Snow Block Apartments

Project Description:

This 5-story, 23-unit apartment complex in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont was built for the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust. It was designed and built with passive house standards.

Energy-efficient features include:

• Split-unit heat pumps
• Rooftop solar array
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures
• Extensive air sealing details to increase thermal comfort and efficiency.

In addition to the apartment units, the Snow Block building includes some commercial storefront space on the main level, as well as in-house storage and laundry facilities for tenants.  This project was also one of the first buildings in Brattleboro to use a Wireless Fire Control Box, which uses radiofrequency in place of a hard telephone line to connect to local fire authorities.

Due to the tight urban job site and surrounding buildings, the project required careful coordination with subcontractors, suppliers, neighbors, and the City of Brattleboro.

Project Details