October 2024
As we welcome October, we are thrilled to announce the addition of Shay and JJ to our talented team this month! We believe that their unique perspectives and skills will enhance our mission to deliver exceptional renovations and new builds that align with our clients' values.
NESEA Pro Tours: Kings Block
NESEA Pro Tour: Passive House Certified Historic Renovation in New Haven
Anita, Andrew, and JJ - attended an enlightening NESEA Pro Tour event in New Haven, Connecticut. The tour, provided valuable insights into a real-life example of a Passive House certified project.
The event showcased the renovation of King's Block, a historic building originally constructed in 1816 as a hotel. Patriquin Architects led the tour, detailing the process of transforming this centuries-old structure into a modern, Passive House certified commercial space while preserving its historic facade and community significance.
Key features of the renovation included:
A highly-insulated and airtight envelope
Triple-pane high-performance windows installed on the interior of existing historic windows
New electric ERV heat pump systems for ventilation, heating, and cooling
A rooftop solar array generating 96% of the building's energy needs
The project team successfully balanced historic preservation with cutting-edge sustainability, earning PHIUS Certification in March 2023 and a 2023 AIA CT Sustainable Architecture Award of Excellence.
Our team was particularly impressed by the innovative approach to flood mitigation, with the basement effectively disconnected from the conditioned space through a thermal and air/vapor barrier.
We extend our gratitude to NESEA, the project team, and our company for facilitating our attendance at this informative event. The insights gained will undoubtedly influence our approach to future sustainable design projects.
How to Connect to Nature: Newfane Hill
In a recent design meeting for the Newfane Hill residential retrofit project, the homeowners - a couple with a passion for bird watching - were presented with two exciting window options to enhance their viewing experience.
After thoughtful discussion, a decision was made to incorporate larger windows in key areas, effectively blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The chosen design will feature expansive windows in the living room and kitchen, providing panoramic views of the property's diverse bird habitats. A strategically placed picture window will serve as the focal point for indoor bird watching, while additional windows will be strategically positioned to capture different angles and lighting conditions throughout the day.
To complement the new windows, the team is exploring the addition of a screened porch, which would create an immersive outdoor viewing area protected from insects. This multi-season space would allow the homeowners to enjoy bird watching in comfort year-round.
Every year, millions of birds in the U.S. collide with windows, leading to significant casualties. This issue arises because birds often mistake reflections of trees and sky for real landscapes, resulting in tragic accidents.
Here are some simple ways to make your windows safer for birds:
Use Window Decals: Applying decals can disrupt reflections and make glass more visible to birds.
Install Screens: External screens can act as a barrier, reducing the impact force.
Hang Strings or Ribbons: These create a visual deterrent that can prevent collisions.
Adjust Outdoor Lighting: Minimizing bright lights at night can help protect migrating birds.
Why It Matters
By taking these small steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of bird collisions while enjoying your view. Every effort counts in fostering a safer environment for our feathered friends.
*Source: Inspired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service document "Low-cost Methods to Reduce Bird Collisions with Glass" (2024). For more details, visit https://www.fws.gov.