Sustainability in Affordable Housing Renovation for CSNDC – Boston, MA

Sorensen Partners is Architect for the $13.8M rehabilitation of 59 units of affordable housing for CSNDC in Boston, MA, which began construction in 2021. The development consists of six masonry buildings at two sites – Waldeck and Orlando – in Dorchester and Mattapan. Following is a list of green, sustainable, and climate resilient design characteristics of the rehabilitation.

Energy Efficient Envelope Design.

• All windows replaced for all buildings with Pella Impervia CL fiberglass with LowE dual-pane insulating glass, U-factor 0.29.
• Waldeck roofs will be upgraded from R-30 to R-52 through addition of spray foam insulation in the roof joists.
• Waldeck basement ceilings insulated with R-30 batt insulation and rim joist sealing.
• 25 Orlando roof upgraded from R-24 to R-49 through the addition of 5 inches of rigid insulation. Cool roof (white Duro-Last PVC) installed.
• 31 & 35 Orlando roofs upgraded from R-25 to R-55 through the addition of R-30 batt insulation in the attics.
• Exterior doors replaced with new gasketed doors.

Efficient Building Systems.

• Gas service installed at Orlando, providing an efficient and cost-effective heat source.
• All new high efficiency gas-fired boilers and gas-fired stand-alone water heaters installed.
• New insulated HHW distribution piping and plumbing piping installed.
• New low-flow toilets installed.
• Water-reducing showerheads and aerators installed.
• New electrical panels installed.
• New electrical wiring installed at Waldeck.
• All new LED lighting installed.

Healthy Indoor Air Quality.

• Ducted range hoods installed.
• Gas stoves replaced with electric stoves.
• 2-speed kitchen fans installed, set to operate in continuous background ventilation mode. 
• 2-speed bathroom fans activated by light switch installed.
• 2-speed fans are set for continuous low-speed operation to provide adequate air recirculation.
• Low-VOC paint and surface materials used.
• Unit front and rear doors replaced with new gasketed doors.

Site Design.

• Stormwater recharge systems installed at both sites.
• Orlando stormwater recharge is assisted by a new infiltration bio-swale.
• All plants installed are native plants, and drought-tolerant plants where possible.
• Bike racks provided.
• Asphalt replaced with concrete pavers, gravel, and native plants at Waldeck. The overall impervious surface area is substantially reduced at the Waldeck backyards.
• Community garden beds provided at Orlando. These beds extend a community gardening initiative started in the last 5 years at the southwest end of the site, at the end of Orlando Street.

On-site Clean Energy Systems.

• All roofs made solar-ready through installation of an additional dedicated electrical panel; and installation of conduit to roof for use in future solar installation.
• 25 Orlando roof has been evaluated by structural engineer for 60% possible future coverage with solar panels.
• Power will be purchased from a utility providing clean energy.

Certified Exemplary Energy Performance.

• We used the Enterprise Green Communities criteria in the design process and conducted two community charettes with funding from Enterprise: a Green Grantat Orlando and a Health Action Planat Waldeck. During both of these charettes, elements of the Enterprise Green Communities criteria were discussed with residents and added to design plans when support was high.

Enhanced Accessibility.

• 5% of units will be Group 2 units. By MAAAB variance, all accessible units will be at Orlando.
• Common laundry rooms will be fully accessible at both sites.
• New community room at Waldeck will be fully accessible.
• ADA path of travel is clearly marked and centrally located.
• Universal design has been taken into account with ample site lighting at entrances.
• Universal design has been taken into account with locations for new intercom systems and mailboxes.