Pok Oi Residences Certified Passive House by PHIUS

We’re proud to share that Pok Oi Residences has officially achieved PHIUS+ 2018 CORE Certification, recognizing it as a certified passive house building!

Located in Boston’s Chinatown, the six-story, 85-unit affordable housing community shows how sustainable design and social responsibility can work together. Working with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England and Beacon Communities, Pok Oi sets a new benchmark for energy-efficient multifamily housing in the Northeast. The project meets rigorous performance standards set by the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS), ensuring exceptional comfort, air quality, and energy performance.

Key design features include:

  • High-performance envelope: R-28 walls, R-50 roof, and triple-pane windows.

  • Efficient systems: Central energy-recovery ventilation (80% efficiency) and Mitsubishi VRF heating and cooling.

  • Renewable energy: A 32.8 kW rooftop solar array offsets building energy use.

Together, these strategies reduce energy use by more than 70% compared to typical multifamily housing, cutting operational costs while enhancing resident comfort and health.

Learn more about the certification on the PHIUS Certified Project Database →

Pok Oi Residences Celebrate Official Opening

The Pok Oi Residences, a transformative affordable housing project in Boston’s Chinatown, celebrated its official opening with a ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, May 21st. This milestone embodies a commitment to community, equity, and resilience in one of Boston’s most culturally significant neighborhoods.

Mayor Michelle Wu joined local leaders and community members to mark the opening, calling it “an important milestone in preserving affordability and community in this historic neighborhood.” Located at 288 Harrison Avenue, the development delivers 85 new homes for individuals and families at a range of income levels, including units reserved for people who have experienced homelessness.

We are honored to have worked alongside Beacon Communities, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) of New England, and a host of city and state partners to bring this vision to life. Formerly an underutilized parking lot, the site now serves as a vibrant gateway to Chinatown, balancing the challenges of urban living with the need for comfort, sustainability, and dignity in housing.

The design was deeply informed by environmental research and community feedback. With features that address air quality concerns and reduce noise from nearby highways, the building is design LEED Gold standards and is Passive House certified, underscoring its commitment to long-term sustainability and resident well-being. Every element of the design supports the goal of maintaining Chinatown’s cultural and physical accessibility for generations to come.

We’re grateful to have played a part in this meaningful project!