| Location: | Somerville MA |
| Architect: | LDa Architecture & Interiors |
| Size: | 9,500 sf |
| Scope of Services: |
Renovation |
| Services: |
Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Fire Protection Lighting Data |
| Sustainable Features: |
Energy Recovery Fossil Fuel-free |
Originally built in the early 1900s as the home of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity, this building was renovated to serve as graduate student housing as part of Tufts’ effort to expand its on-campus housing.
CES provided MEP/FP engineering design services for the renovation, which was initially planned as undergraduate housing before shifting to serve graduate students. The redesign converted the fraternity-style layout into all single bedrooms with full-size beds, single-user bathrooms, and four shared kitchens. The building envelope and systems were fully upgraded to meet the latest energy code, eliminate fossil fuel use, and improve accessibility.
The system design included ductless, wall-mounted VRF units paired with dedicated ERVs for fresh-air ventilation. Careful zoning kept refrigerant volumes within code-allowable limits despite the building’s small bedroom footprint.
