Archi-Tectonics

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Created by potrace 1.10, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2011

This project achieves 45% energy savings with an innovative operable folding screen that was integrated into a residential building.

Scroll all the way below the credits to view a selection of publications on this work!

CHALLENGE
The goal of this renovation of, and addition to, a residential townhouse in SoHo rethought how a building could actively contribute to a more sustainable urban realm.

INNOVATION
By adding a large extension onto an existing building with a modest footprint of 19 x 40 feet, we converted the building into an 8-story townhouse for 1 family, wrapped by a spacious lattice envelope functioning as a climatic skin, a third ‘building’.

A glass elevator connects the floors with connective voids that allow for a fluid living environment. The highly recognizable climate envelope, whose spatial and performative properties serve as an adaptable perimeter of the building, is made from a lightweight steel frame and folding panels. This skin can be opened and closed with ease, and adds new exterior spaces in different, variable conditions.

IMPACT
The innovative folding envelope modulates exposure to passively regulate internal temperatures, resulting in a total energy savings of up to 45%.

Credits

Year: Completed 2020

Location: Soho, NYC

Client: Private

Project Type: 8-story residential, single-family

Size: 5,200 ft2 (480 m2), 215 ft2 balconies (20 m2), 465 ft2 decks (45 m2)

Design Team: Principal in charge: Winka Dubbeldam, Assoc. AIA | Project Leaders: Justin Korhammer, Hanxing Zu | Archi-Tectonics Team: Boden Davies, Avra Tomara, Hsiang Wei

Consultants: Structural Engineers: Cantor & Seinuk Engineers, PC | Mechanical Engineers: 2LS Consulting Engineering | General Contractor: Galcon Construction

Photography: Archi-Tectonics | Federica Carlet

Architect of Record: Randall Collins, Architect

Videography: Surface Magazine, Douglas Elliman

Credits

Publications