Terra on Lenox: Boston’s First Ground-Up Mass Timber Multifamily Building

When 11 E Lenox opened in winter 2022 as Boston’s first ground-up mass timber building, the collaboration between Boston Real Estate Collaborative (BREC), Monte French Design Studio, Haycon Inc., and H+O Structural Engineering created something groundbreaking. Now the 2024 WoodWorks Wood in Architecture Award confirms what the team proved: this 34-unit multifamily project sets the standard for climate-smart housing.

Material Efficiency and Structural Innovation

Regionally sourced mass timber acts as both structure and carbon sink, reducing embodied carbon compared to steel or concrete. Prefabricated CLT and glulam components were efficiently assembled on site, minimizing waste and accelerating the schedule.

A hybrid approach balanced performance and compliance: seven steel posts provided structural transfer and garage clearance at grade, while the mass timber system above remained fully exposed. Eliminating the concrete podium simplified the structure and maintained cost neutrality relative to a typical 5-over-2 design.

Climate Performance Without Compromise

Terra on Lenox achieved Passive House Certification with a high-performance envelope that minimizes energy use and enhances resident comfort. The result is durable, low-carbon housing that aligns with the city’s net-zero goals and BREC’s commitment to practical, cost-effective sustainability.

Design Excellence Through Collaboration

Mechanical and structural systems were tightly coordinated to meet height limits and maintain efficient MEP pathways. Exposed CLT ceilings and expansive glazing maximize natural light while showcasing the material’s warmth—creating a biophilic, high-end aesthetic uncommon in mid-rise housing.

A Proven Model for Mass Timber Development

The structure integrates glulam columns with double-beam framing supporting five-ply CLT floor slabs, oriented parallel to demising walls for efficient MEP distribution. This clarity in design—combined with early collaboration—positioned the project ahead of Boston’s upcoming Passive House requirement for multifamily developments.

Setting the Standard for What’s Next

As Boston’s market moves toward Passive House and carbon-conscious design, Terra on Lenox stands as a proven benchmark. Its performance confirms that mass timber can meet future codes today—without cost premiums or design compromises.

H+O Structural Engineering delivers cost-informed design that aligns carbon, cost, and constructability from day one. Terra on Lenox is proof. Plan your next multifamily development with structural systems that meet sustainability mandates – without blowing your pro forma.