Century-Old Brooklyn Townhouse Revived as a Luxury Passive House
In Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, a 19th-century rowhouse has been reimagined into a sustainable single-family residence, fusing historic charm with modern passive house principles.
Maria and Kamyar Nemazee purchased the subdivided 1899 home for $3.25 million in 2022, aiming to restore its original form while incorporating cutting-edge sustainability. They partnered with Michael Ingui of Ingui Architecture, a leading figure in passive house construction, to achieve their vision.
The project, completed in March 2025, now features five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and is listed at $9.9 million.
What Defines a Passive House?
Passive houses are renowned for their energy efficiency, comfort, and health benefits. Design features include airtight construction, high-performance windows and doors, continuous insulation, and filtered fresh air with heat recovery.
Ingui noted that the home’s north-south orientation, along with triple-glazed windows imported from Poland, enhances thermal performance and minimizes solar gain — crucial for both energy savings and comfort.
The Nemazees, who now reside in Dubai, were so inspired by the experience that they launched NMZ Partners to develop more passive homes globally. Maria emphasized the value of clean indoor air and acoustic insulation, especially after welcoming their first child.
Restoring History While Embracing the Future
The renovation began with a full gut of the deteriorating structure. By opening the walls, the team enhanced insulation, sealed the building against moisture and pests, and prepared the property for passive house certification.
Architectural highlights include:
- A two-story glass installation connecting the garden and kitchen levels.
- A repositioned staircase with a skylight above to distribute natural light.
- Preservation of original elements like exterior railings.
- High ceilings, especially 11-foot heights on the upper floor.
- A finished cellar serving as a family room, and a redesigned backyard access from the garden level.
The ERV (energy recovery ventilation) system ensures fresh, filtered air circulates 24/7, significantly reducing the need for large HVAC systems. Apart from a gas stove and water heater, the house is nearly fully electric.
According to listing agent Ellen Gottlieb of The Corcoran Group, the property’s silent, serene environment has become a major selling point for urban buyers seeking luxury without sacrificing sustainability.
“We wanted whoever lives here to build joyful memories,” Maria said, reflecting on the emotional bond she and Kamyar still feel with the home.
