Paul Castrucci Architect (PCA) was featured on WNYC. The story was an intro to high energy efficiency, and it’s challenge for a city of high rises. Passive House design, nonetheless, is attainable for the understory (1-5 story bldgs) on the city’s skyline, as explained by Urban Green Council Director Russell Unger. Photo: (951 Pacific Bklyn, Paul Castrucci Architect). Online link to story.
The Greeks invented democracy, medicine and philosophy, and useful objects like the screw, thermometer, door locks, coins, maps, and half the words in the dictionary – and pizza (before the Romans picked up on the recipe). So it was no surprise to learn that shutters got their start in ancient Greece. They were originally made from marble, which allowed for shade and cool air on long hot Mediterranean days. And they could be closed at night for privacy and security, or during the areas heavy storms (or when the gods reigned down thunder). The previous owner seemed reluctant to discard this small pile of multi-colored shutters, left in a dusty corner of the cellar, and likely pulled off the house (based on an old photo) and picked up on curbs. He may have imagined them refurbished and returned to the windows one day – but may be no less pleased to see them as a wall panel.
There’s a break as work awaits DOB approval. The house is quiet. But in the backyard, three trees are preparing to bloom, all planted by the previous owner – White Birch, Japanese Weeping Willow and Pitch Pine (though related species or hybrids may have the same two- needle pattern). Wildly different trees, but all providing the same passive and dynamic benefits – blocking heat in the summer, shedding leaves in winter to let in the sunshine, and much more.
Breaking through walls for information on existing conditions. top left: Danny O’Connell examines the depth of footings in the cellar.
Architect Paul Castrucci and energy consultant David White reminisce after stumbling onto the cellar boiler.
The Brooklyn brownstone rose out of fire – or at least the need to defend against it. Wood houses could be a hazard to neighbors, right on down the block. So in 1852, “Fire Limits” were set in the high density zone of Brooklyn Heights and then they were expanded in 1892. This law outlined streets where wooden houses could not be built, eventually helping to fuel a brownstone mania. This doesn’t relate to 158 Clifton Place, other than helping to confirm it’s construction date – 1883, or about ten years before the law put wood frame houses on ice. There’s a detailed overview of the Fire Limits at The Wooden House Project. Photos: l. 1856 Brooklyn Fire Engine (The Wooden House Project) r. Brooklyn Ice truck (Ditmas Park Corner).
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