GPD 346 Highland

346 Highland was conceived as a demonstration to show that luxury and sustainability are compatible. We preserved this historic 1897 farmhouse through a gut rehab, re-using most of the existing structure while expanding it harmoniously in New England vernacular style. The design had to appear organic and natural on the site, satisfy the town’s Historical Commission guidelines, be beautiful and high quality, and meet the lifestyle expectations of contemporary families. Through a combination of design, materials, and technology, we achieved these goals while creating an efficient and healthy home that earned numerous certifications, most notably LEED Platinum®.

The house is located in a desirable commuter suburb just west of Boston known for its expansive (and expensive) large homes. From the outset, this renovation was envisioned as a way to preserve a classic New England home - sustainably. Over 94% of all demo and construction waste material was diverted from landfill, including over 13 tons of interior fixtures, appliances, and building materials salvaged for building re-use. The lawns are a locally-produced hybrid grass which requires minimal water and no chemicals. The home has a suite of intuitive apps to provide control and monitoring. Besides controlling common functions, such as temperature, lighting, and security, specific apps optimize home performance and warn of potential problems. These systems track major individual electrical loads, check indoor air quality (including CO2 and VOCs), detect plumbing leaks and high sump levels, and track the performance of the solar PV array. This unique technology package enhances the home’s sustainability.

Energy performance was a major consideration. Materials, construction techniques, and mechanical systems were all carefully chosen to meet the rigorous standards of LEED and other certification programs. An extensive above-code insulation package, detailed air sealing (<0.5 ACH50), efficient appliances, heat pump water heaters and clothes dryers, and a 14.7 kW solar PV array allow the home to operate on a small fraction of the energy typical for a home of this size, and helped the home achieve a HERS score of 19 and earn ENERGY STAR® and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certifications.

Occupant health was another key design factor. An oversized range hood, interlocked makeup air, and negative-pressure power vented fireplaces, negate potential pollutant sources and are features rarely found in comparable homes. Extensive use of low-VOC and low-formaldehyde materials throughout the home’s interior, three separate Energy Recovery Ventilator systems with high-efficiency filters, and meticulous installation and commissioning of a 10-zone air source heat pump system helped the home earn EPA Indoor airPLUS certification. The home was carefully designed to maximize natural interior light, provide plentiful space for exercise and meditation, and accommodate two mudrooms to maximize interior cleanliness. This home is exceptional for its dedication to healthy living.

346 Highland merits recognition for providing a preview of the future. As it acknowledges there will always be some desire for large homes, it offers an alternative to “business as usual” design and establishes a new standard for healthy, efficient, and sustainable luxury homes.