Village Grove receives energy-efficiency certification

HOLT Architects and the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) have received a certification from a national building organization for their energy-efficient design of their Village Grove project in the village of Trumansburg. 

The Passive Housing Certification, awarded by the Phius Alliance, is a gold standard in energy efficiency and design, according to officials with HOLT. This is also the first time the distinction has been awarded to a development in Tompkins County. 

The Phius Alliance is an organization in North America aiming to drive passive, net zero building into the mainstream. Phius certifies building projects, data for products and components that go into those buildings, and professionals who design and deliver those buildings. “Passive house” is a building standard that uses insulation, ventilation, and other design strategies to reduce energy use

HOLT, an architecture and design firm with offices in Syracuse, Ithaca, and Idaho Falls, Idaho, was in charge of designing the affordable housing project. Village Grove started construction in 2023 and the apartment buildings were completed last December. The 46-housing-unit project is a mixed-use project, meaning that it also includes a new facility for the Trumansburg Community Nursery School.

The rental portion includes 40 apartments in a two-story elevator building and two townhome buildings with three units in each. The apartment building includes a community lounge, laundry facilities for use by residents, and management and maintenance offices. 

Village Grove also has 10 for-sale homes available for interested parties who want to become a part of INHS’ Community Housing Trust. Construction is underway and is scheduled to be completed later this year. Nine lots for market-rate construction are also available for purchase from Sundial Development LLC. 

The new distinction known as Passive Housing Certification, awarded by the New York State Office of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), underscores INHS’ and HOLT’s commitment to high-performance, energy-efficient design, and sustainable community development, said HOLT Director of Marketing and Business Development Stephen Kimball. 

In a press release, Kimball said that Village Grove’s certification represents a significant step toward more sustainable, equitable housing solutions in New York. 

INHS Director Kate De la Garza echoed Kimball’s statement, noting that the project is inventive and a true landmark of sustainable development.

“Village Grove showcases the advancement of green, sustainable building at INHS, marking the nonprofit’s inaugural Passive House design. This groundbreaking project was made possible thanks to the support from our trusted community, funders, and partners. 

Passive House Certification is recognized as the world’s leading standard for energy efficiency in buildings, Kimball noted. By utilizing high-performance insulation, airtight construction, energy-recovery ventilation, and optimized solar gain, Village Grove reduces heating and cooling energy use by up to 80% compared to conventional buildings, he added.

This certification joins another award bestowed on the project, specifically for its innovative design, by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). 

“The project demonstrates a high-performance, low-carbon operation with building construction that helps bring efficient green building to scale in the state,” Kimball said in the press statement. “The project also utilizes ground source heat pumps and plans to achieve net zero through the purchase of off-site community solar. Village Grove was developed by INHS with funding from New York state and other housing partners.” 

Kimball said that the architects, designers, and project managers at the firm act as guides in a collaborative process. The project team also includes personnel from Taitem Engineering, TG Miller, Fisher Associates, Sustainable Comfort, and Purcell Construction.

“… Leading to the creation of spaces that respond to distinct goals,” Kimball said. “We thoroughly understand your needs and goals first — then work together to synthesize a vision and create engaging architectural solutions. As a firm we aim to be a part of a positive future for the built environment.”

In brief

The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts continues its regular programming in various venues around Tompkins County and its surrounding areas, as work on restoring its historic 1851 Greek Revival building continues. Below is a look at the calendar of events. Any suggestions can be sent to droman@tburgconservatory.org. 

• Kilrush — St. Paddy’s Day Weekend Kickoff at Kilrush on March 14. This event is a fundraiser for Ovid, helping the town rebuild after a menacing fire last month. Location: Ovid VFW at 7068 State Route 96 in Ovid.
  
• Spring Music Recital at the First Presbyterian Church at 69 E. Main St. in Trumansburg on April 27.
  
• CayAC Spring show on May 2 at the CSMA Art Gallery at 330 E. State St. in Ithaca.
  
• Spring Dance Recital at the Trumansburg High School Auditorium on May 17-18.