Amacher & Associates

Scope Of Work

This net zero energy building was transformed from an energy guzzler to a resilient and healthy spacious 2 family, designed to use less energy than it produces. Careful planning resulted in high efficiency of the building envelope, of the heating, cooling and ventilation systems. The solar panels provide the energy needed to run this two family.

The sustainability of the design is enhanced by resource efficiency: many of the building materials used are reused or recycled, for example bathroom floor tiles are the former slate roof. One staircase was rebuilt, the other and a cabinet were built with wood from a demolition site at nearby Tufts University, etc.

The healthy indoor environment is due to using no or low off-gazing building materials and a continuously operating heat recovery ventilation system supplies preheated out door air. The redesigned room layout assures the spacious feel for the interiors. Although the apartments are small, about 1360 SF, with a lot of daylight and transparent adjacencies between the non-private rooms, the space feels generous. New decks also expand the interior spaces to the exterior.

The solar panels are a hybrid system with electricity being produced on top of thermal solar panels that provide the hot water. This house is entirely free of fossil fuels. Recycled furniture in both apartments completes the sustainability of the project.