FXFOWLE has recently completed a study showing that it is viable to design high-rise residential buildings in New York City to the Passivhaus Standard—a standard based on the concept of using simple, direct, and primarily architectural solutions to create ultra-low energy buildings.

The Feasibility Study to Implement the Passivhaus Standard on Tall Residential Buildings is based on a particular mixed-use building design, however, common approaches are identified that can be used to apply Passivhaus to a broad range of high-rise residential building designs. The study also addresses an industry-wide lack of familiarity with Passivhaus and dispels misperceptions about its applicability.

The study was funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to determine how the construction industry can become more energy efficient. The presentation covers an introduction to the Passivhaus Standard, its applicability to higher education and residential projects, and relevant case studies. AIA credit is available.

FXFOWLE is an architectural, planning, and interior design firm with a global practice. The firm recently completed 888 Boylston Street, a LEED Platinum office building in Back Bay, Boston, and are currently constructing Ames Street Residences, a residential tower in Kendall Square, Cambridge, designed in collaboration with Stantec.