The development of Concern Warwick/Pitkin faced challenges due to the site’s ‘E’ designation for soil contamination and noise remediation requirements. The project site is directly adjacent to the MTA’s underground ‘C’ train tunnel running along Pitkin Avenue. The cellar footprint was reduced to avoid impacting the subway tunnel, acoustic windows specified to reduce ambient exterior noise, and an active sub-slab depressurization system (SSDS) installed to mitigate infiltration of soil vapors.

The building is designed to passive house standards without certification, providing a highly energy efficient envelope and incorporating energy recovery ventilators to minimize energy loss. A beautiful warm brick selection and simple treatment of angled window returns allows the natural sunlight to highlight the large, regular punched window openings in the building façade. Both building entry canopies are designed as green roofs with hardy sedum planting and native herbs.