NYC’s first passive apartment building set to open next month

NYC is about to get its first <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/passive-design/">passive apartment building</a>. Located in Hamilton Heights, the 34-unit <a href="http://perchliving.com/">Perch Harlem</a> development is currently under construction and slated to open in May. Once complete, the project will be one of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/greenest-apartment-building-in-manhattan-moves-forward-in-harlem/">greenest apartment buildings</a> in all of NYC, boasting 80-90 percent less energy use than traditionally constructed buildings.

The seven-story energy-efficient building will offer 34 one or two bedroom apartments, all of which will be sound proof and oddly, smell resistant.

As far as sustainability features, as the first market-rate rental building in New York City designed to Passive House standards, the project is set to be an example for future projects in the city.

The building is being constructed with high-grade 8-in insulation and high performance triple-pane glazing to reduce energy loss.

Additionally, all of the units will have large fixed windows in order to let in the optimal amount of natural light. Smaller windows will be operable though to let in fresh air.

Reclaimed wood flooring will be installed throughout the interior. For energy and water systems, each unit will have a central heating and cooling, and an energy-recovery ventilator that will be able to store heat output from the cooling systems in order to produce hot water.

Construction site for the new Harlem Perch building in Hamilton Heights.