After years of development, planning, and construction, Finch Cambridge has opened its doors to residents for the first time – and established itself as a model for affordable, low-carbon, and healthy living. The building features 98-units of 100% affordable housing, with a mix of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for lower income ranges through a qualified application and lottery system.
Developed by Homeowner’s Rehab, the project sought Passive House performance through the guidance of its designer, ICON Architecture, who had previously worked on the state’s first certified multi-family Passive House, Distillery North. Together with energy consultants at New Ecology they created a project that could meet the high standard of Passive House at a low cost premium. This low premium came in large part from the integrated approach the team took to the project, involving their GC, NEI General Contracting, MEP Consultant, Petersen Engineering, and various subs early-on and providing on-site training and guidance into the Passive House construction details.
The low cost premium was also partially offset through funding from the Mass Save Passive House Incentive Program, which funds residential projects of 5-units or more that aim for Passive House certification, as well as from the MassCEC’s Passive House Design Challenge. That program also aided in providing training tools, included Passive House webinars, for the team, resources that are now available for others to use as well.
Resources:
Building details and application process
Mass Save Passive House Incentive Program