Project: The Catskill Project
Architecture: Buck Moorhead Architect
Team: Diane Burgio Design, Teb Fink Building, Bensonwood Homes, Baukraft Engineering, Construct Engineering
Location: Livingston Manor, New York, United States
Area: 2300 ft2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Pavel Bendov
The Catskill Project is a new residential development using Passive House design principles. Located on over 90 acres in Livingston Manor, NY, it is the first carbon-neutral community in the Catskills. This project sets a new standard for sustainable living.
Vision and Collaboration
Greg Hale and Peter Malik, colleagues at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), bonded over their commitment to environmental stewardship. They wanted to redefine carbon-neutral living in a rural setting. To achieve this, they enlisted architect Buck Moorhead, a certified Passive House designer since 2011, and his team at Buck Moorhead Architect. Moorhead’s design emphasizes carbon tracking, renewable energy, and craftsmanship. Together, they aim to create efficient and comfortable sustainable homes in Sullivan County.
The Homes
 of the 11 sEachingle-family residences sits on a 3-to-6-acre lot chosen by the buyer. Buyers can select from four floor plans (2 or 3 bedrooms), each designed to blend with the surroundings. The homes feature systems that provide fresh, filtered air, free of pollutants, dust, and allergens. They regulate temperature and humidity for high indoor air quality. Triple-glazed windows, super-insulation, a continuous air barrier, and no thermal bridges reduce annual energy needs. Whenever possible, materials for construction are sourced from the land.
Benefits
The Catskill Project, as the region’s first carbon-neutral community, offers homeowners lower heating, cooling, and maintenance costs. Each home follows Passive House principles, reducing energy needs by up to 90% compared to a standard home. The Catskill Project is one of the greenest and most energy-efficient developments in the Greater New York area. It proudly partners with NYSERDA’s Build Better Homes Initiative.
The Property
Over 40 acres of beautiful woodlands will remain a nature preserve. This area will be accessible via hiking trails through forests, meadows, wetlands, and waterfalls. The surrounding area includes thousands of acres of Forever Wild Forest land. These lands are near the vibrant communities of Livingston Manor, Callicoon, Narrowsburg, Parksville, and Roscoe.
Conclusion
The Catskill Project aims to create harmony between the natural, built, and regional environments, benefiting both people and place. This innovative community sets a new standard for carbon-neutral living and serves as a model for future sustainable developments.
