We have a long history of creating efficient, healthy, and durable buildings.

For years, we have been designing above and beyond code requirements to create efficient, high-performance homes. We look holistically at what makes a building sustainable, considering both quantitative measures (like a HERS score—see more below!) and qualitative ones (like your comfort).
To us, it’s simple: building sustainably is an extension of building well.


Efficiency

From tightening the building envelope (that is, the outside of the building) to producing renewable energy, we are using environmental resources efficiently and responsibly. Energy efficiency is the most important aspect of sustainable design—and, it’s measurable. Recent energy code standards (in particular, Massachusetts’ adoption of the Stretch Energy Code) have set more stringent requirements for building efficiency, and they’re here to stay. We continue to meet and exceed sustainability requirements; our Habitat Passive House, for one, has a documented 90% reduction in heating costs as compared to similar houses built to the state code. We’ve demonstrated the ability to design to the highest standards of efficiency and make sure every project is beautiful, durable, and adaptable.


Healthy

Careful planning for daylighting, indoor air quality, and heating and cooling results in more comfortable and healthy living spaces.


Durable

High-quality building materials and methods reduce maintenance costs and add aesthetic value. Built-to-last, well-thought-out designs are better able to meet the changing needs of occupants over time. This also means using time-tested details that are specific to place and material; we look to regional New England architecture for examples of wall types and roofs that are long-lasting and adaptable, while also staying up-to-date on the latest technologies that improve building performance.


Our Thought Leadership

“Form Follows Energy: Achieving the Passive Haus Standard”
– J.B. Clancy, AIA Web Seminar (2012)

Leave it to J.B. to garner an audience of 33K+ viewers to his AIA Housing Knowledge Community talk! Watch below to learn more about our Habitat Passive House, the first modular Passive House in the United States.

"House Heating Systems: A Brief History" – John Tittmann 

Google “Passive House design” and you’re sure to come across this cartoon of John Tittmann’s, illustrating the history of home heating. It’s been cited numerous times!

 


Green Building Accreditation

Passive House

Partner J.B. Clancy is a Certified Passive House Consultant. Passive House is the most rigorous building energy standard in the world, with the promise of reducing the heating energy consumption of buildings by 70-90% as compared with built-to-code structures. Our Habitat Passive House, designed for Habitat for Humanity, is the first modular house with Passive House certification in the United States.


LEED for Homes

A house we designed has earned the distinction of being a certified LEED for Homes house. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Homes program is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance houses.


Energy Star

Farm Villa achieved Energy Star for New Homes status. Energy Star-qualified new houses are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to current building codes and meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.


Vermont Green Building Network

VGBN works to advance the environmental, economic, community, and health benefits of green design, construction, and building operation practices. Two of our projects, including the Habitat Passive House, were honored with Vermont's Greenest Building Award, presented annually.