Passive House, Active Impact: Redefining Sustainable Building with Deborah Moelis of Handel Architects

Buckle up, Skyliners, for an illuminating episode with Deborah Moelis, AIA, a Principal and founding member of Handel Architects, whose pioneering work is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design in urban environments. Deborah's journey takes us into the intricate world of Passive House design, a standard that dramatically reduces energy consumption by creating airtight, thermally efficient structures. She shares her experience managing Cornell Tech’s residential tower—once the world's largest building constructed to Passive House standards—where she led a team that set new benchmarks for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Deborah’s current project, Sendero Verde, is equally groundbreaking, poised to be the largest fully affordable Passive House in the world upon completion. In our conversation, she delves into the critical components of Passive House, emphasizing the importance of creating airtight facades and incorporating mechanical systems that ensure continuous ventilation while maintaining energy efficiency.

We also explore Deborah’s thoughts on the evolving construction industry, particularly regarding modular construction, thermal breaks, and energy recovery systems. She discusses how effective design can mitigate common issues such as heat loss and pest intrusion, significantly enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Throughout our discussion, Deborah passionately advocates for the integration of sustainable practices in architecture, underscoring the importance of meeting building codes and embracing new technologies. As cities face the challenges of climate change, her insights highlight the vital role that innovative design plays in shaping not just individual buildings but also the broader landscape of affordable housing and urban living. Join us for this in-depth exploration of how Deborah Moelis and her team are truly Shaping the NYC Skyline.

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