The House at Cornell Tech

New York, NY, USA

Project details
Client

The Hudson Companies | Related Companies

Architect

Handel Architects

Duration

Completed in 2017

Services provided by Buro Happold

Building Services Engineering (MEP), Lighting design, Structural engineering

Cornell Tech’s 270 foot tall residential tower on Roosevelt Island in New York City is the tallest and largest residential Passive House building in the world.

Buro Happold provided multidisciplinary engineering services to achieve Passive House, a rigorous international building standard that results in dramatically reduced energy consumption and operational energy savings while providing superior comfort and indoor air quality.

Challenge

Setting a new precedent in high-rise residential design and serving as a showpiece for low-energy innovation, the new building is part of a campus mega-project which includes over 2.1 million square feet of space.

The structure is the world’s tallest and largest residential Passive House building. Image: Iwan Baan

Solution

The House is part of Cornell Tech’s wider commitment to innovative sustainability. As lighting designers and engineers for structure, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, Buro Happold played a key role in supporting the development of a high performance facade integrated with highly efficient indoor environmental systems and floor layouts that take full advantage of the building’s unique orientation. This was a key factor in the design to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Buro Happold worked closely with the owner, design team and the New York City Department of Buildings to realize Passive House on a greater scale than ever before.

The new 26-story residential tower sets a new standard for high rise residential design, technology and innovation. Image: Iwan Baan

Value

The House at Cornell Tech is currently the tallest building in the world to achieve Passive House certification. The 352-unit residence provides a mix of accommodation for students, staff and faculty, and features unparalleled views of Midtown Manhattan.

The structure is the world’s tallest and largest residential Passive House building. Image: Iwan Baan

Awards

2018

USGBC LEED Homes Award, Project of the Year