At Haycon, we’re always pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction, and our latest endeavor, the Hano Homes Deep Energy Retrofit, is a testament to that commitment. Nestled in the heart of Allston-Brighton, this project is more than just an upgrade—it’s a reimagining of what affordable housing can be in a low-carbon future. With Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation leading the charge and an incredible team of architects, engineers, and construction professionals, we’re in the midst of transforming twenty aging duplex residences into high-performance, energy-efficient homes. And let’s just say, the road has been anything but boring.
Why Retrofit Instead of Rebuild?
It’s a question we hear often—why not just tear down and start fresh? The simple answer: retrofitting is one of the most impactful ways to fight climate change. Existing buildings account for nearly 40% of carbon emissions, and rather than sending tons of waste to landfills, deep energy retrofits allow us to extend the life of structures while dramatically improving efficiency. Plus, for the residents of Hano Homes, this means enjoying lower energy bills, better air quality, and improved comfort—without displacement.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the right support. A project of this scale requires collaboration between Allston Brighton CDC, Maloney Properties, Onion Flats Architecture, and an expert team of consultants, all working toward the shared goal of making Passive House-level performance a reality in a multi-unit retrofit.
The Challenges (and Wins) So Far
With any deep energy retrofit, surprises are part of the package, and Hano Homes has been no exception. One of our first hurdles? Hidden damage. The moment we started peeling back the exterior, we discovered extensive rot in the wood framing—something you don’t fully grasp until the demo phase is underway. Then there were the unexpected plumbing issues, particularly in the basements, where broken pipes and outdated systems needed quick intervention.
Perhaps the biggest logistical challenge has been working with residents still living in the units. Phasing the work while ensuring minimal disruption required a delicate dance of scheduling, temporary relocations, and airtight communication with tenants. From air sealing the basement ceiling to replacing windows and upgrading mechanical systems, each move has had to be meticulously planned. The window replacement process alone, which involved swapping out old double-hung units for high-performance casement windows, was an exercise in precision, taking about a day per unit to install.
And yet, despite the surprises, we’ve had some major wins. The interior work moved along more smoothly than anticipated, wrapping up its two-week tenant move-out period on schedule. The exterior insulation process, a critical component of achieving airtightness, has been progressing efficiently. And speaking of airtightness—our first blower door test revealed some extra air leakage at the compartment walls, but with quick coordination between the design team, building consultants, PHIUS verifiers, and Haycon a path forward has been found.
What’s Happening On-Site Right Now?
As of now, we’re deep into the construction phase. Right now, the focus is on exterior insulation, mechanical system upgrades, and window replacements. Crews are installing fiber cement Hardie planks over the air-sealed sheathing, ensuring that every detail aligns with Passive House standards. Mechanical work is another huge component—transitioning from gas-powered heating systems to all-electric heat pumps, a shift that will drastically reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Navigating an active construction site in a residential area requires tight logistics. Material storage is carefully managed in the backyard, where major work has been concentrated. The site office has been set up in the basement, keeping operations running smoothly. Trash removal, initially an every-other-day operation, has now settled into a steady weekly schedule as workflows have become more predictable. And in a move that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of problem-solving in retrofits, we’ve been working within tight spatial constraints, bringing in only enough wood fiber insulation and windows for eight units at a time to ensure efficiency without overcrowding the site.
Why This Matters
The Hano Homes project is more than a technical challenge; it’s a model for the future of deep energy retrofits in urban settings. The success of this project isn’t just measured in airtightness tests or energy savings—it’s about creating healthier, more comfortable homes while proving that retrofitting affordable housing is both feasible and essential. In a time where cities are grappling with climate change and housing crises, projects like this serve as a critical blueprint for what’s possible.
Looking Ahead
With the project still underway, there’s plenty more to come. The next few months will see the completion of envelope upgrades, the fine-tuning of mechanical systems, and of course, final air-tightness testing to ensure we’re meeting Passive House standards. Every lesson learned here will help shape future deep energy retrofits, refining the process for the next wave of sustainable renovations.
For now, we’re celebrating the progress, tackling the challenges head-on, and keeping our sights set on the finish line. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the limits of what’s possible in energy-efficient retrofitting!
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