Hano Homes Deep Energy Retrofit – Allston, MA
Client: Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation (ABCDC)
Architect: Onion Flast Architecture
Completion: 2025
Scope: Deep Energy Retrofit, Passive House, Occupied Renovation, Affordable Housing
Located on Hano Street in Allston, Hano Homes is a 20-unit income-restricted community that has undergone a transformative Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) to dramatically reduce energy use and carbon emissions. The project fully decarbonized ten duplex rowhouses through an all-new, high-performance building envelope, continuous exterior insulation, triple-glazed windows, a new roof, and all-electric mechanical systems.
The renovation included electric heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems, as well as balanced fresh-air ventilation, creating healthier, more comfortable living environments for residents. With the addition of a rooftop solar PV array, the property is projected to achieve a 70% reduction in total energy use, moving it toward net-zero energy performance.
A key challenge was completing this comprehensive scope while residents remained in place. Careful coordination, sequencing, and communication allowed construction to proceed safely and efficiently with minimal disruption to daily life.
The renovation included electric heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems, as well as balanced fresh-air ventilation, creating healthier, more comfortable living environments for residents. With the addition of a rooftop solar PV array, the property is projected to achieve a 70% reduction in total energy use, moving it toward net-zero energy performance.
A key challenge was completing this comprehensive scope while residents remained in place. Careful coordination, sequencing, and communication allowed construction to proceed safely and efficiently with minimal disruption to daily life.
