NYCHA
Williamsburg Housing
Platinum Energy Group
John DiBarri
Project Overview
Williamsburg Houses is a 1,620-unit, 20-building New York City Public Housing complex located at 87 Ten Eyck Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11206. Originally completed in 1938, it is a designated New York City Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As part of a $490M rehabilitation effort under NYCHA’s PACT program, the heating system was modernized to replace aging steam infrastructure with a more efficient and cost-effective hot water distribution system utilizing Aquatechnik fusion piping technology.
Project Details
Project Scope & Execution
The original underground steam piping and internal steam risers were removed and replaced with pre-insulated Aquatechnik underground piping, improving thermal efficiency and simplifying installation. Inside the buildings, the system transitioned to uninsulated Aquatechnik fusion piping, which distributed hot water through the cellars before branching into Safety-Pol PEX-AL-PEX risers. These risers supplied hot water to low temperature panel radiators installed in individual apartments, enhancing heating efficiency and comfort for residents.
Key Benefits & Results
Training & Support
Rathe Associates provided comprehensive training and onsite support to ensure seamless adoption of Aquatechnik piping systems. This hands-on assistance helped streamline installation, equipping the team with best practices for fusion welding and rapid connection fittings.
Conclusion
The Williamsburg Houses heating system modernization showcases the effectiveness of Aquatechnik piping solutions in large-scale public housing projects. By transitioning from outdated steam infrastructure to a modern, energy-efficient hot water system, the project not only enhanced system reliability but also delivered long-term savings in both energy and labor costs. With its success, this approach is now being replicated in additional NYCHA developments, setting a new standard for public housing heating modernization.