Two identical, side by side, blighted, Victorian, 2-family houses were reconstructed as an urban “Healthy Home” for persons with respiratory ailments. One was completed to quality code construction practices and the other was upgraded to Energy Star and Healthy House standards developed by Next Phase Studios (NPS) and Boston Public Health Department and energy officials.
NPS worked closely with the developer, Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation (NCDC) and Youth Build participated in the construction process. The scope of work focused on indoor air quality, reducing toxins, selecting low maintenance yet highly efficient systems and landscaping. Construction practices and specifications were benchmarked to reduce long term costs while improving quality of life and respiratory health. The demonstration aspect of the project for affordable housing required that all solutions be readily implemented and economically viable.