--- title: "ZeroEnergy Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/zeroenergy-design-pfvwus-pf~125925524 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~125925524.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "ZeroEnergy Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4b3321830c0e6e45_6280-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "156 Milk Street, Suite 3, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, United States" latitude: 42.36 longitude: -71.0545 phone: "(617) 720-5002" website: http://zeroenergy.com rating: 5 review_count: 21 years_in_business: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 18 followers: 3241 last_updated: 2026-08-09 --- # ZeroEnergy Design > Green Architect \| Best of Boston Winner \| Best of Houzz 2012-2022 Original Houzz profile: [ZeroEnergy Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/zeroenergy-design-pfvwus-pf~125925524) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Boston, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Lynn, Newton, Somerville, Malden, Waltham, Brookline, Revere, Medford, West Roxbury, Weymouth, Arlington, Woburn, Chelsea, Braintree, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Watertown, Needham, Melrose, Saugus, Milton, Belmont, Wakefield, Dedham, Hingham, Stoneham, Winchester, Marblehead, Winthrop, Swampscott, East Boston, Hull, Nahant, Allston, Brighton, Chestnut Hill, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Needham Heights, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, North Waltham, North Weymouth, Readville, Roslindale, West Newton - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (21 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - 15 years in business ### Business highlights - Eco-friendly - Best of Houzz winner - 15 years in business ZeroEnergy Design creates beautiful, healthy homes that empower families, uplift communities, and improve our living world. We believe green homes can make a positive contribution to the environment. Our multidisciplinary team takes a holistic and site-specific approach to residential design. The spaces we create are beautiful, functional and durable. They provide healthy, comfortable environments for living, tailored to each client’s requirements and unique sense of style. Call us today to discuss your project. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - New Home Construction - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Multigenerational Homes - Architecture - Custom Homes - Energy Consulting - Green Home Design ### Areas Served - Boston - Cambridge - Quincy - Lynn - Newton - Somerville - Malden - Waltham - Brookline - Revere - Medford - West Roxbury - Weymouth - Arlington - Woburn - Chelsea - Braintree - Jamaica Plain - Lexington - Watertown - Needham - Melrose - Saugus - Milton - Belmont - Wakefield - Dedham - Hingham - Stoneham - Winchester - Marblehead - Winthrop - Swampscott - East Boston - Hull - Nahant - Allston - Brighton - Chestnut Hill - Hyde Park - Mattapan - Needham Heights - Newton Center - Newton Highlands - North Waltham - North Weymouth - Readville - Roslindale - West Newton ### Typical Job Cost $1 million - 10 million Projects are typically either new construction or full gut renovations, so that we can address functionality, aesthetics, and energy performance for each project. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | ZeroEnergy Design | | Address | 156 Milk Street, Suite 3, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, United States | | Phone | (617) 720-5002 | | Website | http://zeroenergy.com | | Years in business | 15 | | Followers on Houzz | 3241 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/zeroenergydesign - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/thinkzeroenergy - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/zeroenergy-design - Blog — http://www.zeroenergy.com/blog/ ## Offers Best of Boston Winner 2022! ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [ZeroEnergy Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/zeroenergy-design-pfvwus-pf~125925524) - **Website:** http://zeroenergy.com - **Phone:** (617) 720-5002 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Boston - Best Green Architect, Architect 50 Award, LEED Platinum Certifications, Passive House Certifications, EcoHome Design Awards, Boston Society of Architects Citation for Sustainable Design, and many more.... - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [The Boston Society of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-boston-society-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1888823119) - [Northeast Sustainable Energy Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/northeast-sustainable-energy-association-pfvwus-pf~437828998) - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) - [Passive House Institute US](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/passive-house-institute-us-pfvwus-pf~1579791328) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 21 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 45.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Jeff Goodman, March 2019** > ZED did an outstanding job designing our home. It is not only beautiful to experience, but is engineered to the highest standards of environmental efficiency. That is a perfect combination ! **Comment from ZeroEnergy Design:** > Jeff, Many thanks for the kind words. Our team thoroughly enjoyed working with you and Molly to design your exceptional new home. We hope it provides a wonderful living experience for decades to come. ### All 21 reviews **★★★★★ — Marie Fein, Oct. 2025** > We had an exceptional experience working with ZeroEnergy Design on our new passive house. From start to finish, the team demonstrated outstanding design expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for our vision. They took the time to really listen to our goals and guided us through every step of the process with patience and insight. > > Their thoughtful approach made a complex project feel smooth and collaborative, and the end result far exceeded our expectations; a home that’s not only beautiful but energy efficient, comfortable, and sustainable. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome or with the experience of working with such a talented and dedicated team. > > We highly recommended ZED to anyone seeking a forward thinking design firm that combines technical excellence with a personal touch! **★★★★★ — Hardy Kornfeld, Aug. 2024** > We hired ZED to help us design an energy efficient house, and to monitor construction. This was a very positive experience. The architects on the project were very responsive to our input in the initial design and its subsequent evolution. This was important to us as we found that some other architectural firms and builders were more inclined to push their ideas on us rather than engage in a constructive dialog to help us develop our own vision. The ZED engineer was spot-on with the modeling predictions. ZED developed a short list of potential builders, which very helpful since many local builders are unfamiliar with some of the construction approaches, and ZED was often on site to monitor their performance and address issues as they arose. My wife and I decided to forego hiring an interior designer, so we appreciated the input from the architects as we worked out our plan own and searched for products. Having lived in this house since October 2021, we have been delighted with the final product, the delightful interior spaces, the 4-season interior air quality, and the reliably net positive performance of the building. **★★★★★ — Randy True, Dec. 2018** > My wife and I found our dream house, and moved in just a month before having our first baby. It's a very contemporary design surrounded by green views of nature, and we have spent \*a lot\* of time in it over the last year. Thank you Zero Energy Design for creating such an inspiring and comfortable space! **★★★★★ — Jim Gilbert, May 2017** > My father worked his entire life in construction. Foolishly I stayed far away from his occupation but not so far that my lack of knowledge and experience prevented me from realizing that I could be vulnerable to being, shall we say, easily mislead by architects and contractors. So I procrastinated building a house for 73 years.. > Eventually I decided that it was now or never and having purchased a large lot that was part of a working apple orchard on top of a mountain I sought out a suitable architect with expertise appropriate for the global warming environment in which we find ourselves and the demanding intended location of the house. I could not be more satisfied or find myself feeling more secure with my choice of ZeroEnergy Design. > Right from the first visit with project manager John Mucciarone, which took place at the building site, I have been impressed with the firm's professionalism, cutting edge expertise, design style, customer service and total commitment to finding a way to meet my preferences while preserving the firm's mission. There has literally been no aspect of this entire project where the architects have been less than entirely enthusiastic and knowledgeable participants in the design and execution process. They have shown endless patient with delays arising from disagreements between the orchard owner and the Town Board caused by the steepness of the terraced hillside where the small subdivision has been developed and they have worked co-operatively with the Building Inspector and the Fire Chief in ensuring the feasibility of siting the house and driveway in a difficult but spectacular location. > Similarly with me they have always listened to what "bright new idea" I might present and while always been clear that they would incorporate whatever I desired into the project they have not hesitated to offer compromises that honored my vision while producing well reasoned arguments for modifying that vision in more practical ways. The final product is all the better for those interventions. Similarly they played an active part in identifying and interviewing a variety of general contractors that they identified as being appropriate for building the type and location of dwelling we had envisaged and produced a short list from which the final selection was jointly made. > Still in its early construction stage because of multiple unexpected permitting , engineering and costing difficulties I remain extraordinarily pleased with the entire process and the various decisions taken. Both ZED and I are are looking forward to completing a project that has for me been as educational as it has been enjoyable in ways that have completely negated my long held concerns and reservations. **Comment from ZeroEnergy Design:** > Jim, It has been an absolute pleasure working with you to make your vision for the property a reality. We appreciated your patience during the design process and your attention & concern for details both large and small - these fostered an enriching experience and relationship. Thank you. **★★★★★ — Wolfers Lighting Inc, May 2017** > It's always a pleasure to work with an architectural firm that "gets it" and ZeroEnergy Design definitely does. TheIr associates understand how important lighting is to the overall design and functionality of the space. We're always impressed with how clean their designs and specs are—not to mention how beautiful and innovative as well! We appreciate their diligence and dedication to their clients' needs as well as their willingness to embrace and focus on energy saving LED's and simple smart home technology. We highly recommend working with ZeroEnergy Design. **★★★★★ — Auburndale Builders, April 2017** > During the last year, we have been working with a national architectural firm, ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) to build a Net Zero home in Newton, MA. It has been an exceptional experience for us. The knowledge and expertise of architects, Matt and Stephanie, have been invaluable in the construction process for this Net Zero home. When it comes to architects, we look forward to working with ZeroEnergy Design again in the future. They are a firm you can trust and rely on for their attention to detail and on-time delivery. **★★★★★ — Soren deNiord Design Studio, Dec. 2015** > We have collaborated with ZeroEnergy Design on several projects. Each time they have provided a fine tuned balance of creativity / ingenuity and professionalism. Their design approach is cutting-edge smart and the finish product a beautiful mix of efficiency and elegance. I highly recommend ZED! **★★★★★ — Josephine, Dec. 2015** > Scope: Design of a 4 bedroom 5 ½ bathroom 2 story home in Metrowest. Construction administration. Energy and LEED consulting. > > Okay, taking on a new construction or major remodel can shave couple years off your life. It's especially difficult to do things differently. Engaging Zero Energy Design team was the best decision we made and headed us in the right direction. We are extremely happy with all aspects of our home including aesthetics, space, function and energy efficiency thanks to Stephanie and her team. > > I am very cost conscious and initially wondered the value, an architect would bring to our project when we already have an experienced builder. Ha! Stephanie and her team turned out to be a true advocate for us. > > First, the integration of Stephanie's architectural design sense and knowledge in environmentally green building, Jordan's know-how in energy efficient mechanical system and Adam's client service and experience in LEED is seamless, thorough and complete. It really is a dream team whether you are going for the certification or just a home that makes economic and environmental sense. > > Second, Stephanie is brilliant, efficient and professional. Stephanie quickly understood my husband and my needs/wants which were often different and helped us organize and prioritize. She helped us understand building "green" and the economics of different features. Stephanie's designs and renderings were comprehensive with placement of a deck, outdoor pool, stone paths and yard which made for coherent utilization of the entire land. > > Third, Stephanie and the team's attention to detail are simply outstanding. The bid package with detailed construction documents and outline of specification helped us ensure quality of the construction as well as the budget. Throughout the entire process, Stephanie and Jordan visited or requested photos of the construction to see that particular green building technique and materials were being implemented correctly and to set the builder up for success. She also guided us with kitchen/bath cabinetry, all interior case-work, choices of flooring, tiles, counters, backsplash, plumbing, lighting and hardware, in addition to color schematics. Even when I wasn't so sure of her leads, she was always, I mean always spot-on in retrospect. > > Fourth, Stephanie is an excellent collaborator. As with any project, we had many parties who never worked together before with competing interests and scheduling conflicts. Stephanie and ZED were flexible when appropriate, respectfully firm when necessary, and maintained good working relationship with everyone. > > In all, we have a house that is well thought out and well built. It's incredibly energy efficient with HERS rating of 16 and our energy bills shows it. Our family enjoys it a lot and so do our guests. Thank you, ZED!!! You managed to exceed our expectation which is not easy. **★★★★★ — dpaget521, Dec. 2015** > My husband and I worked with ZeroEnergy Design on the design and building of our new home on Cape Cod. Their involvement started from the moment we saw the lot we liked through the day we moved in (and, of course, for the punch list process). They provided a design that took full advantage of their expertise in the design of energy-efficient eco-friendly homes while fully respecting our desire for a more "traditional" Cape Cod home. We also used ZeroEnergy Design to oversee/manage the construction process as we were 3000 miles away for the last seven months of the ten-month process. **Comment from ZeroEnergy Design:** > We thoroughly enjoyed helping through the entire process. Thanks for being such a wonderful client! **★★★★★ — doughty\_mark, Aug. 2014** > Stephanie, Jordan and team were great to work with on our home design! They helped us understand how our various ideas could be organized into a home we could build (and afford) and led us to a great on-time outcome. We are very happy with the spaces, the natural light, the energy efficiency, and the overall feel of our new home. And we really enjoyed them as people because it was always evident how much they cared **★★★★★ — Stack + Co., Aug. 2014** > ZED is clearly New England's top firm when it comes to high performance buildings. Their experience and understanding of the latest building science is evident from the detailing of their thermal assemblies and their ability to specify the best products. > > Their staff are responsive, engaging, creative, and fun to work with. They are also committed to and passionate about high performance buildings which makes working with ZED a true pleasure! **★★★★★ — Bensonwood, May 2014** > Amazing company to work with. Top notch! > > Bensonwood designed the prefabricated insulated panels and constructed the timberframe shell on a Passive House project as part of a green building team that included ZeroEnergy Design, who was the architect for the schematic design (floorplans and elevations) of the house, plus the energy consultant and mechanical designer. The Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston (BRAGB) gave this home a 2013 Prism Gold Award for “Best Energy-Efficient Project.” The sustainable home previously won the 2012 Efficiency Vermont “Best of the Best in Residential New Construction” Honor Award. > > The project also included consulting architect Paul R. Bilgen, general contractor Estes and Gallup, and custom window and door maker, Architectural Openings. > > The 17-inch recycled foam sheet insulation provides R-75 value and a vapor barrier below the slab. All hot water is provided by two rooftop, flat-plate solar collectors with an electric on-demand water heater for backup. One kilowatt heating mats located under floor tiles in the bathrooms supply radiant heating, and air exchange is managed by a Heat Recovery Ventilator whose operation automatically adjusts, depending on temperature, humidity, and occupancy. In the kitchen/living room a sealed combustion chamber wood stove serves both as cooktop and bake oven, as well as a source of supplemental heat. > > The house is expected to perform 80-90% better than a code build house. **★★★★ — maryoliv, Dec. 2013** > Zero Energy Design (ZED) were a good choice, as I wanted to build a low energy house. Having an architectural background, I was pleased that they respected my ideas and focused on the areas where I most needed their help. Overall the house turned out well with low energy consumption. **★★★★★ — Lisa Tharp Design, Nov. 2013** > DREAM TEAM!! The entire team at ZeroEnergy Design was truly a dream to work with. Our first contact, Adam Prince, was enthusiastic and open-minded to the less typical aspects of our project, and has tirelessly helped spread the word about the project's healthy and energy-efficiency features. Stephanie Horowitz brought her vast creativity and problem-solving skills to deliver a design that achieved our goals within budget. Jordan Goldman was a whiz at engineering solutions that met energy efficiency goals, all while considering the health impacts of each decision. > > All phases of design were planned, budgeted and executed with a level of professionalism that is a model for this industry. > > I would highly recommend ZeroEnergy Design for architectural and mechanical design needs. **★★★★★ — Terri E, Sept. 2013** > We hired ZED to expand and update the master bathroom in our mid-century modern home, built in 1951. They knew exactly what we wanted, matched the pallette to the rest of the house and created a modern room that evokes the MCM vibe. > They were always professional and fun to work with. We asked them to manage the whole process including picking a builder and checking the work as it progressed. Everything went very smoothly. **★★★★★ — Cape Associates, Inc., Aug. 2013** > ZeroEnergy Design is a highly professional company to do business with. The English Residence Cape Associates built and ZeroEnergy designed is a prime example of their commitment to Green living. > > Cape Associates, Inc. **★★★★★ — Quiroz Painting LLC, Feb. 2013** > Hired for energy analysis, new high efficiency mechanical systems design. Extremely professional, willing to listen, discuss, explain. Detailed estimates in plain English. Exciting, energy saving ideas within our budget. We are excited to continue working with Adam and his amazing team. **★★★★★ — pvalette, Dec. 2012** > ZED designed a sustainable house for us in Little Compton Rhode Island. We have six people on our family and ZED managed to fit our family comfortably and aesthetically AND sustainably into 1200 square feet. the house is LEED Gold certified and has won numerous awards. Also, the architects at ZED were innovative, resourceful, creative, and respectful of our budget. We were and are EXTREMELY satisfied customers of ZED. **★★★★★ — tcochran635, Dec. 2012** > We are delighted with our LED Gold home that was designed and executed with great care. The ZeroEnergy Design team were professional, listened well, and continue to be available for questions well after the project completion. **★★★★★ — klevinlaw, Dec. 2012** > ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) designed a new construction primary residence for our family beginning February 2012. We were interested in building a passive solar home within a very strict budget. Throughout the design phase, ZED was considerate of our ideas for the home and ultimately provided us with architectural plans that exceeded our expectations. The design was modern, minimalist, and environmentally friendly on every level. The plans included a mechanical design and a renewable energy plan. They were well thought out and extremely detailed, leaving nothing left to guessing by anyone reading them. This attention to detail has been recognized by everyone on the project, including the land use planner of our city, the building department members, our general contractor, the subcontractors, and the suppliers. We are now in the construction phase and ZED members have been an integral part in construction planning and overseeing the construction itself. They have also been a strong advocate for us. We, along with everyone on the project, have been completely impressed with ZED and in agreement that ZED members are extremely professional, knowledgeable, experienced and able to meet deadlines and budgets, and work well with others. ZED has proven to be a full service green architectural firm for us. The firm created a whole house system and has assisted us in making almost every decision in the process down to the final finishes for the house. ZED has not only been respectful of our budget, but also found a substantial energy rebate for us that will completely pay for our PV system - a system that we did not think would be in our budget at all. It is obvious to us that the members of ZED take great pride in their work. We are so glad we found them. We couldn't give them a higher recommendation. ## Selected projects - [Belmont Modern 1.0](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belmont-modern-1-0-pj-vj~7604898) - Location: Belmont, MA - Photos: 22 - Description: A Modern Mid-Century Home in Belmont. When a family first moved into their funky mid-century modern house in Belmont, they knew it wasn’t their forever home. The new owners decided to rebuild in phases using a similar footprint, maintaining the spirit of the mid-century modern style in a composition more suitable for today. The existing 1960s-era house had two bifurcated wings, informing the decision to phase the project so that the owners could live in part of the home during construction. The… - [Acton Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/acton-passive-house-pj-vj~7320268) - Location: Acton, MA - Photos: 19 - [Hingham Marshfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hingham-marshfront-pj-vj~6818294) - Location: Hingham, MA - Photos: 20 - Description: Designed for owners year round comfort, endless connections to outdoor activities, and plentiful gathering spaces for time with loved ones. VISION. A Hingham-based couple who commuted to Boston for work commissioned ZED to create a modern home on their private marshfront property that fit with their green lifestyle. They had already decided that their existing 80s-era home wasn’t sited optimally, didn’t take advantage of the outdoors, and couldn’t accommodate their combined family. The couple ha… - [Mt. Hope Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-hope-modern-pj-vj~6651561) - Location: Portsmouth, RI - Photos: 21 - Description: A sophisticated family home that blends modern design with resilience in a coastal setting. Located in the coastal neighborhood of Bristol Ferry/Common Fence Point, Rhode Island with a commanding ocean view, this seaside modern home welcomes you to its warm stylish interiors, while just as quickly shifting your gaze towards the sea. The fenestration creates a variety of views and experiences, all intended to capture natural light and ocean vistas. CLIENT. Originally designed for an elderly coupl… - [Dartmouth Oceanfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dartmouth-oceanfront-pj-vj~5997662) - Location: Dartmouth, MA - Photos: 30 - Description: This modern ocean home achieves style, comfort, and aging in place within a challenging coastal New England setting. GOALS. After selling their property in a Boston suburb, the homeowners commissioned this retreat in South Dartmouth and procured an apartment in downtown Boston to match their new lifestyle as empty nesters. They were drawn to the site for its stunning water views and its proximity to both Boston and boating, and wanted a home that took advantage of the site, allowed for aging in… - [Lexington Modern Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lexington-modern-home-pj-vj~5696954) - Location: Lexington, MA - Photos: 24 - Description: ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living spac… - [Wellfleet Modern House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wellfleet-modern-house-pj-vj~2742156) - Location: Wellfleet, MA - Photos: 14 - Description: This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purcha… - [Truro Modern Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/truro-modern-beach-house-pj-vj~2201) - Location: Truro, MA - Photos: 22 - Description: A sustainable modern beach house in the dunes. A client came to ZeroEnergy Design with an interesting proposition. They wanted to commission the design of an environmentally sensible beach home on Cape Cod. The trick was that they had some unusual space requirements, a narrow lot on an environmentally sensitive site, and a magnificent west-facing view. THE CLIENT. A professional couple, each in different medical fields, have a large family including grown children and grandchildren. They normall… - [Lincoln Net Positive Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-net-positive-farmhouse-pj-vj~2498487) - Location: Lincoln, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: Fine Homebuilding Award: Best Energy-Smart Home 2017 OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-ent… - [SouthEnd RowHome](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southend-rowhome-pj-vj~5100866) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 21 - Description: This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a sha… - [Passive House Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/passive-house-retreat-pj-vj~75383) - Location: Little Compton, RI - Photos: 19 - Description: This private retreat and vacation residence located in a beautiful community on the New England coast features high performance and efficient use of space in a small package. The client sought a two bedroom, two bath home that was right sized for their family - nothing more, nothing less. They also had a goal of minimizing the home's energy use. PASSIVE HOUSE A sleek, simple, gable roofed structure was designed with the Passive House standard in mind - a building performance standard that yields… - [Brookline Modern Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brookline-modern-residence-pj-vj~1637001) - Location: Brookline, MA - Photos: 15 - Description: OVERVIEW Set into a mature Boston area neighborhood, this sophisticated 2900SF home offers efficient use of space, expression through form, and myriad of green features. MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING Designed to accommodate three family generations, paired living spaces on the first and second levels are architecturally expressed on the facade by window systems that wrap the front corners of the house. Included are two kitchens, two living areas, an office for two, and two master suites. CURB APPEAL… - [Wellesley Green Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wellesley-green-home-pj-vj~2569448) - Location: Wellesley, MA - Photos: 16 - Description: This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was divert… - [Boston Family Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boston-family-loft-pj-vj~575805) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 19 - Description: Modern family loft renovation. A young couple starting a family in the city purchased this two story loft in Boston's South End. Built in the 1990's, the loft was ready for updates. ZED transformed the space, creating a fresh new look and greatly increasing its functionality to accommodate an expanding family within an urban setting. Improvement were made to the aesthetics, scale, and functionality for the growing family to enjoy. Photos: Eric Roth. Architecture: ZeroEnergy Design. Custom millwo… - [English Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-residence-pj-vj~2634) - Location: Orleans, MA - Photos: 19 - Description: Modern Cape Cod green home earned LEED Gold certification for green features including solar electric, a green roof, and the use of sustainable materials. Construction by Cape Associates. Photos by Michael J Lee. Green architecture by ZeroEnergy Design. www.Zeroenergy.com - [Margate Resilient Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/margate-resilient-residence-pj-vj~1984311) - Location: Margate City, NJ - Photos: 18 - Description: AWARD WINNING \| International Green Good Design Award OVERVIEW \| This home was designed as a primary residence for a family of five in a coastal a New Jersey town. On a tight infill lot within a traditional neighborhood, the home maximizes opportunities for light and space, consumes very little energy, incorporates multiple resiliency strategies, and offers a clean, green, modern interior. STORM PREPARATION \| The first level of the home is elevated four feet above grade to minimize the risk of f… - [Hillside Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-modern-pj-vj~1270945) - Location: Lincoln, MA - Photos: 10 - Description: ZeroEnergy Design created this bright modern home for a family who likes to entertain. OPEN LIVING Inside, the spaces are broad with open concept living and cathedralized ceilings. Natural light pours in from the surrounding windows on each side - with views into the open courtyard and the distant mountains. The kitchen, dining, and living areas are all contiguous and act as the heart of the home. Clean, minimal aesthetics are achieved by combining the scored concrete floors, white countertops,… - [Farmstead Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmstead-passive-house-pj-vj~977776) - Location: Norwich, VT - Photos: 13 - Description: Farmstead Passive House - Vermont As a Certified Passive House, the Farmstead is a forward-thinking home for the modern New England family. Design Challenge A blend of features were carefully balanced to develop a final design that has an efficient footprint, meets the Passive House Standard (PHIUS+ Certified), and takes the form of a traditional farmhouse with some modern twists both inside and out. Durability was also a top client priority – this influenced a lot of the exterior design and det… - [Chatham Marshview House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chatham-marshview-house-pj-vj~5551593) - Location: Chatham, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: CHATHAM MARSHVIEW HOUSE This Cape Cod green home provides a destination for visiting family, support of a snowbird lifestyle, and an expression of the homeowner’s energy conscious values. Looking over the salt marsh with Nantucket Sound in the distance, this new home offers single level living to accommodate aging in place, and a strong connection to the outdoors. The homeowners can easily enjoy the deck, walk to the nearby beach, or spend time with family, while the house works to produce nearl… - [Concord Green Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/concord-green-home-pj-vj~17191) - Location: Concord, MA - Photos: 25 - Description: The Concord Green Home is a healthy home and was designed as such from the start. Given the significant rise in rates of allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivities, the client, interior designer Lisa Kauffman Tharp, placed the highest priority on indoor air quality. Her active family was also willing to trade house size for a prime location that offered a walking community lifestyle. Additional goals included blending seamlessly into its historic setting, meeting Not So Big House principles be… [See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/zeroenergy-design-pfvwus-pf~125925524) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840714349.m3u8?s=2e8a43cb3defa9be340b290553cc4fa3faf073fe&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in creating beautiful, healthy custom homes, new home construction, and multigenerational homes with a strong focus on energy efficiency, green building, and sustainable design. Our holistic approach ensures each project is tailored to our clients' unique needs and style, providing functional and durable spaces. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely! We specialize in designing fully custom homes. Our multidisciplinary team takes a holistic approach, tailoring every aspect of the design to your unique requirements and personal style. We create beautiful, functional, and durable spaces that are truly yours, ensuring they are healthy and comfortable. **Do you have experience with luxury or high-end homes?** Yes, we have extensive experience designing high-quality, custom homes that often fall into the luxury or high-end category. Our focus on beautiful, healthy, energy-efficient, and sustainable design, combined with our numerous awards like 'Best of Boston - Best Green Architect' and LEED Platinum certifications, reflects our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and tailored solutions for discerning clients. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [\#FOAInnovation](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45795329/list/foainnovation) — 8 ideas - [ZeroEnergy Design - Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3974028/list/zeroenergy-design-bathrooms) — 13 ideas - [ZeroEnergy Design - Favorite Images](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3973964/list/zeroenergy-design-favorite-images) — 11 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/alex-rabe) ## Community Q&A **Q: wall paint color** *(in Photo Questions)* What was the paint color of the walls and ceilings ? A: Hi there - we were actually not involved with the paint selections. You might try reaching out the the contractor, Newport Renewables, who can most likely answer that question for you. https://www.nptre.com/contact-us. All the Best, ZED **Q: Would like to know where the pendants are from.** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the Pendants. Where are they from? A: Hi there! The client did all the furnishings so I had to do some digging, but I think I found the light fixture for you: https://www.ylighting.com/secto-4201-pendant-light-by-secto-design-SCTP387966.html?cgid=YLLIG3&dwvar\_SCTP387966\_AttrValue1=Black\#tileIndex=5 I hope that helps! **Q: Where is the rug from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where is the rug from? A: The furnishings for the project were a collaboration between the owner and interior designer Equilibrium. Contact information is available on their website: https://www.design-eq.com **Q: what decking system was used over the lower living space? thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* Waterproof decking A: Bison FSC certified wood deck tiles http://bisonip.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Bison-WoodTileCutsheet2015-lo-res.pdf **Q: Bed** *(in Photo Questions)* Wondering where this bed might be purchased. Thanks. A: The furnishings for the project were a collaboration between the owner and interior designer Equilibrium. Contact information is available on their website: https://www.design-eq.com **Q: Who is the manufacturer of the bench along window wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* Manufacturer or store I can contact for further details. Thank you A: The furnishings for the project were a collaboration between the owner and interior designer Equilibrium. Contact information is available on their website: https://www.design-eq.com --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-09.*