Journal
The latest news from ZH Architects — from our thoughts on sustainable design to current projects
In Praise of Shadows
With the onset of the summer heat, our casual reliance on air conditioners returns along with the quiet acceptance of the cost to run them. This begs the question of how we can better prepare ourselves for hotter longer summers?
Rock House
Located on 40 acres in Kent, Connecticut on a heavily wooded site, the house was sited to maximize views of the surrounding hills and seasonal views of the river below.
The Power of Transparency
Since 2020, the city has require all private buildings over 25,000 SF (or city owned buildings that are over 10,000 SF) to post their energy grade as calculated by Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager. Building Energy Grades will use letter grades A-F, just like schools, to make them easily understood by the public and offer transparency.
Passive House Design, from XS to XXL
Passive Houses come in all sizes. The term “Passive House” is a misnomer as it doesn’t do justice to the concept. Passive “House” projects are not just houses– they come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from commercial spaces, community centers, hospital, schools, etc.
Passive House Design Inspiration
At ZH Architects, we are always on the lookout for inspiration in the Passive House design community. We are excited that architects are beginning to synthesize the demands of Passive House construction with high design. Here are three designs that have inspired us lately.
Why Indoor Air Quality Effects Your Quality of Life
The average American spends upwards of 90% of their day indoors which is why ensuring that your indoor environment is of good quality has a surprisingly large impact on our health, wellness, and quality of life.
NYC Climate Mobilization Act 2019 – It’s Not What You Think
On Earth Day, April 22, 2019, Mayor de Blasio signed into law a new piece of legislation that will create an ambitious cap on CO2 emissions from NYC buildings.
Q & A with Bo and Itzy
Renovating a home in New York City is no easy feat – it’s an undertaking which requires plenty of patience. But what about building a Passive House – is it any different?
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Passive House Design
Enigmatic, mysterious, elusive. Like the theory of relativity, or how to correctly use a washing machine, the Passive House standard is something that many people know of, but seemingly few people really understand