Case Study: McKeesport Housing

Located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, this project is a high-performance retrofit and renovation of a former YMCA building and now a multi-unit residential apartment building for at-risk and previously homeless clients. Energy efficiency was a key focus of this project, which implements stringent passive house methods to maximize efficiency.  Another major concern of the project team was to maintain the historic charm of the building.  The project team worked closely with Zola Windows to specify a unique uPVC window that not only offers passive house performance levels at an affordable cost, but also harmonizes with the building’s historic aesthetic.  Zola’s American Heritage SDH (simulated double hung) from the popular, budget-friendly Thermo uPVC line was selected for the project, which feature a lower tilt & turn window and a fixed upper window for maximum airtightness and thermal performance. The implementation of these windows helped the project team achieve a very significant energy consumption reduction of at least 75%.

Architect Laura Nettleton of Thoughtful Balance offers her perspective on partnering with Zola Windows on this project.

What was the major design challenge of this project?

“We were given a historic structure with thermal bridges and inherent leakiness to update to make it comply with Passive House Criteria,” says Laura Nettleton. The project: conversion of a former YMCA building to a multi-unit residential apartment building for at-risk and formerly homeless clients. “We did not model this project after any other; providing the residents with the best space possible and the most important amenities was our goal.”

What are some of your favorite construction products used on this project?

“We love our Zola windows…that really is the truth…we cannot buy windows that have this quality for this price made in the States and we think they add great value to the project.” Nettleton used the Thermo uPVC line from Zola for its affordability. “We would like to add that Zola has great service and really responded to our needs on the project.”

Did you use Tilt-Turn windows on this project?

“Having the dual function is really great. We did limit the use of the tilt-turn windows in our resident rooms due to the idiosyncratic nature of our population.”

Architect Bio:

Laura Nettleton has over thirty years of experience in the areas of housing, green building, and commercial development. Her architectural firm Thoughtful Balance is dedicated to the idea that sustainability should be simple, elegant, affordable, and available to everyone. She is actively involved in spreading the word about Passive House, is president of PHWPA (Passive House of Western Pennsylvania) and is involved in several other green initiatives in Pittsburgh. Having first worked in an architectural office where she was the only non-smoker, and having graduated from Johns Hopkins’ second class to admit women, she finds comfort in the idea that cultures can radically change. Read more about Laura and Thoughtful Balance here.

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