PROGRAM: Townhouse

STATUS: in progress

SIZE: 3,000 SF

1st place, 2024 aia queens design awards for sustainable design

This residential renovation project of a two-family building addressed various environmental issues, such as flooding, moisture and mold growth, and the decrease in biodiversity in cities, that impact housing in New York City, and specifically low to medium rise housing in Queens. We implemented a host of measures to respond to these issues by addressing them on three planes: the rear yard, the rear facade, and the roof. This project received a Queens AIA Design Award for Sustainable Design.

Flooding in homes is pervasive due to New York City’s combined sanitary and storm water waste system and the increased potential frequency of storms due to climate change that challenge the system’s capacity. In Queens, the prevalence of impervious pavement in backyards adds to the volume of storm runoff, as well as urban heat-island effect. Additionally, hardscaped rear yards and the lack of native plants has decreased habitats for pollinators. Many homes in Queens were built over 100 years ago and do not have insulation or air conditioning, so when improvements are made such as the addition of insulation, gypsum wall board, acrylic paint with plastic content, and air conditioning, increased moisture and mold can result.

The existing brick rear facade of the 1912 row house was modified to allow for a vapor-open assembly while at the same time, insulating the wall. The portland cement parging was chipped off, brick was repointed with lime mortar and three coats of lime plaster render were added to the exterior. The interior wall was repaired and a fur-wall insulated with mineral wool batts and sealed with a smart air barrier. The roof was abated and new decking, insulation, and an air barrier added. The concrete slab in the rear yard was removed and replaced with soil and gravel to help alleviate the storm-water load on the house drain. Native shrubs, trees, and flowers, which require minimal care to thrive, were planted throughout the backyard.

Backyard rainwater now drains into the ground. Native pollinators are enjoying an abundance of flowers. Monarch butterflies, which have been under consideration for the endangered species list, are laying eggs on milkweed and multiplying. These types of adjustments to homes help mitigate flooding and allow for basements to comfortably be used for housing. Upgrades to walls and roofs create healthy interior environments in a city with high asthma levels. And with these changes, people of all ages are exposed to the biodiversity of nature, from the thriving community of birds, bees, and insects in backyards just outside their door.