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February 10, 2013
Castle Gardens
Castle Gardens is a mixed-use, green, supportive and affordable residential building and service center, providing supportive and affordable housing and essential services at the same site, creating long-term housing solutions for homeless people with histories of incarceration and their families, as well as low-income individuals and families from West Harlem and the greater New York area.Center for the Urban Environment (BCUE)
1. Water savings of 30% from typical construction2. Met LEED low VOC standards for all materials and adhesives and paints
3. Zero formaldehyde present in all materials
4. Achieved 90% diversion of waste from landfill
5. Achieved 30% recycled content of materials
6. over 50% of wood from salvaged sources
7. energy efficient lighting scheme with occupant sensors
8. bicycle parking provided for more than 15% of occupants
9. educational outreach program setup so the space can act as a living museum to visitors about the process of creating sustainable heathly work places.
10. reuse of existing warehouse building and its structure
Brooklyn Ecopolis
Brooklyn Ecopolis is a 5-story mixed used building containing an eco-cafe and a non-profit sustainable resource centerGood Housekeeping Green House
This townhouse, designed and gut renovated with impeccable craftsmanship, luxury green features and modern layouts, is located on a sunny tree lined brownstone block within the proposed extension of the gorgeous Mount Morris Park Historic District. With a central stairwell atrium, four large skylights and oversized windows, the home is stunningly light and airy, and combines the gracious proportions of a traditional brownstone with a contemporary loft-like configuration. Gas fireplaces are cozy and warm and recessed lighting allows a customized mood, highlighting expanses of exposed brick and clever alcoves. No expense was spared to optimize usable square feet and ceiling heights – countless interior windows and wall cutouts cleverly extend natural light into each room.The expansive 20’ x 61’ 4-story single family home offers 4,750 square feet of interior space plus a roof deck, two terraces and planted garden. It includes an owner’s 3,519 SF triplex PLUS a 1,232 SF self contained garden apartment with separate entrance. This private 2-bedroom guest suite is perfect for the in-laws or college age children but could easily be converted into an income generating rental unit as its smart design integrates kitchen ready hookups.
The dramatic parlor floor is designed for entertaining as the living space, dining room and kitchen flow graciously into the exterior deck and patio. A compact alcove contains a floor to ceiling pantry, a private powder room and a wet bar with plenty of storage and a full height wine cooler. The chef’s kitchen features all Bosch stainless steel energy efficient appliances, custom cabinets and the large slate tiles top a radiant heated floor. The 2nd floor boasts a family friendly configuration as the living space below extends into this large sun drenched family/media room. At the other end of the 60+ foot deep house are two spacious bedrooms, two full baths, a children’s computer work station and a large dedicated laundry room.
The top floor master quarters feature a spacious bedroom with private terrace, cozy gas fireplace, his/hers walk-in closets with full height built-in custom storage and fittings, and a separate office/sitting room complete with wet bar. The luxurious spa-like bath is outfitted with slate tiles over radiant floors, various lighting options, soaring ceilings, 3 skylights, separate Jacuzzi tub and glass stalled rain shower. The open stairway, flooded with natural light from the skylight above, flows to the rooftop where a private deck extends the home’s usable space. The finished cellar boasts two south facing windows and 8+ ft ceilings, allowing this space to function as a private office and or home gym.
Premium quality finishes include reclaimed wide plank hardwood floors and large slate tiles (as seen in the MOMA) and custom recessed lighting throughout the home employs dimmable energy efficient lamping.
Did we mention this is the first LEED silver certified house in NYC? The entire building is designed, carefully constructed and verified to superior green standards. Your electric bill is covered, courtesy of the 3 integrated solar panels which are likely large enough to generate a recurring ConEd rebate! A 300 gallon cellar cistern collects rainwater for all of your gardening needs. Eco friendly wall insulation made from surplice blue jean fabric keeps the house warm in winter, cool in summer, and blissfully quiet. VOC-free paints and primers optimize indoor air quality, and ultra efficient appliances and multi-zoned systems minimize energy loads and maximize comfort.
The contextual facade is impeccably restored and complements the other 19th century houses in the district and on this notable block, which includes a stretch of Landmark Queen Anne Townhouses designed by the late renowned architect Francis Kimball. The landmark-quality Low-E efficient windows and bright red cornice complete the picture.
At the end of the block are many new boutiques and restaurants along Lenox Ave and around the corner is the restored Marcus Garvey Park with its brand new Richard Rogers Amphitheater, dog run and playground. The location is convenient to both the #2/3 express at Lenox & 125th, the A/B/C/D at St Nicholas & 125th and nearby Metro North.