Brooklyn is about to set a new record in sustainable design with the rise of One Third Avenue, a 63-story skyscraper slated to become the tallest passive house-certified building in the world. Located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the tower is part of the larger Alloy Block redevelopment project, which aims to reimagine city living with affordability and climate resilience in mind.

Designed by Alloy Development, the tallest passive house tower will reach 840 feet into the skyline, but its real achievement lies in what it doesn’t emit. Built to Passive House standards, the building will reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional buildings. 

To meet the rigorous standards of Passive House design, One Third Avenue will be built with an “airtight, well-insulated building envelope” and equipped with filtered fresh air systems. This not only supports energy efficiency but also enhances indoor comfort by minimizing noise from the bustling city outside. Triple-glazed windows will further help reduce sound and heat transfer, making each unit quieter and more comfortable.

Rendering of interior design in a unit for the passive house tower. Image courtesy of Alloy Development.

Alloy Development plans for the residential and office spaces to “share energy resources” to cut down on waste heat, an uncommon but forward-thinking approach in high-rise construction.

The tower is part of The Alloy Block, a five-building, mixed-use development designed to blend living, working, and community spaces in Downtown Brooklyn. “The Alloy Block project will add vibrancy to Downtown Brooklyn, provide spaces to live and work, and contribute to Brooklyn’s rich cultural district and quality of life,” the company said.

Sustainability is at the core of Alloy’s mission, and One Third Avenue is another step forward in its ongoing effort to create architecture that responds to environmental and community needs. “We will continue to push the boundaries of sustainability and real estate development on future projects and with the completion of the most sustainable block in Brooklyn,” the company said.

Mixed use buildings and development around the building. Image courtesy of Alloy Development.

The tallest passive house tower on One Third Avenue will also include 441 mixed-income residential units, of which 45 will be set aside as permanently affordable housing. This blend of luxury and accessible living is a key part of the Alloy Block vision, which aims to create an inclusive, future-focused neighborhood in a part of the city where high-rises are often out of reach for many families.

The passive house tower will also house office and retail space, reinforcing its place as a mixed-use hub in the heart of Brooklyn. It’s one of five buildings in the 1.8-million-square-foot Alloy Block master plan, which also includes a new public school, a plaza, and green spaces, all designed with low-carbon strategies and walkability at the forefront.

Construction of One Third Avenue is expected to begin this year.

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