Pro Tour: Under Construction: Multi-Phase Passive House Development in NY Capital District
Amsterdam, NY
United States
AIA (pending)
NESEA returns to New York’s Capital District for a Pro Tour of a new, 3-phase Passive House development project. When complete, this development will total over 200,000 square feet and provide a total of 168 Passive House-certified units, making it one of the largest Phius-certified projects to date.
Our event, led by hosts Black Mountain Architects, gives theNESEA community the opportunity to see the project while it is under construction. The team behind this development set ambitious goals: meet the rigorous Phius Zero 2021 standard, achieve true Net Zero energy, minimize embodied carbon, and specify low-maintenance systems — all within the budget of a typical market-rate development. Pursuing Phius Zero certification for the first time, they meticulously addressed envelope thermal performance, air tightness, and component selection, all of which also contribute to co-benefits including occupant health and comfort and building resiliency. The project recently achieved Phius Design Certification for all buildings. Embodied carbon reduction was tackled through assembly and component analysis and the specification of low-carbon materials. HVAC systems were configured to maximize efficiency within Passive House parameters.
Our day will start with an opening presentation from the project team, including the developer and architect, where attendees will learn about the history and vision of the development, the building science to achieve project goals, and the financing strategies making this work possible. Attendees will then break into small groups to tour the building while hearing more from the interdisciplinary team of experts who made it possible. After the tour, we’ll regroup for a reception and Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to chat with the day’s speakers and each other.
Tentative Schedule
| 12:30 PM | Doors open, registration, networking and coffee |
| 1:00 PM | Welcome by NESEA |
| 1:10 PM | Overview of the project by the host |
| 2:00 PM | Tour of project begins; attendees rotate through content-specific stations |
| 3:45 PM | Group reconvenes and travels back to initial meeting point |
| 4:00 PM | Reception with light refreshments |
| 4:15 PM | Q&A panel with members of project team |
| 5:00 PM | Event concludes |
If you have questions about this event, you can contact us via protours@nesea.org. Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here.