Westville Commons is a 64-unit senior housing development located in Westville, NJ. IAE worked with RPM Development on the design of this 4-story, L-shaped building targeting several advanced energy efficiency goals. As completed, the building has achieved Passive House Certification under PHIUS V4.3 as well as USGBC LEED Platinum Certification. All residential units are ENERGY STAR Certified under ENERGY STAR v3.1 and constructed to conform with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home guidelines.

The overall goal set for this project pushed well beyond the limits of standard affordable, multi-family housing construction. To achieve the Passive House Certification goal, careful consideration was given during the detailing phase to make the building’s envelope is tight and continuously insulated. Aligning with the core principles of Passive House, continuous mechanical ventilation was provided to all dwelling units and the building’s common areas by Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs). Beyond that, the building was designed to be completely electric in an effort to achieve Net Zero Energy. The primary mechanical system is a centralized VRF system serving indoor units in apartments and common areas; hot water is supplied via electric heat pump hot water heaters. The PV system, which includes solar panels on the roof and solar carports in the parking lot, was designed to produce enough electricity to offset the building energy demand and eliminate utility bills for the tenants.