1903 New York house gets an eco-friendly home makeover

Although originally built in 1903, the home at 45-12 11^th Street in Queens, New York now stands as an example of modern sustainable housing. Known as the Climate Change Row House, its renovation was completed in 2014 by owner and architect Thomas Paino. It is currently on the market with an asking price of $3.6 million.

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Paino spent three years on the comprehensive rebuild in an effort to meet environmental standards that counter the impact of climate change. As a result, Climate Change Row House meets energy-efficient passive house specifications.

The reconstruction started from the ground up, lifting the entire house 3.5 feet to raise it above the floodplain. Although only 19.5 feet wide, the home features a three-bedroom unit with an additional two-bedroom apartment on a different level.

living room with floor-to-ceiling windows

Throughout the space, large windows bring in natural light and the interior design elements add to the bright, open feel. A kitchen is positioned with two exterior accesses for cross ventilation and the dining room extends outdoors with a south-facing terrace.

A solarium on the top floor provides space for gathering, relaxing or growing plants. While the backyard garden is irrigated with the use of a rainwater collection system. Coupled with the green roof and 13 large planters placed on the terraces, a multi-season urban garden is supported. The green spaces not only naturally capture carbon for cleaner air, but also provide bird habitat. To date, 60 species of visiting birds have been identified.

The entire house is equipped with a hospital-grade passive air exchange system for fresh air. The water is solar-heated for energy and cost savings. Additional savings and sound insulation is offered through the triple-paned windows. All of this combines to offer a healthy and quiet indoor living space with adjacent outdoor enjoyment.

+ The Corcoran Group

Images via Jesse Winter Photographer for Corcoran and Lifestyle Production Group for Corcoran

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1903 New York house gets an eco-friendly home makeover is written by Dawn Hammon for inhabitat.com