The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority [NYSERDA] offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

To support this, the NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Awards look to recognize smart, inspiring and sustainable projects. Above all, they champion excellence and give a spotlight to visionary projects. 2019’s winning buildings all demonstrate that a low carbon future is “beautiful, livable, and 100% possible.” [NYSERDA website]. Joining the ‘Under Construction’ category winners in 2019 was SB+C Architecture’s residential scheme, 1182 Woodycrest Avenue.

At SB+C Architecture, D.P.C. we hold sustainability at our core. We have developed strategic and economical solutions for buildings over 25,000 sq ft that respond to the One NYC 2050 and NYC’s Green New Deal to reduce total emissions by 40% by 2030. This supports our vision that we share with our global partner, Scott Brownrigg, to transform the industry and enrich lives through the built environment to create a better world.

1182 Woodycrest Avenue is a new Passive House, and affordable housing development in the Bronx. Upon completion, it will offer affordable rents for families with household incomes between 30% and 80% of the average area income.

Developed by Crown Holdings and The Bluestone Organization, the scheme builds upon experience with  low energy intensity  and advanced clean energy buildings to refine a model of low-income housing that is beneficial for the people who live in it, the developers that own and operate it, the public funding which finances it and the environment in general.

The scheme will be built using ICF wall construction and a composite concrete flooring system and it will be fully accessible, with adaptable units. It will use Energy Star rated appliances and LED lighting, to meet Passive House Institute of US, Energy Star, and the Green Enterprise and Community Design Guidelines.

The schemes scales up the core Passive House strategies of airtightness, robust panelized thermal envelope and energy recovery and pairs this with advanced VRF air source heat pumps and on-site solar PV electricity generation in a nine story 45 unit high rise setting. Setting the stage for future efficient developments in the tight confines of New York City’s small lots and strict code restrictions.

“When SB+C set out to design this building, it had two equally important goals in mind, environmental responsibility and social responsibility. I could not be prouder of how the project team came together to surmount the tremendous design challenges of creating a Passive House certified building on an affordable housing budget without sacrificing our commitment to design excellence.”

Michael Santora, Principal, SB+C

With construction underway, completion is expected in January, 2021.