Manhattan now has its first rental apartment building that meets passive standards, meaning it requires little energy to achieve comfortable temperatures year-round.

The luxury building, dubbed Perch Harlem, consumes 80% less energy than one of similar size, said Justin Palmer, CEO of Synapse Development Group. That means residents will save money on air-conditioning and heating costs.

But that doesn’t mean it’s cheap to live there. Monthly rents range from $2,500 to $5,500 for one-and-two-bedroom apartments respectively.

Take a look inside Perch Harlem, which opened in October.


Synapse built the $8.5 million complex at 542 West 153th Street in Harlem, a Manhattan neighborhood that has quickly gentrified in recent years. The building's facade features an abstract window design.

Foto: source Me and General Design

The development has 34 units.

Foto: A rendering of a hallway at Perch Harm in Manhattan, New York. source Me and General Design

The units range in size from 520 square feet to 900 square feet.

Foto: source Me and General Design

As Manhattan's first passive rental building, Perch Harlem's heavily insulated walls are airtight. Every unit also includes triple-pane windows that reduce energy consumption.

Foto: source Me and General Design

There are already several passive apartment buildings in outer boroughs. In 2015, Brooklyn's solar-powered R-951 Residence became NYC's first apartment building to gain passive and net-zero energy certifications.


Tenants also have access to a gym, lounges, and a roof terrace.

Foto: source Me and General Design

The architect behind the project is Chris Benedict, who is known for designing energy-efficient buildings at no extra cost to developers. Palmer said that's true for Perch Harlem as well.

Foto: A rendering of a lounge at Perch Harm in Manhattan, New York. source Me and General Design

Source: Curbed


Palmer believes that passive is the "the right way to build."

Foto: A rendering of a lounge at Perch Harm in Manhattan, New York. source Me and General Design