Building a Healthier Future: Sendero Verde and the Power of Passive Design
In the heart of East Harlem, New York City, an unprecedented vision of affordable housing is taking root – Sendero Verde Building B. More than just an apartment complex, it’s a forward-thinking, community-first development that pairs long-term affordability with cutting-edge sustainability. At INTUS Windows, we’re proud to have played a key role in this milestone project – delivering the performance, efficiency, and design needed to bring this ambitious vision to life.
The Vision: Affordable, Sustainable, Community-Oriented
Sendero Verde stands as one of the largest fully affordable Passive House projects in the U.S. to date. Developed by Jonathan Rose Companies, L+M Development Partners, and Acacia Network, with design by Handel Architects, the high-rise, mixed-use development offers 709 affordable apartments and a comprehensive set of community amenities, including:
A public charter school
A wellness center
Fitness and tech labs
Landscaped green walkways and gathering spaces
What truly sets Sendero Verde apart is its deep commitment to long-term environmental performance and human well-being. This project is designed not just to house people, but to empower them to thrive. That mission aligns perfectly with the principles behind every product we engineer at INTUS Windows.
INTUS SUPERA 83: Designed for High Performance
To help realize Sendero Verde’s sustainability goals, INTUS Windows supplied 917 custom-built units of our SUPERA 83 Passive CW fixed and casement windows and hinged doors. These products were developed in 17 unique configurations, carefully tailored to the complex geometry of the building and the performance needs of Passive House certification.
Key technical features include:
Triple-glazed IGUs with argon fill
ClimaGuard® Low-E coating
ULTIMATE warm edge spacers for superior thermal insulation
Steel-reinforced polymer frames for long-term strength and stability
Dual-tone finish: White (interior) / Dark Bronze (exterior)
Glazing specifications:
Glass thickness: 52.76 mm and 54.76 mm
Glass types: annealed, tempered
Laminated for acoustic and impact resistance.
Accessories for Comfort, Safety, and Compliance
Every detail of the window and door systems was engineered with usability and code compliance in mind:
ADA-compliant, standard, and pull handles
Dual-function Securistyle friction limiters (4” safety mode and 90° opening), NYC DOH approved
Fixed insect screens
Widening profiles and undersill profiles to support structural integration
These thoughtful additions ensure seamless functionality while meeting the safety needs of residents in a dense, high-rise living environment.
Engineered for Secure High-Rise Installation
Installation was carried out using a receptor system and custom mounting brackets, allowing for durable, secure integration of all units across the high-rise structure – even in challenging conditions. This approach minimized installation complexity while maximizing long-term performance and air sealing integrity.
Performance You Can Count On
INTUS Windows products played a key role in enabling Sendero Verde to meet Passive House standards. While actual values vary by configuration, typical performance includes:
U-value: as low as 0.90 W/(m²K)
Air infiltration: <0.1 cfm/ft²
STC ratings: up to 43–45 (depending on configuration)
These metrics translate into significantly lower heating and cooling demands, exceptional thermal comfort, and acoustic protection from New York City’s bustling environment. The project earned Passive House Institute (PHI) certification in recognition of its exceptional energy performance and comfort standards.
One Window, One Tree: Legacy Through Reforestation
At INTUS Windows, sustainability isn’t just built into our products – it’s part of our culture. As part of our „One Window, One Tree“ initiative, we planted 917 trees, one for each window and door supplied to the Sendero Verde project.
This reforestation effort helps offset the environmental impact of construction and contributes to a greener, more resilient planet – one tree and one window at a time.
A Model for What’s Possible
Sendero Verde Building B is a powerful reminder that high-performance, affordable housing is not just a dream – it’s a reality.
We’re proud to have contributed to this landmark development – and to continue supporting the future of sustainable urban living.
📞 Planning a Passive House or high-performance project?
Let’s talk about how we can help bring your vision to life.
Contact us or schedule a free Lunch & Learn presentation for your company!
