Our Brooklyn-based architecture studio completed the Olive House in 2021. Tucked into the Catskill woods, the Olive Passive House is a 1500 ft² house designed to optimize views, light, and privacy. The south-facing elevation is carved at an angle towards the East, framing the view of the pond, while reducing the solar heat gain in the summer months. This carving movement continues on the ground floor, where it creates a protected porch to eat, read, and relax. The warm Siberian Larch lining contrasts with the dark metal exterior and alludes to the airy interior. 

The 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has a neutral interior palette complemented by washes of color in the bathroom and kitchens. 

Designed to become a PHIUS-certified passive house, this building will work exclusively on electric power and consumes almost 80% less than most homes built in the same area. The home optimizes energy efficiency through a series of key elements; triple-glazed windows that maximize solar heat during the winter, while the walls and roof are insulated with dense pack cellulose, 80% recycled material.

The envelope of the house was built as a panelized system in a nearby shop and trailed to the job site where it was assembled atop a concrete foundation in less than 2 days.