Martel, Summer & Chandler Street Apartments

This Taunton Housing Authority initiative consisted of architectural services for the renovation of 4 low-rise developments with 24 units of public affordable family housing. Funded by DHCD Formula Funding and a Comprehensive Sustainability Initiative (CSI) grant, the goal was maximum energy conservation, emission reductions, and water use reduction. Testing, site visits, analysis and cost estimating resulted in cost optimal improvements, including air sealing, extra attic insulation, new doors, continuous insulation (Summer St. Rear), foundation insulation (Martel Ave.), high efficiency boilers, and toilet replacement. Air sealing and insulation was achieved by the installation of a Zip System R-Sheathing for 4 inches of total continuous insulation, taped air/water-resistive barrier, re-siding, and air sealing at vented attics. At the Martel Street development, the fieldstone foundation wall and rimboard was air sealed and insulated using low GWP closed cell spray insulation. This resulted in a 70.5% air tightness improvement between pre- and post-construction blower door testing.

  • Achieved goals of the Comprehensive Sustainability Initiative (CSI) Grant to reduce energy use, emissions and water use.

  • The team coordinated construction while all units were occupied with added COVID-related challenges

  • Blower door testing pre- and post- construction resulted in a 70.5% air tightness improvement

Location: Taunton, Massachusetts

Services: Multifamily Architecture

Owner/Manager: Taunton Housing Authority

Design Basics:

Developments: 4
Stories: 1, 2 & 3 Story Units
Units: 23

Project Team:

Architecture: ZED

General Contractor: Vareika Construction

MEP: Norian-Siani Engineering

Architectural Specifications: Wil-Spec

Code Consulting: Hastings Consulting