Green Living in Newburyport
Homes designed for a better future.
Sustainable building materials
We are sequestering carbon by using hemp-lime biocomposite wall panels in the erection of our next 12-unit multifamily building. We are the largest biocomposite construction project utilizing hemp and lime in the United States.
Our biocomposite wall panels are made of hemp fiber and lime binder cast in a wood frame with a steel lifting skeleton. Lime-based plasters (natural plasters) are applied directly to the interior and exterior hempcrete as the finished skin. It's a beautifully simple assembly. Once tilted up, the wall panels create a PHIUS-compliant, net zero envelope for our market-rate rental units.
Project Overview
The 48 unit net-positive housing project is designed to exceed Passive House and Leed Platinum standards. Constructed with custom designed wall panels built on site, the project includes one, two and three bedroom apartments, common house, community barn, greenhouse and individual growing areas. Three acres of the four and half acre site will be an edible landscape. Solar power generated on site exceeds all the energy needs for the homes and electric vehicles. The first 18 units have been completed and are now home to over 30 residents. The ten-unit SRO YWCA building for deeply affordable housing is complete and will be moving in residents this spring. Site prep has begun for our third building and barn which will include storage space for tenants and possibly chickens!
The development is a fully integrated model. Hall and Moskow are not only the project developers, but also the architects, builders, and long-term owners.
Hillside Building System Partner
Hemp and lime-based biocomposite insulation, known as “hempcrete”, can be produced sustainably from a highly renewable resource that sequesters carbon as it grows. The resulting insulation is carbon-negative, yet also has considerable thermal, acoustic, and fire resistance properties. In partnership with Americhanvre we are using Hemp based building materials that are on the forefront of green building and sustainable design
Hillside Soil Systems Partner
Black Earth Compost is committed to reducing waste, reusing food scraps, and returning nutrients to the soil, contributing to a more sustainable food system. Contact Black Earth Compost for curbside collection of food scraps from your home or business. You can also call Black Earth Compost for finished compost, soil blends, leaf mulch, and raised beds.
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Hillside Features
FOOD
With an edible landscape, urban gardens, and year-round greenhouse, food production is abundant at Hillside.
HOUSING
Our net-positive homes are designed under rigorous Passive House standards in a traditional New England cottage style.
TRANSPORT
Powered by our solar canopy, shared electric vehicles are available for residents’ use - providing the benefits of a personal car while saving money and energy.