What Is Sendero Verde and Why It Matters
Sendero Verde is a 361-unit residential development located at 60 East 112th Street in New York City. The project was designed to help address the city’s affordable housing needs while prioritizing high standards of energy performance.
The development is recognized as the largest Passive House-oriented residential project in the United States. Its design focuses on reducing operational energy demand through a combination of envelope performance, efficient systems, and careful detailing.
How Thermal Breaks Support Sustainability at Sendero Verde
Sustainability was a core design driver for Sendero Verde. Thermal breaks were incorporated to help limit heat transfer at key structural connections and support lower energy use across the building.
By reducing thermal bridging, these solutions contribute to improved envelope performance and support the project’s broader environmental objectives. The approach reflects a commitment to long-term energy efficiency and responsible building design.
Why Armatherm 500 Was Selected for the Project
The Handel Architects team engaged Armatherm to provide structural thermal break solutions that aligned with the project’s sustainability goals.
Armatherm 500 was selected for its combination of compressive strength and thermal performance. The material is well suited to applications where structural support is required alongside insulation. Its use helped address challenging thermal bridging locations at multiple points along the building envelope.
How Armatherm Products Were Used Throughout the Building
Louis Koehl, Senior Associate and Director of Sustainable Design at Handel Architects, commented on the application of the products across the project.
“We utilised Armatherm’s thermal breaks to interrupt thermal bridges in several locations. From shelf angles to dunnage to door thresholds, Armatherm products offered the right balance of thermal performance and strength and were simple to coordinate with our exterior wall details.”
Other Sustainable Features in Sendero Verde’s Design
Thermal breaks form part of a wider sustainability strategy at Sendero Verde. The design also incorporates energy-efficient building systems, green roofs, and a focus on durable, lower-impact construction materials.
Vertical gardens are integrated into the façade, contributing to improved air quality and occupant comfort while enhancing the building’s appearance. A rainwater harvesting system helps manage stormwater runoff and reduce demand on municipal drainage infrastructure.
Together, these features demonstrate how large-scale residential developments can integrate sustainability principles and support more resilient urban housing.
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