This 3000sf home expansion and renovation project in Whitestone, New York went the extra mile to meet Passive House standards of energy efficiency.
Passive House is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building’s ecological footprint — resulting in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. The standard is based on five principles: airtightness, ventilation, waterproofing, heating and cooling, and electrical loads.
This project included underpinning of the foundation and basement, new rear extension, air sealing, insulation, new thin brick facade & high efficiency doors & windows. New high efficiency mechanical & electrical systems. New kitchen bathrooms & interior finishes throughout.
A 16 foot extension was added to the rear of the home to increase the inside footprint and make room for the expanded kitchen.
The big challenge though, was to increase the ceiling height in the basement. This was achieved by lowering the basement slab approximately 36″. This also required extending (underpinning) the foundation walls by the same three feet — no small feat, since the whole house sits on those foundations! Extra high efficiency insulation was then added under the floor and walls (super-insulation) to retain the warmth in the home. The new basement now has a 9 foot ceiling height, and is ultra insulated against the outside ground temperature and any moisture in the environment.
Greenbuild worked with the client’s architect on this project, and brought his plans for the home renovation to life. The clients love their new house! And the architect was so happy with the results, that he hired Greenbuild to execute the renovation work on his own home!
Renovation of this 3000sf residence in Whitestone, New York. Passive House design included underpinning basement, new rear extension, air sealing, insulation, new thin brick facade & high efficiency doors & windows. New high efficiency mechanical & electrical systems. New kitchen bathrooms & interior finishes throughout.