columbia street residences - Cambridge, Ma

ZED provided architecture services to address the gut rehabilitation of a fire-damaged triple-decker in Cambridge, MA. The building, which provided three apartments for low-income residents, required emergency reconstruction, yet the Owner requested high-quality, energy efficient design. While renovating down to the studs, the project goals included maximizing building sustainability while minimizing long-term operating and replacement costs. In order to create healthy, durable and energy-efficient living spaces, ZED’s design included an all electric super-insulated building that eliminates combustion onsite, utilizes materials for exceptional indoor air quality and low embodied carbon, and includes constant mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. The project includes a new solar installation on site and anticipates the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Indoor AirPLUS certification.

The building will feature all-electric heating/cooling systems, heat pump hot water heaters, and energy recovery ventilators
In addition to all-electric systems, the apartments will have electric stoves and cooktops
This project is targeting Enterprise Green Communities Certification and is certified under the DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Homes program.