Minimize, Maximize or Balance: Designing for Net Zero on an Urban Site (WED, 6/14)
June 14, 2021

Triple Decker Challenge: Fort Hill Solar District

Triple Decker Challenge:  Fort Hill Solar District

A Solar District approach aggregates 25 neighborhood buildings for a combined output of 706,275 kWh/year, with the net excess available to a third-party purchaser (e.g. City of Boston). Existing energy demand is lowered with application of an insulating envelope; gas-fired boilers are replaced with ERVs and mini-split heat pumps. Most of the DER is applied from the building’s exterior, thus avoiding the mess of demolition and the cost of tenant relocation. Insulated mega-panels are applied on three sides. Building cavities are filled with cellulose insulation.

Photo

 renderings courtesy of WestFaulkner Architect

Author
Katherine Faulkner

Katherine Faulkner

Katie Faulkner is currently a director at PT-Tech, a division of Placetailor in Boston. She is also the founder of WestFaulkner, an office w...

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