Hano Homes
Location: Boston, MA
Client: Allston Brighton CDC
Completion Date: Estimated 2025
Project Type: Multi-Family
Project Overview Hano Homes, originally built in 1888 as two-story duplex apartments and renovated in 2003, are being redesigned and updated to achieve Passive House certification through a comprehensive Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) of the buildings' exterior envelopes. The Allston Brighton CDC is committed to improving tenant comfort while significantly reducing utility expenses. This project involves ten rowhouses and twenty two- and three-bedroom apartments, forming a community of affordable low-income housing units.
Key Objectives
Tenant Comfort: Enhance living conditions with minimal disruption to residents.
Energy Efficiency: Drastically reduce utility expenses and improve energy performance.
Sustainability: Utilize locally-sourced, carbon-negative materials and renewable energy solutions.
Retrofit Details
The retrofit focuses on upgrading the exterior envelope and integrating high-performance systems:
Exterior Wall Upgrades: Existing walls will be stripped down to the original wood skip sheathing. The envelope will be air-sealed with a new layer of ZIP sheathing, followed by the addition of 5 inches of PEFC-certified wood fiber insulation, a carbon-negative material sourced and manufactured from Europe. The walls will be finished with a new rainscreen system of lap siding.
High-Performance Windows and Doors: All windows and doors will be replaced with high-performance units to complete the superinsulated envelope.
Minimized Disruption: The majority of renovation work will be conducted from the exterior, ensuring minimal disruption to residents.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: The retrofit aims to achieve a 93% reduction in the Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of the existing buildings by incorporating advanced energy-saving technologies and materials:
High-Performance Heat Pumps: Efficient heat pumps will provide heating and cooling.
Energy Recovery Ventilation: Systems will ensure optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Array: A 63.7 kW solar array will be installed on the roofs, generating approximately 70,972 kWh annually, offsetting 70% of the building’s energy use.
Conclusion
The Hano Homes Deep Energy Retrofit project exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and tenant comfort. By employing innovative building techniques and renewable energy solutions, this project not only aims to achieve Passive House certification but also sets a new standard for affordable housing renovations. Through careful planning and execution, the Allston Brighton CDC ensures that these historic buildings will continue to serve the community while drastically reducing their environmental impact.
