The Herkimer Townhomes have been designed to achieve a new level of green design with features that enhance the health of its occupants, reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions, and conserve resources throughout the construction process. Below is a description of the buildings green features.

Double Roof: Much of the heat lost and gained in buildings occurs through the roof. Top floor rooms are often cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The Herkimer houses utilize a double roof with a ventilated space between them. This feature allows heat gained from the sun to dissipate before it reaches the occupied spaces below. In the winter, it provides an insulating air mass that reduces heat loss.

Rainscreen Wall: The exterior walls of the Herkimer houses utilize a rain-screen that creates a still air layer between the exterior finish and interior sheathing. Similar to the roof, this creates a double wall that allows heat to be vented away. It also protects the building against water penetration by eliminating the usual path for wind driven water to enter a structure. Used in combination with a contemporary building wrap, this feature allows the houses to breathe – releasing moisture to the atmosphere before it can create mold and mildew.

Living Wall: The entry facade of the Herkimer houses is a living wall supporting flowering vines. The vines grow from planters placed on small balconies outside of the living room and upstairs bedrooms. This feature provides privacy, reduces street noise, filters the air, and creates a wonderful view. At the same time, it absorbs carbon dioxide, one of the principal contributors of global warming. The living wall is watered by rain water collected and stored in a cistern and pumped to each level.

Solar Generated Ventilation: The Herkimer houses have been designed to maintain comfort through natural ventilation rather than air-conditioning. Whole house ventilation is achieved without fans through the principle of buoyant air movement. This principle relies on sunlight heating the air above the houses’ stairwells which is allowed to escape through an operable skylight. Fully operable windows draw fresh air through the entire house. When the sun is not shining or more air movement is desired, a whole house fan can be used to augment the natural ventilation. The resulting air movement dramatically increases comfort and eliminates the need for air conditioning in any but the most oppressive weather.