On the Market: A Net-Zero Energy Home in Cambridge That’s the First of Its Kind
Think it's not easy being green? Well, think again. This eco-friendly home makes it easy to save energy thanks to its unique design.
Photos by Matt Delphenich
60 Stearns Street, Cambridge
Price: $4,500,000
Size: 4,191 square feet
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5 full, 1 partial
Every New Englander knows the horror of opening that first electric bill of the summer and seeing just how much blasting their air conditioning has cost them. Anything to get through the sticky dog days, right? Such days are a thing of the past at this Cambridge home, which is the first net-zero energy passive house in the country. And it’s now on the market for anyone eager to cut down their eco-footprint and electric bill.
The Victorian-style home was built last year with the goal of being a passive house, which means it was designed to maintain consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year. To achieve this, the house was built to be air-tight and well-ventilated, with windows that won’t let in moisture and sturdy doors that’ll banish winter drafts from your life, according to Harvard Magazine. The home runs entirely on electricity and thanks to solar panels on the roof, it’s predicted to produce more energy than it uses, allowing future owners the option to sell or donate their extra electricity. The listing agent says the home is also anticipating receiving LEED Platinum certification.
Passive homes are designed with efficiency in mind rather than aesthetics. But step through the wrap-around veranda and into the shiplap entryway of this eco-friendly home and you’ll see right off the bat that’s not the case here. An energy-efficient home doesn’t need to be unappealing, as evidenced by the soaring ceilings on the second and third floors. The new owners of this five-bedroom house will enjoy the benefits of an open concept first floor that consists of a mudroom with custom built-ins, an entertainment room with a wet bar for mixing up the perfect drinks, and a family room that can double as a bedroom. The second floor holds three more bedrooms, including a main bedroom suite with a private deck. And of course, outside there’s an electric car charging port—just the finishing touch needed for your new green lifestyle.
For more information, contact Currier, Lane & Young, Compass Realty, compass.com.
Photos by Matt Delphenich
Photos by Matt Delphenich
Photos by Matt Delphenich
Photos by Matt Delphenich
Photos by Matt Delphenich
Photos by Matt Delphenich
Photos by Matt Delphenich
Photos by Matt Delphenich
Photos by Matt Delphenich
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