Charlotte of the Upper West Side sounds like a fabulous new play by that trendy new writer, but actually, the real Charlotte is even more interesting. This is the first condo in all of New York City to be certified by the Passive House Institute. And those who follow eco-friendly building and design know that this certification means a lot.
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The Passive House Certification means that the building has reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling needs by about 90%. The building has airtight seals and insulated to minimize drafts and air leaks. This not only reduces energy consumption, but it also keeps the building quiet and helps to regulate the temperature.
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As a result, each residence inside the building has their own ventilation system and their own heating and cooling system. A filtration system purifies the incoming air to reduce irritants, pet dander and other stuff you don’t want to breathe.
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The facade was designed to match the surrounding historic architecture in New York’s Central Park West area. Italian-made terracotta and red brick create a distinct exterior. Terra-cotta fins are used to reduce heat coming into the house and provide warmth in the winter. The illuminated canopy lights the way to the building.
Inside, the lobby is filled with certified white oak accent walls and gorgeous limestone slabs. Wide-plank white oak floors, harvested from a single source in France, create gorgeous flooring. Energy-efficient appliances further reduce energy costs.
The architecture and interiors were designed by BKSK. The design drew inspiration from architectural traditions of the past. Layers of masonry were used to interweave terracotta together with brick to create a textured exterior with window openings.
This modern condo building has all the features, all the eco-friendly extras and all the cool modern tech. But it looks like other buildings in this posh part of New York City, with a historic flair that matches the neighborhood.
Images via Alyssa Kapito Interior Design and BKSK Architects
