Improve the performance of the complete building enclosure

Improve the performance of the complete building enclosure by designing from below the ground up! There’s no room for “out of sight, out of mind” thinking here. Below-grade insulation applications play an important role in the durability and comfort of commercial and residential below-grade spaces. But they also contribute to the performance goals for the whole building. Our comprehensive and interactive below-grade application guide is ready to use now. Continue…



Engine 16 Passive House passed its final blower door test

We're excited to share that Engine 16 recently passed its final blower door test. This was a huge step for the project, which is seeking passive house certification from the Passive House Institute. We are thankful to be working with the R. Sutton & Co. team and BLDGTYP, LLC Passive House Consultants, and we are incredibly happy to have Kevin Brennan, who implemented the air sealing on this project. The support of such an amazing…


Charlotte of the Upper West Side is in the news again

Charlotte of the Upper West Side is in the news again, and in the Wall Street Journal again! What a great feature on its clean air and the healthy living environment created inside this Passive House building. "Charlotte of the Upper West Side, a building in Manhattan that opened in 2023, has seven full-floor units, each with a private entrance. The building has airtight construction with enhanced insulation. Each unit…


AIA International – Restoring the Past, Protecting the Future: Decarbonizing Historic Buildings

Join Michael Syracuse AIA LEED AP, on March 15 for the AIA International Spring Conference Decarbonizing Construction: From Material Production to Preservative Adaptive Reuse, when I'll speak about Decarbonizing Historic Buildings! See More Event Description How can landmarked historic buildings be sensitively transformed into high-performing, energy-efficient buildings, prepared for the next century? We look to the renovation of the landmarked Rubin Hall, a New York University student residence that will…


Mayor Adams Announces $50 Million Initiative to Reduce Barriers and Support Minority-Owned Developers to Build More Affordable Housing

March 4, 2024 Watch the video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGpHFR7kQWo Effort Expected to Enable $500 Million in Private Construction Lending to Minority-Owned Affordable Housing Developers Through Partnership With Goldman Sachs and Community Preservation Corporation  As Adams Administration Doubles Down on Commitment to Fight Housing Crisis, City Needs More Tools from Albany to Build Affordable Homes for New Yorkers NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Housing Preservation Development (HPD)…


2024 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Cristina Rodríguez-Vázquez, FXCollaborative

“Cristina has had a pivotal role in FXCollaborative’s cultural and educational projects, from the award-winning new home for Covenant House New York to studies for The New School and the Museo de Arte de Ponce. She has also taken an active role in mentoring junior design staff.” - Michael Syracuse, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Partner at FXCollaborative. Continue Reading


Sara Bayer is going to be speaking at Reimagine Buildings ’24

The global online conference that provides the information, connections, and inspiration you need to make buildings that can change the world. Over the course of 24 hours, we'll circumnavigate the globe, unveiling a new, innovative building project every hour, complete with actionable solution sets and lessons learned. Along with AIA HSW Continuing Education credits in partnership with AIA New York State, Reimagine Buildings '24 live program sessions will also be submitted…


The Catskill Project: Net-Zero Nirvana

One of the major appeals of buying a home in the Catskills is building a healthier, more sustainable life. The mountain air is cleaner, there’s quick access to hiking trails, biking, fishing and more, and you finally have the space to garden and keep your kitchen in a steady supply of heirloom tomatoes and squash all summer long. Continue Reading


The Hot New Luxury Good for the Rich: Air

When I stepped into John Roe’s apartment early last December, slipping off my boots at the elevator that opens into the home, it wasn’t immediately clear that people inhabited the space, let alone a child. The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath Manhattan residence looked like a showroom. Continue Reading



New York can add affordable housing without raising taxes. Here’s how

Most agree there is a housing crisis in New York State. According to the New York State Comptroller, housing costs went up 68% in the last decade. Housing accounts for roughly 40% of total household expenses in New York City, where many residents spend on average $30,000 a year for housing. How can we all work together to address the housing crisis without raising taxes? Continue Reading