11 East Lenox

Owner: BREC, LLC   | Location: Boston, MA | Completion Date: 2023

11 East Lenox is a pioneering project in sustainable urban housing, showcasing the potential of mass timber construction combined with rigorous energy efficiency standards. This seven-story residential building in Boston epitomizes the future of low-carbon, market-rate housing through innovative design and integrated development. As the first ground-up mass timber structure in Boston, 11 East Lenox utilizes sustainably and regionally sourced timber. This choice not only acts as a carbon sink but also presents a significantly less carbon-intensive alternative to traditional concrete and steel construction.

The building is among the first wave of Passive House–certified multi-family residential buildings in Boston, ensuring a highly efficient thermal envelope and robust active building systems. The Passive House certification signifies the building's commitment to energy efficiency, with excellent thermal insulation and minimal energy loss.

Additionally, the use of mass timber contributes to a lower embodied carbon footprint, furthering the project’s sustainability goals. The combination of these design features highlights 11 East Lenox’s role as a proof of concept for low-carbon, market-rate housing.

Project Highlights

11 East Lenox is estimated to be 81% more efficient than a conventional equivalent building. This efficiency is achieved through its Passive House design and innovative active building systems operating at maximum efficiency. The project has earned energy efficiency certifications such as PHIUS+ 2018, Energy Star MFNC, DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes, and EPA Indoor airPLUS, underscoring its commitment to sustainable building practices.

Recognized for its innovative approach and significant contributions to sustainable construction, the project received the Technical and Environmental Impact Advancement Commendation from the Boston Society for Architecture. The building includes electric vehicle charging stations to support sustainable transportation, ensures high indoor air quality through EPA Indoor airPLUS certification and balanced ventilation, and offers energy-efficient features that reduce utility costs for tenants. The excellent thermal and acoustic properties of mass timber enhance the quiet, comfortable living environment.

Showcased by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) as a case study in climate resiliency and sustainable development, 11 East Lenox serves as a benchmark for future projects aiming to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The building’s design and features enhance the quality of life for its residents while ensuring environmental sustainability. By reducing both embodied and operational carbon, the project benefits stakeholders and the community, making it a landmark in Boston’s journey towards sustainable urban development.

11 East Lenox is estimated to be 81% more efficient than a conventional equivalent building. This efficiency is achieved through its Passive House design and innovative active building systems operating at maximum efficiency. The project has earned energy efficiency certifications such as PHIUS+ 2018, Energy Star MFNC, DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes, and EPA Indoor airPLUS, underscoring its commitment to sustainable building practices.

Recognized for its innovative approach and significant contributions to sustainable construction, the project received the Technical and Environmental Impact Advancement Commendation from the Boston Society for Architecture. The building includes electric vehicle charging stations to support sustainable transportation, ensures high indoor air quality through EPA Indoor airPLUS certification and balanced ventilation, and offers energy-efficient features that reduce utility costs for tenants. The excellent thermal and acoustic properties of mass timber enhance the quiet, comfortable living environment.

Showcased by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) as a case study in climate resiliency and sustainable development, 11 East Lenox serves as a benchmark for future projects aiming to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The building’s design and features enhance the quality of life for its residents while ensuring environmental sustainability. By reducing both embodied and operational carbon, the project benefits stakeholders and the community, making it a landmark in Boston’s journey towards sustainable urban development.

Technical Details