Episode #109
Episode 109 – Rethinking How We Modernize Aging Buildings
How do you upgrade the heating, cooling, ventilation, and energy efficiency of an aging apartment building without tearing into walls and severely disrupting the people who live there? In this episode of Housing for Good, Chris and Karolyn talk with mechanical engineer David Goldstein, P.E., about the Hydronic Shell, an innovative approach to retrofitting older multifamily buildings from the outside. David explains how the concept grew from his work with aging public housing in New York City, where outdated infrastructure, poor insulation, inadequate heating and cooling, and ventilation problems can directly affect residents’ comfort and quality of life. Rather than replacing infrastructure from inside an occupied building, the Hydronic Shell incorporates new systems into a prefabricated exterior façade. David discusses how the approach works, why prefabrication is an important part of the process, the challenges of cost and scale, and how the concept could eventually help communities preserve aging affordable housing across the country. It’s a fascinating look at what may be possible when engineering, building preservation, and housing come together. Housing for Good is hosted by Chris and Karolyn and produced by Joey Hammers. #HousingForGood #AffordableHousing #HousingPreservation #BuildingRetrofits #HydronicShell
