• The parts of a deep energy retrofit for the Urban Homestead.
  • Urban Homestead before project.
  • Urban Homestead first steps.
  • The Urban Homestead 2012 additions.
  • The Urban Homestead get's a deep energy retrofit.
  • The second part of the deep energy retrofit and homestead additions.
  • Planned finishing touches for the urban homestead.

Deep Energy Retrofit

An 8-year working relationship with a family just outside of Boston has resulted in an ongoing, comprehensive overhaul of their home into a sustainable urban homestead. The owners are energetic and committed to a green lifestyle – managing an intensive vegetable garden, keeping chickens and rabbits and moving toward a net-zero carbon footprint.

The project consists of a series of phased renovations and additions, including a ‘Deep Energy Retrofit’ – a heavily subsidized pilot program promoting super-insulated, airtight renovations to existing homes. Green home design features include 10″ thick walls, triple-glazed windows, and a passive-solar greenhouse/mudroom- combining for a nearly negligible heating demand.  Still in the planning: roof-top solar panels, a new front porch, and side-yard aquaculture!

 

Contractor: Synergy Construction
Energy Consultant: Building Science Corporation
Structural: LeBrasseur Engineering

 

Back to Ideas