How did “The Kenzi,” an affordable housing building in the heart of Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, achieve all-electric construction? Why did Passive House design make that possible? Passive House buildings go hand-in-hand with on-site renewable generation and electrification—but how is this different from a typical high-performance building? In this video, we dive into the nitty-gritty details of how this 50-unit age-restricted building was designed to meet a variety of challenges in ventilation, air tightness, and insulation. You'll see how the design and construction teams applied the Phius standard in this groundbreaking example—and how they successfully designed and permitted solar-plus storage for emergency backup power, replacing traditional fossil fuel generators with the City of Boston’s approval. Our presenters are Sara Kudra, Founder of Architecture Towards Neutral, and Rand Lemley, Project Architect/Sustainability Lead at DREAM Collaborative. Sara Kudra is the founder of Architecture Towards Neutral, a firm focused on reducing global emissions through transparent practices. A registered architect and NCARB certified, Sara has extensive experience in affordable housing and is trained as a CPHC and BPI Building Analyst. She is passionate about housing affordability and environmental justice. Rand Lemley, AIA, CPHC, is a Project Architect and Sustainability Lead at DREAM Collaborative, where he focuses on the intersection of design, justice, and the environment. A registered architect and Certified Passive House Consultant, Rand holds a Master of Real Estate and Development and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College. He also co-chairs the Decarbonizing Existing Buildings Alliance. Watch the video here.
Related Content

A New Approach to Cold Air Distribution
Discover an innovative approach to cold air distribution for energy-efficient buildings. Learn how advanced HVAC strategies improve indoor comfort and sustainability in passive house design.

Mastering Window Airtightness for High-Efficiency Buildings | Construction Tech | PHA Live!
Discover expert strategies for window airtightness in high-efficiency building construction. Learn how proper installation supports passive house standards for energy savings and comfort.

Maximizing Efficiency in Domestic Hot Water Systems | Construction Tech | PHA Live
Discover proven strategies to maximize efficiency in domestic hot water systems. Explore construction techniques, energy-saving tips, and Passive House insights for eco-friendly home heating solutions.