Charlotte Gardens, The Bronx

This seven story multi-residential building is Passive House Pre-Certified, and another new addition to the Passive House movement in The Bronx.  Blocks from Crotona Park and world famous Bronx Zoo, this building exceeds New York City energy code.  Proximity to the New York City Subway, Cross Bronx Expressway and future Metro North Line Extension provide easy commuting for residents both into Manhattan and soon Connecticut.  Charlotte Gardens hosts a community feel with long term residents.

The building was constructed as a 7 story super insulated steel structure with a high performance envelope clad with solar panels and continuous solar panel structure above the roof.  Air tight Passive House Certified windows and doors are used throughout the building providing thermal comfort through all the yearly seasons.  Passive House windows and energy recovery ventilation systems create superior air quality throughout the indoor spaces.  The ERV system utilizes the counter-flow of air to remove the stale air from inside a building, while retaining air temperature.   A sustainable effort, and benefit, that is increasing in popularity and importance for new design builds and developers.     

This singular building is actually comprised of two which are connected by a firewall.  Each 7 story "building" consists of over 12,200 square feet and 12 dwelling units with cellar and sub cellar.  At an average of 519 square feet for each unit, communal laundry has been added to accommodate living space and convenience.  Outdoor balconies create additional square footage for residents to enjoy outdoor living.  A recreational area is also added on the cellar level that connects to a rear yard, while an open terrace is added on the 7th floor with recreational cooking amenities.  Bryant Avenue is part of the Bronx's Bike Paths, Bike Lanes & Greenways, so we provided ample indoor and outdoor bike storage for residents. An ongoing theme of indoor-outdoor living can be experienced throughout this project encouraging green living and sustainability simultaneously.