News
For a Lake View, They Built on Stilts
It’s a Sunday spring morning. Colin Dickerman, Peter Koblish and their two pit bulls are, at last, spending it in their house in upstate New York, overlooking a lake and the woods where one dog recently got impaled by a porcupine. On the coffee table is a manuscript – probably soon to be available in bookstores near you. Dickerman, a book editor, was working on it when we pulled in. He’s in a blue jean shirt, and Koblish is wearing…
Actively Passive
The push for Passive House has become more active. As a quick refresher, a Passive House (PH) project relies on a robust envelope system to minimize or eliminate the need for conventional heating systems – relying instead on “passive” sources such as solar radiation or waste heat – as well as employs natural light and ventilation as much as possible. More specifically, a passive building is designed and built in accordance with the following strategies and systems: Continuous insulation throughout…
Passive House Busts High Cost Myth
There’s a myth circulating that super energy-efficient homes cost more to build than homes with typical code-level energy features. Last year, Architect, Richard Pedranti, busted that myth by designing a home to Passive House standards for only $165 per square foot. “We typically use between $175 and $200 per square foot for standard new home construction costs in our area,” said Pedranti. For that modest price, this Passive House offers three significant benefits: personal health and comfort, superior energy efficiency,…
Greater Pike Foundation Celebrates Community House, Hefty Grant Fund
MILFORD — This year’s Greater Pike Community Foundation distribution plan, their most generous ever, was just one part of community enhancements celebrated at a open house at the Community House in Milford Borough three weeks ago. The enhancements include bringing together under one roof economic-development and community-service agencies, providing public restrooms, and siting a visitors’ information center in the most convenient location in Milford Borough. At the Open House, Pike County Commissioner and Community House Board President Matt Osterberg thanked…
Green Builder Magazine 2017 Passive House of the Year
To Achieve Passive House Status for Scranton House, Builders Went Back to Basics Once upon a time, there was a burned-out house on an abandoned hillside lot—an eyesore for residents of Scranton, Pa. You’d never know that today. The site is now where a two-story, 2,153-square-foot “state of green” house now rests. And the city, the home’s owners and its developers couldn’t be happier. The home is Northeastern Pennsylvania’s first residence designed and constructed to Passive House standards. It’s also…
Microbrewery Approved, Designed by Richard Pedranti Architect, Could Open Next Year
MILFORD — The Borough will have its first microbrewery, and it may open as soon as next year. The Borough Council on Monday unanimously approved the request filed by Milford resident Ryan Scott and partner Joe Fischer of West Milford, N.J. to open a microbrewery at 309 W. Harford St. A pole barn is located on site. They are making their first venture in the business under the company name Log Tavern Brewery. The borough’s Planning Commission had given its…
Partnering to Bring Down Costs
Scranton House – Scranton, Penn. A new home constructed via the prefabricated panel system developed by Richard Pedranti Architect and Ecocor Partners is a prime example of the way to reduce costs to make a Passive House design affordable. Called the Scranton House, Pedranti designed 11 variations, ranging in size from $140,000 cabins to domiciles up to 2700 sqft. with four bedrooms, that cost about $484,000. Customization of any of the basic plans is available. Partnering to Bring Down Costs…
Plan Takes Community House into 2nd Century in Milford
MILFORD — The Community House board is committed to expand the traditional uses of the historic property while maintaining the original stipulations for community uses outlines by the Pinchot family, which donated the building and land in a perpetual trust. Ed Brannon said, “the Community House building, located at the intersection of Broad and Harford streets in Milford Borough, is in the heart of the Milford Historic District and on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of…
