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Passive House Traditional Townhouse

Manhattan's First Certified Passive House

Stoop and areaway that replaced the front yard of an Upper West Side brownstone

Historic preservation and high performance building came together in this Upper West Side Historic District Renaissance Revival brownstone. The home became Manhattan's first Certified Passive House and Certified LEED for Home Platinum.

After Front façade of a Greek Revival brownstone on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with reinstalled stoop
Before Front façade of a Greek Revival brownstone on the Upper West Side of Manhattan before our renovation
Restoring the front façade, originally designed by Thom Wilson in 1888, included returning the ornamental details and stoop which had been removed in the 1940s.
After Restored entryway with new vestibule, white molding detail and a large decorative light fixture
Before Entry door to a townhouse with dark wood detailing before our renovation
The reinstalled stoop made the parlor-level entryway functional again. We removed the bars covering the door, replicated the historic front door, and created a vestibule in the entryway.
After Wood-paneled study with roman shades and built-in bookshelves at the front of an Upper West Side townhouse.
Before Room with bay windows at the front of an Upper West Side home before our renovation.
Next to the entryway, we created a traditional formal study, complete with wood paneled walls and built-in shelving. Passive measures allowed us to remove the window A/C unit and install larger windows.
After Living space with two separate seating areas, a coffee table that doubles as a display case, and antique rugs.
Before Dining room with mismatched chairs, dark wood floors, and a ceiling fan before our renovation
On an upper level, creating larger window openings and removing walls opened up the space to let natural light pour in.

The resulting seating area doubles as a place to showcase our client's art collection, including a glass top coffee table that doubles as a display case.

Looking down from the third story of a sculptural staircase with dark wood railings and lighter wood treads.
Seating area with two armchairs and wraparound windows.
Kitchen with marble island, sculptural staircase, and white cabinetry

Note from the architect

BIA Interiors enhanced the open floorplan by integrating a light, neutral color palette with plush fabrics and natural woods. We collaborated with our clients to incorporate their art collection from their many travels with sculptural lighting and textured wallpapers.

Top-floor seating area with an orange couch and large sliding glass door leading out to the roof deck
Sculptural staircase with an antique chandelier and a group of balloons ascending the space in the middle.
Upper level roof deck with solar panels and a circular couch

We built upon the home's unique design by including a rooftop deck, rear addition, and architectural details.

Breakfast nook with a chandelier and sliding glass doors leading out to a roof deck.
Off-white dressing area in a primary bathroom with custom vanities next to a large window
View from the bottom looking up at an open stringer, open riser sculptural staircase
Team
  • BIA Interiors
  • Project Plant
  • Aeon Solar
  • Taffera Fine Building & Finishes
Photography
  • Peter Peirce
Featured in
  • City Realty
  • Rethinking the Future
  • 6sqft
  • House Diaries
  • Australian Design Review

In the News

Brick Underground Features Baxt Ingui Passive Houses

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The Green Home Craze that's Saving New Yorkers Money - New York Post

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The Passive House in New York - The New York Times

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