Cambridge, MA NEI General Contracting is working with ICON Architecture on the Finch Cambridge project on behalf of Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc. (HRI). Located at 671 Concord Ave., this is one of the largest new multifamily affordable housing developments in the city in 40 years. When complete, the 124,000 s/f development will provide 98 rental units ranging from one, two, and three-bedroom apartments that are permanently affordable to low-income households as well as moderate- and middle-income households. It is one of the first large-scale multifamily developments seeking Passive House certification in Massachusetts.

According to Passive House Massachusetts, Passive House is a voluntary international building standard developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI), located in Darmstadt, Germany. The Passive House Standard is composed of several strict performance requirements for new building construction. The resulting performance produces a 90% reduction in heating and cooling energy usage and up to a 75% reduction in primary energy usage compared to homes built to conventional building codes. Passive House significantly reduces the carbon footprint while making a comfortable, healthy, and affordable environment.

“We have worked with NEI and ICON on several of our new construction projects and we knew they were the right team for Finch Cambridge. Both firms provide much-needed knowledge of Passive House and cutting-edge energy efficiency standards, and are collaborating with experienced sustainability consultants to build incredibly efficient and healthy housing for the long-term,” said Jane Carbone, director of development at HRI. “We received funding from a grant offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and it allowed us to truly commit to Passive House design for this project.”

Together, the project team worked through the details to ensure compliance with Passive House standards and to prepare for the rigorous inspections scheduled throughout the design and construction process. Passive House design presents unique challenges during construction.

“NEI worked diligently to understand the intent of the Passive House elements and worked closely with the architect to maintain constructability while meeting the intent,” said Josef Rettman, president of NEI Construction.

A primary function of Passive House is providing continuous air & thermal boundaries and minimizing thermal bridging. NEI modified its typical internal QA/QC inspection process and added steps to accommodate the 3rd party inspections required as part of the Passive House certification process. This additional process requires more visual inspections and photo documentation.   

NEI had to install an air barrier on interior partitions that wouldn’t normally apply on a traditional construction project in order to provide a tight building envelope at the Passive House boundaries identified by ICON Architecture. In addition, the sequence of subcontractors had to be adjusted, often bringing in a trade earlier than normal to meet certain Passive House requirements and inspection milestones. For example, the exterior air barrier was installed while the building was being erected, sometimes between two prefabricated wood wall panels, as required to maintain continuity at the Passive House boundaries which were located at a few interior partitions.

Finch Cambridge is located in the Alewife/Cambridge Highlands neighborhood directly across from the Fresh Pond Reservation, which hosts walking paths, parks, and playgrounds, and in walking distance of grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and fitness options. Apartment amenities will include open floor plans, large windows, and Energy Star™ appliances. Residents will have access to a large multipurpose community room and kitchen, resident lounge and study rooms, a rooftop terrace and landscaped outdoor spaces. It is located near two MBTA bus lines and a red line subway station.

This property is being developed and will be owned by HRI, a local non-profit affordable housing developer in Cambridge. Finch Cambridge will be professionally managed by Winn Residential.