Resilience Squared: Modular Affordable Passive House Tour
Thursday, September 26, 2024, 9am-1pm
If you’re passionate about environmental impact and affordable housing, and curious about the technology behind self-sustaining buildings, join Paul A. Castrucci Architects and Murray Engineering in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush neighborhood. Experience firsthand how Bethany Terraces challenges convention and proves that cost-effective, resilient, low-carbon, and healthy buildings can be NYC’s new standard.
Tour Location
604 E 40th St. Brooklyn, NY 11203
Neighborhood
East Flatbush
Architects & Structural Engineers
Paul A. Castrucci Architects
Murray Engineering
Tour Description
“The potential of this [modular] approach was clear when we saw a building go from foundation to topped out in 2 weeks.” – Grayson Jordan, Principal, Paul A. Castrucci Architects (PCA)
In Autumn 2023, PCA’s commitment to addressing NYC’s urgent affordable senior housing needs led to an exhilarating project: Bethany Terraces. In just 2 weeks, we shipped and erected 47 modular units from Leola, PA, creating a 4-story residential complex that redefines senior living with affordable, Passive House design.
Bethany Terraces, developed in collaboration with RiseBoro Community Partnership and supported by NYSERDA, offers 58 studios and one 1-bedroom apartment filled with natural light and powered by solar arrays. This innovative project focuses on reducing operational energy use and embodied carbon, while exploring circular building design.
The southern terraces cascade into a communal garden, fostering connection, activity, and well-being among residents. The design emphasizes wayfinding and dignified aging, creating spaces that encourage spontaneous interactions and a strong sense of community. Modular construction holds immense promise, and PCA is committed to refining this innovative methodology to build thriving, resilient communities across NYC.
If you’re passionate about environmental impact and affordable housing, and curious about the technology behind self-sustaining buildings, join PCA and Murray Engineering in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush neighborhood. Experience firsthand how Bethany Terraces challenges convention and proves that cost-effective, resilient, low-carbon, and healthy buildings can be NYC’s new standard.
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the Efficiency of Modular Construction for Affordable Housing
Learn how modular construction techniques—building pre-fabricated units off-site and assembling them on-site—can reduce build times and costs, making this design and construction method an ideal solution to address the urgent need for affordable housing in NYC.
2. Explore the Integration of Passive House and Modular Construction
Discover how combining Passive House design with modular construction delivers energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions that meet the demands of NYC’s housing crisis while ensuring long-term sustainability and comfort.
3. Analyze Innovations in Resilient, Cost-Effective Building
See how modular construction overcomes common challenges in the housing market, using off-site manufacturing to maximize efficiency, reduce construction timelines, and provide affordable, high-performance housing options.
4. Investigate Circular Design and Embodied Carbon Reduction
Explore how Bethany Terraces employs circular building practices to minimize embodied carbon, using sustainable materials and innovative design solutions that respond to NYC’s need for resilient, affordable housing.
Tour Date
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Tour Times
9am – 10am
10am – 11am
11am – 12pm
12pm – 1pm
Tour Guides
Grayson Jordan, AIA, Principal, Paul A. Castrucci Architects
Robert Murray, PE, Principal, Murray Engineering
Tour Guides Bios
Grayson Jordan, AIA, Principal
Grayson Jordan is a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) and Registered Architect practicing in the States of New York and Massachusetts. He has worked on a wide range of project types and scales in and around the New York City area. His work within the firm has been focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. Mr. Jordan was the project architect for the City’s first Passive House Net Zero building (R-951 Residence) and the NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Blue Ribbon Winning Bethany Senior Terraces, an affordable housing building for seniors. He has worked closely with developers, individual clients, the DOB, DDC, DCA, HPD, Landmark’s Commission, DEP, City Planning, and other city agencies.
Outside of the office, Mr. Jordan is a member of the AIA COTE Social Equity Committee and has focused on advocating for the use of community engagement in the design process. He is an active member of the NYC Energy Code advisory board, and he frequently presents the firm’s work in Passive House, sustainability and modular construction to the general public, students and fellow professionals.
Robert J. Murray, PE, Principal
Robert’s professional engineering career spans over 30 years. Licensed in multiple states and as the Founder and Principal of Murray Engineering for the last 20+ years, Robert has crafted a reputation for excellence—applying deep knowledge, creating tailored solutions, and delivering solid results.
In 2020, Robert was named an Honorary Member of the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY). He has served SEAoNY as Board President, Board Member, Director of Programs, and member of various code committees.
Robert has experience in all construction types including steel, concrete, timber, and masonry structures. His expertise is not only with new building design but with the expansion, renovation, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and evaluation of existing structures. He remains passionate about building science, sustainable design, and enjoys modular and panelized construction. Internal to the company, Robert is focused on mentoring our skilled and talented junior engineers with a successful team environment attitude.
Additional Tour Details
Accessibility
ADA compliant, Wheelchair accessible, Elevator access, Seating available, Restrooms available, ADA restrooms available, Drinking fountain or water bottle filling station, Quiet or sensory-friendly space, Children allowed
Accessibility notes
– Bethany Terraces is entirely wheelchair accessible throughout the building.
– Seating is available throughout the building.
– It’s highly recommended that visitors who are blind or partially sighted come with a sighted companion.
Age restrictions: Guests of all ages may attend.
Maximum Capacity Per Tour: 25
Tour Agenda
Each tour will follow the same agenda. The tour will begin in the lobby, proceed to the greenhouse, and then continue to the demonstration kitchen. We’ll return to the lobby before heading up to the second floor to explore the terraces and rooftop. The tour will also include visits to a furnished one-bedroom unit and a studio, with time for Q&A at the end.
Registration
Space is limited and advanced registration is required. This event is free and open to the public. Register HERE. (Registration is closed)
About the Phius NY Chapter
Phius Alliance New York State (Phius NYS) is the New York State chapter of Phius Alliance. Advocates for passive housing models work to make ultra-low energy buildings a mainstream market force and an accepted best practice in the building industry. Phius Alliance NYS is your local resource for information about the passive house model and professionals who specialize in energy efficient design. Learn more at www.phiusny.org.