Passive Architecture NYC
Widely Recognized Hudson Valley Architects Specializing in Sustainable, Luxury Design Creating Inspired Homes and Commercial Spaces That Elevate Lifestyles and Honor the Environment
High-Performance Design for a Healthier, Smarter, More Sustainable City
In a city that never sleeps—and rarely slows down—energy use, comfort, and long-term building performance matter more than ever. That’s where passive architecture comes in. At Wright Architects, we deliver Passive House–inspired architecture that doesn’t just look good—it performs beautifully. Our work integrates advanced building science with timeless design to create homes and commercial spaces that are efficient, resilient, and tailored to urban life.
Design for a Healthier, Smarter, More Sustainable City
Passive architecture in NYC isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint—it’s about increasing the quality of the air you breathe, the stability of your indoor temperatures, and the value of your investment. We help clients across all five boroughs achieve these goals, whether they’re restoring a brownstone in Brooklyn Heights, combining co-op units on the Upper West Side, or building a new Net-Zero home in Forest Hills.
Every one of our passive projects starts with a simple idea: work with nature, not against it. That means optimizing your building’s envelope, orientation, materials, and systems—so you get more comfort, more savings, and a home or workspace that truly supports your life in the city.
Our commitment to passive architecture is grounded in:
- Deep technical expertise and Passive House certification
- Mastery of NYC’s regulatory landscape (DOB, LPC, zoning, and more)
- A full-service architectural process that keeps design integrity intact through construction
- Real-world results: verified performance, measurable savings, and client satisfaction
Whether you’re pursuing certification or simply want to build smarter, Wright Architects brings the clarity, coordination, and creativity to make passive design work in even the most challenging urban conditions. Let’s create a space that feels good, lives well, and lasts for generations.
What Is Passive Architecture?
Design with Intention. Performance by Design.
At Wright Architects, we follow the core principles of Passive House design—whether or not our clients pursue formal certification. These principles include:
- Airtight Building Envelopes
Tightly sealed construction to eliminate drafts, reduce heat loss, and block outside pollutants and noise. - Passive Solar Gain + Thermal Shading
Strategic window placement, glazing, and shading devices that capture warmth in winter and block heat in summer. - Thermal Bridge-Free Detailing
Construction techniques and materials that prevent energy from leaking through weak points in walls, roofs, and floors. - Balanced Ventilation with HRV/ERV Systems
Fresh, filtered air circulated through heat-recovery ventilators—ensuring excellent indoor air quality without energy loss. - Energy Modeling & Right-Sized Mechanical Systems
We simulate your building’s real-world performance using tools like PHPP and WUFI to optimize efficiency and avoid oversized, overbuilt systems.
The result?
A building that’s quieter, healthier, and dramatically more efficient—keeping heat in during NYC’s freezing winters and cooling costs down during its muggy summers.
Passive Architecture Services in NYC
Built for the City. Powered by Performance.
At Wright Architects, our passive architecture services are designed specifically for New York City’s complex urban fabric—from landmarked brownstones and co-ops to high-performance commercial spaces and adaptive reuse developments. We don’t treat sustainability as an add-on—we embed it from the start, aligning technical performance with elegant design and regulatory compliance.- Urban Homes & Brownstones Timeless Design Meets Passive Performance We specialize in combining historic charm with cutting-edge energy performance—often in buildings over a century old.
- High-Performance Commercial & Mixed-Use Efficient, Healthy, Future-Ready Buildings From creative studios and medical offices to wellness centers and multi-unit buildings, we design commercial spaces that exceed energy standards, improve occupant wellness, and reduce operating costs.
- Retrofit & Resiliency UpgradesBreathe New Life into Old Buildings NYC’s building stock is aging—but that doesn’t mean you need to start from scratch. We specialize in passive retrofits that reduce energy demand, increase comfort, and prepare your building for a resilient future.
Why Wright Architects?
Because Passive Performance Deserves More Than Good Intentions—It Demands Proven Expertise.
At Wright Architects, we don’t just aspire to passive performance—we deliver it. Our team has decades of hands-on experience applying Passive House principles in New York’s most complex architectural and regulatory environments. From pre-war brownstones to new urban infill, we lead with precision, collaboration, and care at every step.
Deep Experience in NYC Passive Projects
We’ve successfully designed and executed Passive House–inspired renovations, additions, and new builds across the five boroughs and beyond.
We’ve successfully designed and executed Passive House–inspired renovations, additions, and new builds across the five boroughs and beyond.
Certified, Credentialed Experts
Our technical qualifications set us apart—and ensure your project is guided by best-in-class standards from day one.
These certifications aren’t just letters—they’re a reflection of our commitment to quality, precision, and sustainability.
Landmark + DOB Filing Expertise
You don’t have to choose between energy efficiency and regulatory compliance. We work within some of the most challenging building environments in NYC and know how to thread the needle between performance, aesthetics, and code.
We don’t see constraints—we see opportunities for creative, compliant solutions.
Performance-Driven Results That Matter
Passive architecture isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how a space feels.
We design spaces that are resilient, restorative, and ready for the next generation of New York living.
Whether you’re exploring a deep energy retrofit, a Passive House–level brownstone transformation, or simply want to improve comfort and efficiency in your NYC home or commercial space—Wright Architects is ready to lead the way.
Case Study: Passive Retrofit – Fort Greene Brownstone
Client: A growing family of four renovating a three story, landmarked townhouse in Brooklyn.
Goals: Reduce heating and cooling bills, improve indoor air quality, and increase thermal comfort all while preserving the historic charm of their 19th century brownstone.
What We Delivered:
- We added continuous insulation to exterior walls, roof, and basement slab, with airtight detailing and thermal bridge mitigation throughout dramatically improving thermal performance.
- Discreet HRV Ventilation:A whole-house heat recovery ventilation system was seamlessly integrated behind existing plasterwork and cabinetry to maintain healthy air without altering historic finishes.
- Triple-Pane Windows:Custom-fabricated, Landmark Preservation Commission–approved units matched the original profiles while delivering Passive House–level performance.
- Compliance & Incentives:Full LPC and DOB coordination ensured regulatory approval. The project qualified for NYSERDA home performance incentives and was documented for potential IRA tax credits.
- Compliance & Incentives:Full LPC and DOB coordination ensured regulatory approval. The project qualified for NYSERDA home performance incentives and was documented for potential IRA tax credits.
- Results:
-70% reduction in total energy use
-Dramatic improvement in indoor air quality and humidity control
-Stable interior temperatures across all seasons
-No visual compromise to the home’s historic character
“The house is warm, breathable, and unbelievably quiet—even on a cold January night. Wright Architects made sustainability feel personal and possible.”
— Homeowner, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
WRIGHT ARCHITECTS
Words We Live By
Tools & Technology That Power Our Work
Revit + BIM 3D Modeling
For accurate coordination across envelope systems, structure, and MEP.WUFI & PHPP Energy Modeling
Used from early design through certification readiness for envelope performance, moisture management, and HVAC sizing.DOB Compliance Platforms
eFiling, energy code modeling, and zoning research integrated directly into the workflow.Custom Client Dashboards
Visual timelines, material selections, approvals, and budget tracking—accessible 24/7.Performance Testing Support
We coordinate and verify blower door tests, air changes per hour (ACH), and deliver full performance summaries.