Clinton Hill Apartments

Brooklyn, New York
Ongoing

A former parking garage, the site of the latest Frame Home apartment building is located on a tree-lined residential block in Brooklyn, New York. Apartments line the perimeter and bound a central, shared exterior courtyard. At street level, a wood and cast glass block entry screen hints at the building’s wooden structure, and allows glimpses into the courtyard beyond. The courtyard contains dual exterior staircases which lead to open-air walkways and unit entrances. Each unit has three solar exposures to maximize daylight and to engage with the courtyard.

Mass timber was selected as the building’s structural system. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels support the floor and roofing assemblies. CLT was chosen for its sustainability, its biophilic properties, and for the efficiency of a prefabricated system. Minimizing on-site assemblies and reducing the impact of construction on the community were design drivers. Unit interiors showcase the mass timber structure throughout. Blower door tests were conducted on all apartments ensuring passive housing standards were met. Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) bring fresh air into each apartment.

The project is the first Mass Timber project approved and constructed in New York City under the 2022 New York City Building Code. The 2022 code enabled the use of Cross Laminated Timber in New York City.