance.

‍What do you like about Zola Tilt-Turn windows?  Why do you think more Americans might consider using them?
“We love tilt-turn windows!  And we are very happy that they are finally getting traction in the states. The versatility of the tilt-turn in is really important, allowing for a wide variety of options for air flow. Clients are not opposed to them – in the past it has been a lack of access to windows that offer this option.”

‍What is the view you see from the windows or doors from the house? What does it look like?
“From the front of the house you see a row house residential block typical of this neighborhood of Brooklyn. It is a landmarked area distinguished for its architectural character. From the rear of the house, you see a lush green backyard where neighbors backyards converge, with many trees providing shade and privacy.”

‍thread collective is an architecture firm that explores the seams between building and landscape, and stitches together the patterns of the built environment with its natural and social context. Their philosophy of understanding building and site as an integrated whole, woven with artistic, functional, and financial consideration creates the fabric from which poetic and sustainable architecture and public space emerge.

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