Sawkill Lumber joined with Menck Windows at the North American Passive House Conference 2016. The intersection of reclaimed woods – a certifiable ‘passive’ forest product – and energy efficient windows, was a triple-pane window made with reclaimed Redwood (salvaged from dismantled vinegar tanks), supplied by Sawkill Lumber and manufactured at the Menck Windows facility in the U.S.; just three hrs north of NYC in Chicopee, MA. Thanks to Menck for their leap into the process and putting the salvaged wood through their state-of-the-art milling equipment. Their acceptance of what’s otherwise a clear ‘defect’ in the wood was certainly stretched on this one. A remarkably technical, beautiful and uber-sustainable window emerged. The first one was installed at a Brooklyn passive house on the opening day of the conference.
energy efficiency
Duct Blaster!
David White employs the ‘Duct Blaster’, checking for leaks in the ventilation system (installed by Alexander Sanchez of A C + H). The numbers were on target, with the the blaster – looking like something on loan from NASA – registering under 5% leakage.
Reclaimed redwood From Klaas armster
Turning wine into windows. Klaas Armster inspects the reclaimed wine tank Redwood at Strout Millwork that is being prepared for the Passive House windows by Menck.
Castrucci Architect on WNYC’s ‘Net Zero City’
Paul Castrucci Architect (PCA) was featured on WNYC. The story was an intro to high energy efficiency, and it’s challenge for a city of high rises. Passive House design, nonetheless, is attainable for the understory (1-5 story bldgs) on the city’s skyline, as explained by Urban Green Council Director Russell Unger. Photo: (951 Pacific Bklyn, Paul Castrucci Architect). Online link to story.