Kiss + Cathcart, Architects have come up with the initial design of a green home along the Bronx River Greenway, which they call River House. While the building will flaunt a plethora of clean energy technologies, a green screen – a metal mesh fence with extensive vine and plant coverage – will wrap it on all sides. Sufficient daylight exposure, a dynamic façade and the landscape featuring swales with native plants, entry plantings and two main public spaces will be some regular facets of the entire construction.
Rated very high on energy performance radar, the Bronx House is supposed to tout a surplus of renewable energy production. On-site, roof monitor-mounted polycrystalline solar panels will produce 56,000 kWh of renewable energy. A ground-sourced heat pump, artificial lighting system (via fluorescent light bulbs, and use of daylight sensors will contribute toward the zero net energy objective. A dedicated green screen will bring about a fall in temperature from 2 to 15 degrees. Over 190,000 gallons of water will be saved per year, which will be used to flush toilets, irrigate the green screen and wash canoes.
A boat plaza, featuring light-colored pavers on a permeable base and a custom bench, will serve as a yard for hauling boats and an accessory event plaza as well. The Bronx River Alliance will occupy the building, when it is completed, and work as a caretaker on behalf of the Park and public and community groups.
