Certified Passive House in New York Generates all of Its Own Energy

In New York’s Hudson Valley, a beautiful new beacon for sustainable, net-zero design has taken root.

New York-based North River Architecture & Planning recently added another energy-efficient build to its growing portfolio of environmentally friendly projects the Accord Passive House, a modern home thathas not only achieved PHIUS+ Certification but also boasts no net energy costs annually.

Located in the hamlet of Accord, the contemporary house is sensitive to both the environment as well as the local culture and history. The architects drew inspiration from the rural farm buildings for the design of a gabled, barn-like house that emphasizes connection with the outdoors and flexible living spaces accommodating of the homeowners’ changing needs.As with traditional farm buildings, the construction materials were selected for longevity, durability and low-maintenance properties.

Galvanized corrugated steel siding wraps the exterior, while a trowel-finished concrete slab is used for the floor inside and is visually tied to the xeriscaped pea gravel patio that requires no irrigation. “Trim materials inside and out were chosen for their adaptive reuse and low resource extraction properties, including the use of engineered lumber for trim work, salvaged white oak slats and carmelized cork throughout the project,” the firm added. “The cork was used inside and out for its sustainable harvest and broad utility for acoustics, water resistance and insulation value.”

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