SOLAR WINGS: CAMBRIDGE, MA
Net-Positive New-Build Residence
The design concept for this new house was conceived around roof forms that function as “solar wings,” supporting two photovoltaic arrays that are integral to both the architecture and the building's energy strategy. Carefully scaled to the surrounding neighborhood, the house integrates high-performance design while responding thoughtfully to its existing context.
The completed residence achieved a HERS Index of -14 and exceptional airtightness of 0.53 ACH50, made possible by a high-performance building envelope, all-electric air-source heat pump systems for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water, and on-site solar generation. The new house generates more electricity annually than it consumes while exceeding climate and flood resilience standards recently established by the City of Cambridge.
Additional sustainable features include permeable hardscape, native landscaping, two EV supercharger stations, locally sourced materials such as black locust decking, and low/no-VOC finishes. A high-performance home designed for healthy, sustainable living.
Builder: Carr Carpentry & Restoration
Photography: Ben Gebo
