This beautiful brownstone in Brooklyn has been refurbished into the first Passive Plus House in the United States. Located in Carroll Gardens, 78 Third Place features an impressive array of cutting-edge renewable technologies wrapped in a thoughtful renovation that preserves the original home’s historic character. The house, remodeled by Baxt Ingui Architects, saves 80 to 90 percent of the energy needed to heat and cool the building and nearly reaches net-zero energy consumption.

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Solar canopy Brooklyn passive plus house by Baxt Ingui Architects

Modern kitchen, featuring wood cabinetry and a large island, in historic renovation Brooklyn passive plus house by Baxt Ingui Architects

The Brooklyn townhouse was originally built in the early 1900s. Baxt Ingui Architects expanded the building to include a new third floor with a mansard and a modern rear addition that nearly doubles the brownstone’s original footprint. “The homeowners’ goal was to create a beautiful, open and inviting home suitable for everyday living and entertaining as well as respecting the historic character of the original house while incorporating high-performance construction,” the architects wrote. “They emphasized the need for abundant natural light throughout the home as well as an open flow when designing indoor/outdoor living spaces.”

Roof terrace Brooklyn passive plus house by Baxt Ingui Architects

Kitchen in the Brooklyn passive plus house by Baxt Ingui Architects

Related: Park Slope row home renovation marries historic charm with energy-conserving features

The architects collaborated with a team of six contractors, three engineers, Passive House consultants and eco-conscious clients to make the upgrades. Baxt Ingui Architects installed low E and argon-filled triple-glazed windows, cellulose insulation and a 387-square-foot Brooklyn Solarworks solar canopy to help offset the home’s energy needs. The well-sealed townhouse is also equipped with a very quiet Energy Recovery Ventilation system, an air-to-air heat pump and an improved gas-condensing boiler.

+ Baxt Ingui Architects

Via ArchDaily

Images © John Muggenborg Photography

Light-filled living area Brooklyn passive plus house by Baxt Ingui Architects

A spiral staircase in the Brooklyn passive plus house.