Built in 2012, Tighthouse is the first certified passive house in New York City. Located in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, Tighthouse represents the first of a new generation of highly energy-efficient homes to be renovated in New York. It is expected to perform with 90% less heating energy and 75% less energy overall than compared to a standard home.

The renovation of Tighthouse included the addition of another story, new rear façade, solar panels on a new angled rooftop, and an exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS). The design of Tighthouse can meet the varying temperature changes of New York City while still adhering to passive house standards.

The minimalist aesthetic chosen by the clients was meant to showcase passive house’s efficiency and simplicity – all while maintaining the congruence of brownstone buildings in the neighborhood.

This thermal image of Tighthouse taken in one of the coldest nights of the winter, is provides of the most remarkable visual depiction of the impact of a truly well build Passive House. Tighthouse stands as a premier example of the type of renovation that BuildForward lenders look to fund.

For more information, please see Julie Torres Moskovitz' book, The Greenest Home and visit Dwell.