Java Haus
The Java Haus is a comprehensive renovation and vertical addition of a 1910s two-story townhouse in Greenpoint, Brooklyn - originally organized as two rental units. Our team reimagined the property as a light-filled, high-performance single-family home, preserving the original timber-frame structure while introducing a dramatic new upper level - all designed and built to Passive House standards.
Photography by Ty Cole
The Plan
The design introduces a dramatic double-height kitchen, expansive new window openings, and a third floor with a landscaped roof terrace — all designed to meet rigorous Passive House standards. A new façade of slate-colored brick and warm wood screens balances privacy with daylight, while a rear window with horizontal louvers admits soft northern light and limits heat gain. Above, a canopy shelters the terrace and supports a rooftop solar array that generates the majority of the home’s energy. Inside, natural materials and a towering window anchor the design, drawing daylight deep into the heart of the home and framing views of the garden below.
Sustainability
From the outset, the owners set an ambitious benchmark: a home designed for long-term resilience, comfort, and low environmental impact. We conceived the Java Haus as a Passive House-level project, threading energy performance through every decision. A high-performance envelope, locally fabricated triple-glazed windows, and strategic shading maximize daylight while minimizing heat gain. An 8.4 kW solar array powers the home’s all-electric systems, and smart home technology continuously monitors and optimizes energy use — together delivering a low-carbon residence built to endure.
