MassCEC’s Triple-Decker Design Challenge will be soliciting proposals from design/build firms, architects, remodeling contractors, and other qualified applicants to identify replicable and affordable triple-decker energy retrofit approaches.  The program seeks to set a new and scalable standard for transitioning these iconic New England dwellings into high-performing, low-carbon buildings that are consistent with the state’s new net zero emissions by 2050 goal and respectful of the architectural heritage they represent.

MassCEC is developing an invitation for proposed designs in partnership with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) that will be released approximately June 2020 with a submission deadline in approximately November 2020.   

Approximately Nine prizes will be awarded for winning proposals ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 with a potential $10,000 more for the People's Choice award.  There will also be a number of recognition opportunities for winning proposals of each category.

Applicants will have the option of submitting a proposal for a Cost Optimized Retrofit or a 3+ Retrofit. The Cost Optimized Retrofit invites proposals focused exclusively on energy retrofits that maintain existing building layouts. The 3+  Retrofit invites proposals focused on the addition of more space or units to an existing triple-decker, in addition to delivering an energy retrofit of the entire structure.   There will also be a "Bring Your Own Building" Award. 

Applicants will be provided with assessments from 2 "typical" existing triple deckers that include "as builts" in CAD (can be exported to other formats), building measurements,  electrical capacity analysis, HERS rating using Ekotrope energy model and incorporating blower door results, and additional requirements (i.e. zoning changes, fire supression measures etc.) that would be triggered by addition of space. Applicants will either select one of the assessed triple deckers or develop their own baseline from a triple decker of their own choosing.

Submissions will include designs and cost estimates for a scalable retrofit design that will result in a cost-optimized, fossil-fuel free building.  

Design competition submissions will be evaluated on optimization of upfront  cost of retrofit construction and operating cost over thirty years (2020-2050), embodied carbon impact of the proposed building materials, replicability of the design for other triple deckers, and design excellence and occupant experience.

MassCEC will hire a HERS rater to complete an Ekotrope energy model reflecting applicant design submissions in order to model anticipated reduction in operating energy so assumptions are the same for each submission in the judging process.  MassCEC will also provide guidance to competition applicants with regard to estimating the embodied carbon of proposed building materials.  

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* 1. Name 

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* 2. Organization

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* 3. Profession Type

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* 4. Would you potentially be interested in participating in the Design Competition?

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* 5. Do you know other people who would be interested in participating in the Design Competition? If so, would you be willing to share their contact information?

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* 6. Design competition applicants will provide design documents and cost estimates for a scalable retrofit that will result in a cost optimized, fossil-fuel-free building.

Proposed submission materials will likely include: digital poster identifying highlights of the proposal and vision (24 x 36 inches-portrait). Additionally, applicants will be asked to submit descriptions of building enclosure details including typical wall section; schematic heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, strategies; proposed on-site renewables with estimated electrical production; accommodation for on-site electric vehicle charging; and an outline description of an additional square footage layout changes proposed such as plans, sections, elevation and enclosure details. Applicants will need to estimate costs for each portion of their proposal.

Do these materials for a submission make sense, in your opinion?

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* 7. MassCEC is developing an invitation for proposed designs; applicants will have the option of submitting a proposal for a Cost Optimized Retrofit or a 3+ Retrofit. The Cost Optimized Retrofit invites proposals focused exclusively on energy retrofits that maintain existing building layouts. The 3+ Retrofit invites proposals focused on the addition of an additional unit/s to an existing triple-decker, in addition to delivering an energy retrofit of the entire structure. Would you anticipate applying for the Cost Optimized Retrofit, the 3+ Retrofit, or both?

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* 8. MassCEC will hire a HERS rater to take high ranking proposed plans and adjust base Ekotrope model inputs with proposal inputs to evaluate projected energy savings and operational costs over 30 years.  This will help in scoring of high ranking proposals and assist in final scoring to rank winning proposals.  Because the MassSave Renovations and Additions program utilitizes Ekotrope models for determining MassSave incentives, this is the energy model MassCEC plans to use.  Utility programs will be providing characterization of 2 pathways incentives might be integrated under existing utility programs and MassCEC will propvide guidance about how much applicants can assume about MassSave incentives. Additional energy models can be used on top of the base consistent Ekotrope model if applicants are interested in running them.  What thoughts do you have about this proposed approach?

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* 9. Because embodied carbon tools such as Athena, EC3 and Tally seem quite complex for this scale of retrofit, MassCEC is paying for the customization of a simple embodied carbon of materials tool that has been developed by builders and for builders on a residential scale. Applicants will have use of this tool during the design competition. We plan to hold a recorded webinar describing how to use the tool. Are there other ways MassCEC should help to support decision making around using materials with lower embodied carbon.

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* 10. Would you be interested in connecting with another organization to create a submission? For example, if you are an architect, would you want to have a way to pair up with a contractor with ability do to cost estimating? 

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* 11. If you are interested in connecting with another organization, would a networking (e.g. slack) page be helpful to find other interested parties?

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* 12. Is there additional information you think is necessary to choose to participate in the Design Competition?

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* 13. What, if any, additional information, would be helpful for MassCEC to provide on the assessed triple decker buildings for Design Competition participants?

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* 14. If funding were made available after the Design Competition to implement submission designs in existing triple deckers, are you aware of triple decker owners who would be interested in moving forward with a retrofit?

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* 15. Do you have any additional comments?

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* 16. If you would like to receive further information on the Triple Decker Design Competition, please enter your email.

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