Village Homes, Brewer, ME
Sustainability Consulting Role: Led comprehensive sustainability consulting for pioneering multifamily Passive House development, coordinating with Community Housing of Maine (CHOM), CWS Architects, and Wright Ryan construction team to achieve strict Passive House certification requirements. Managed complex certification process for one of the largest Passive House buildings in the United States at that time. (Work performed while at Thornton Tomasetti)
Climate-Positive Solutions Delivered:
Passive House certification with super-insulated building envelope
Advanced thermal bridge-free construction eliminating energy loss
High-performance triple-pane windows and airtight building systems
Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems for optimal indoor air quality
Renewable energy integration with ultra-efficient mechanical systems
Sustainable materials selection supporting affordable housing development goals
Performance Outcomes:
Passive House certification achieved (2016) - New England's largest at completion
60% energy reduction compared to conventional multifamily housing
48 affordable housing units in 54,000 square feet
$9.6 million development financed with low-income housing tax credits
Model for affordable Passive House multifamily development
Benchmark project for energy-efficient affordable housing in New England
Passive House cost premium <3% over conventional code design
Village Centre by CWS Architects in Brewer, Maine, represents a groundbreaking achievement as New England's largest Passive House complex at completion, spanning 54,000 square feet with 48 affordable housing units while setting new standards for cost effective energy-efficient multifamily housing development.
