T2305 - Tiny Queens Passive House
Originally built in 1945, this two story brick townhouse is currently in construction. Once complete, it will represent our least material intensive intervention to date to turn an existing building into a certified Passive House.
We are focusing on deconstruction, rather than demolition, where materials will be carefully separated by type and sent to new homes. Thus ensuring that everything will be upcycled for additional use, rather than going to landfill.
The house will be completely electrified and will receive a new solar canopy by Brooklyn Solarworks on the rooftop. Teaming up with the new Passive House envelope, this will render it Net Positive, with the solar array providing more than enough energy to cover the significantly reduced heating and cooling loads of the building, in addition to heating water, cooking with an induction stovetop and charging an electric vehicle.
Only the perimeter of the existing wood flooring and subfloors will be removed in order to taped and air-seal the existing wood joists and to install the airtight membrane, keeping the existing floor build-up, which is in good condition, otherwise intact. To commemorate this move, we are installing the new wood perimeter at an angle to the existing, and using reclaimed local red oak to match what is already there.
Existing openings in the masonry facade previously used for through-wall air conditioning units are being used for the new ERV system, and a checkerboard brick infill pattern will pay tribute for all exterior changes in the building facade.
All south facing openings will receive new operable exterior shades by Hella to keep the hot summer sun out before it can heat up the house.
Existing openings in the masonry facade previously used for through-wall air conditioning units are being used for the new ERV system, and a checkerboard brick infill pattern will pay tribute for all exterior changes in the building facade.
All south facing openings will receive new operable exterior shades by Hella to keep the hot summer sun out before it can heat up the house.
Building Section
Construction Progress
Proposed Floor Plans
The material palette for the retrofit is made up of natural materials, which include a lime and sand-based plaster layer forming the initial natural vapor retarder on the interior, while ensuring the porous masonry wall can breathe and dry-out.
Linoleum - a completely natural floor covering made of solidified linseed oil, pine resin and sawdust - will provide the new softer finish underfoot in the kitchen, and porcelain slabs will be used for the kitchen countertops and backsplash. Black tile removed from the bathroom will form the basis of a new terrazzo floor in the entry vestibule, and linseed oil based paint will be used throughout as the final finish layer on the walls. Of course the palette includes abundant carbon storing wood, sourced reclaimed whenever possible.
Linoleum - a completely natural floor covering made of solidified linseed oil, pine resin and sawdust - will provide the new softer finish underfoot in the kitchen, and porcelain slabs will be used for the kitchen countertops and backsplash. Black tile removed from the bathroom will form the basis of a new terrazzo floor in the entry vestibule, and linseed oil based paint will be used throughout as the final finish layer on the walls. Of course the palette includes abundant carbon storing wood, sourced reclaimed whenever possible.
Architect: CO Adaptive
MEPS Engineers: ABS Engineering
Structural Engineers: ADoF Structural Engineers
Construction Manager: CO Adaptive Building
Solar Panel Installation: Brooklyn SolarWorks
MEPS Engineers: ABS Engineering
Structural Engineers: ADoF Structural Engineers
Construction Manager: CO Adaptive Building
Solar Panel Installation: Brooklyn SolarWorks