Architecture Awards 2020

122 2020 Architecture Awards BUILD Jul20359 Best Passive House Architecture Specialist - North Atlantic USA ichard Pedranti and his talented team have made their business in leading people back to the wilderness. Richard learned his trade at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, studying under some of the world’s leading modern architects receiving a Master’s in architecture in 1990. He spent summers as a framing carpenter and drafting at regional architecture firms including Peter Forbes Associates in Boston. After years working at Rafael Vinoly Architects, this talented New York City architect began splitting his time between NYC and his childhood home in the wilds of Pennsylvania, designing houses for those seeking to find a suburban, or rural, life close to nature. For the last twenty years, his firm, Richard Pedranti Architect, has been leading the way in creating environments that not only meet the unique requirements of clients, but embrace the extraordinary natural landscape of the North Atlantic region. While he is able to bring his considerable experience to bear on any project, it is his passion and concern for the environment that demonstrates most clearly what the team brings to the table. Of course, the team’s foundation is that architecture is about people. Each project is driven by what the client needs. Every innovation and solution that the team produces connects people and place together. The first step in any RPA project is walking the site with the clients. At this time, the first connections between the project brief and the site begin to take shape. Natural conditions such as solar orientation, views, and the landscape are immovable, but when considered in the design process can inspire something truly astonishing. These walks allow the team to discover the “essential nature” of a place, and construct something that uniquely unites climate and form. Throughout the design process, RPA champions a collaborative process, one which nurtures all the partnerships involved. Select consultants and partners are involved in order to create a truly exceptional process. By starting this process at the very beginning and ensuring that it continues through to the final construction phases, the team is able to produce properties that are deeply rooted in place. R An example of the team’s work can be seen with the Chang Residence in Montville, NJ. While currently under construction, this net zero property embraces Passive House principles to excellent effect. The modern two story house has been designed with a contemporary flair and an eye on the future. With stunning panoramic views from the rooftop patio, optimized solar orientation, electric car chargers and smart home integration with automated solar controls, it’s a building for the future designed today. As much of the firm’s work happens in the Upper Delaware River Region as well as Philadelphia and New York, they have found a constant need from those living in the NYC greater metropolitan market and for weekend retreats and retirement homes. COVID-19 has affected all businesses, but the team at RPA are seeing many NYC residents looking for space to work remotely or preparing to depart the city permanently. The firm’s sophisticated modern design marries with their appreciation for the natural environment to perfectly serve the urban escapist. People are searching for a more natural lifestyle, one which acknowledges the power of the outside world and creates a strong connection with it. Richard Pedranti and his team know better than most how to make this connection. Their exceptional work speaks for itself, because they let Mother Nature do the talking. Company: Richard Pedranti Architect Name: Richard Pedranti Web Address: www.richardpedranti.com Designed to reduce heating and cooling requirements, Passive House building principles have become increasingly popular in the last few years. The team at Richard Pedranti Architect are leaders in the field, designing homes that embrace the potential that these systems offer. With such a forward-thinking approach at the heart of their business, the team is worthy of BUILD’s Architecture Awards 2020. We profile the firm to find out more.