Dorchester Retrofit: Installation Begins

With demo now complete at the Dorchester site, installation of the HPT GRID system is officially underway. The demo crew has finished stripping the existing asphalt siding, fire escape, and front porch from the building, revealing the original structure beneath.

We were pleased to discover that the condition of the building was better than anticipated. There was minimal wood rot under the old siding, and for a structure of its age, the corners and framing were remarkably straight. This made the initial stages of installation much more efficient and straightforward.

As we began placing the components of the system, we quickly found our rhythm. Panel and subframe organization and installation became progressively smoother as the team identified more efficient workflows. While a few challenges emerged—mostly due to the multiple phases in which components were pre-manufactured—the team was able to decode the layout and reorient parts for easier access. This learning curve should streamline the next phases of installation significantly.

The use of scaffolding on site has played a key role in keeping our team both safe and productive. With secure access to all parts of the façade, we were able to move quickly and stay on track throughout the process.

This project also marks HPT’s largest retrofit installation to date. In our first full-scale trial, we’ve managed to install roughly 730 square feet of system in just 8.5 hours. That time includes placing the weather barrier membrane, subframe, intermediate hemp wool insulation, and our prefabricated panels. It’s an exciting proof of concept that shows what’s possible when preparation, teamwork, and refined processes come together.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue wrapping the Dorchester building with the HPT system and learn from each phase along the way.