The three-story Brooklyn residence was built in compliance with the German Passiv Haus standards, which emphasizes the heavy insulation of walls and openings, and the precise balancing of interior and exterior temperatures. The building technique cuts down not only on energy consumption and cost, but also on initial construction costs usually allocated to expansive traditional heating and ventilation systems. During most of the year with extreme weather (summer and winter, specifically), the house maintains a very tight seal and all ventilation is done through the Passive House ventilation duct system. But on beautiful spring days when the temperature is mild (such as the day of our visit) allow for fresh air and ample ventilation, the house remains open to the outdoor weather in temperate parts of the year.
When we arrived at the house, we waited inside the clothing and design store at ground level where we were met by the design team. The stunning raw concrete space looks down upon a double height workshop and design laboratory, where owner GGrippo produces his latest “creative activism” designs; fantastic recycled artwork mixed with adorable cashmere toys and children’s clothing.
What an amazing house. Whoever lives there is so lucky!
It was a treat to watch this house. Was the construction costs more than ordinary houses?
Ok great. But this looks mighty expensive. Who can afford to have a house like this? Only the wealthy who live in Williamsburg. I find that ironic and irritating. As beautiful and passive this House is. I don’t see it really thinking in a all inclusive reality that people don’t have millions of dollars to blow on a new house. Maybe this can kickstart something for current building guidelines to steer to more sustainable, passive energy construction. There is natural building that uses less new technology and still remain passive and affordable.
the construction costs were $650k
not millions