The Turett Collaborative

Designed as his family’s home on the North Fork of Long Island, Principal and founder Wayne Turett used this project as a direct, first-hand demonstration of how energy-efficient building and good design can work together. Conceived as a carbon-neutral, all-electric Passive House, the residence allowed The Turett Collaborative to test sustainable materials, green appliances, and meticulous attention to fenestration and insulation in a real, everyday setting.

The home was developed around Passive House principles that prioritize airtight construction, continuous insulation, and rigorous detailing to reduce energy demand and improve comfort. Fixed shading elements, including a deep roof overhang, help manage seasonal sunlight, limiting exposure in summer while allowing lower winter sun to warm and brighten the interiors. Triple-glazed windows and carefully sealed openings support an ultra-tight envelope, while an energy-recovery ventilation system (ERV) supplies fresh air with minimal loss of conditioned temperature.

The layout was shaped to maximize light and views across the site. Public living spaces occupy the upper level in an upside-down configuration, with bedrooms and more private spaces located below. Interior spaces are bright and open, and operable windows and doors support a strong connection to the landscape and natural ventilation during mild weather.

As both a personal residence and a working model, the project demonstrates what is possible when sustainability, detailing, and family life are considered as a single, integrated effort.