NYC IceBox Challenge & Passive House Presentation
Thank you to everyone who came out to join us last night for an exciting evening of Passive House discussion and sustainable building trivia as part of the NYC Ice Box Challenge!
Moderated by the Passive House experts from Steven Winter Associates, attendees tested their knowledge of the Passive House history and standards to win prizes. Following trivia, Dattner Architects’ John Woelfling joined Christopher Hamm from Steven Winter Associates, and Mark Ginsberg from Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP, to present on the state of Passive House as it relates to multifamily buildings in New York City.
Overview
While the Passive House standard is based on simple concepts, achieving certification for large multifamily buildings in New York City is no easy task. Dattner Architects’ Principal John Woelfling and Mark Ginsberg of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects–each with experience working on more than a dozen Passive House projects at many scales throughout the City–presented their own unique challenges and lessons learned, along with an introduction to the Passive House standard in NYC by Steven Winter Associates.
About the Speakers
John Woelfling AIA, LEED AP, CPHT, Principal, Dattner Architects
John’s work is driven by the belief that architecture should be sensitive to the environment. His involvement in woodworking, carpentry, and construction have instilled in him a passion for the hands-on aspect of the architectural process, as well as a sense for practicality and an understanding of materiality. Whether directing a design team, spearheading AIA 2030 Commitment efforts, leading the firm’s Sustainable Practice Group, or incorporating Passive House design into the firm’s projects, his focus on sustainable design practices is guided by proactive education of evolving green technologies and incorporating them into his design work.
Mark Ginsberg FAIA, LEED AP, Principal, Curtis + Ginsberg Architects
Mark Ginsberg, a native New Yorker, is a partner of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP with over 33 years of professional experience in planning, urban design, institutional and housing projects. His expertise in affordable and mixed income housing, resiliency and green design has been recognized through his many lectures at national and local conferences and meetings. Mark has led C+GA’s efforts on developments that comprise well over 10,000 units of housing, most of which are affordable and sustainable.
About the Ice Box Challenge
The Ice Box Challenge was created in Brussels and brought to New York City to celebrate the environmental leadership in both cities, and to commemorate Brussels Days – an annual series of activities to promote the Brussels-Capital Region. It is made possible by the Brussels-Capital Region and Brussels Invest & Export / hub.brussels, organized with NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and the Building Energy Exchange, and partnered with New York Passive House among many other local organizations.
This year in New York City, the Ice Box Challenge is a contest and an experiment to demonstrate how a home can be super energy efficient AND comfortable. The Ice Boxes are left outside in the sun for a month. When they are opened, the amount of ice left in each box will be measured. How much ice is left shows how well each Ice Box keeps out the summer heat. Better building design can help us reduce our carbon pollution without changing our behavior. Energy-efficient homes are comfortable, quiet, and healthy.