The organization behind new affordable housing at 198 Blake St., above, and 84 Walnut St., in Lewiston says the “passive house” buildings use one-third of the energy per square foot of the average home in Maine. Evan Carroll, the principal architect of the buildings, said “passive house” design is a rigorous standard that requires highly efficient energy systems, as well as very high air quality, in order to meet the certification. The two buildings, using the same design, are the first certified passive house buildings in Androscoggin County and the 15th certified passive house apartment buildings in Maine. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Craig Saddlemire stands in the parking lot of the new apartment complex Wednesday morning at 198 Blake Street. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

The unique looking sun shades at 198 Blake Street will create savings in cooling costs during the summer. The fancy detail at the roofline pays homage to the tree streets that surround the neighborhood. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Craig Saddlemire, development organizer for Raise Op, a cooperative housing organization, stands Wednesday in the parking lot of the new apartment complex at 198 Blake St. in Lewiston. Saddlemire said the building design is “very replicable” and could fit onto other standard lots in the downtown. “We wanted to make a building that feels familiar to our residents and neighbors. We wanted it to feel like home. And we wanted it to be beautiful,” he said. “It’s the classic New England Triple Decker style, but with some modern upgrades. I think it fits in with the other buildings really well.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

A kitchen in one of the four-bedroom apartments at 198 Blake St. in Lewiston is shown here. “Being a passive house project, this project brings efficiency to a whole new level,” said Tim Mancine, the construction manager for Hebert Construction who oversaw the construction of the buildings. “The buildings require a high level of attention to detail when it comes to air sealing with every possible gap, crack and open space sealed. It’s the tightest building envelope I’ve ever seen constructed.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

A view of 198 Blake St., blue building at right, shows it’s location in Lewiston on Wednesday. One of the most noticeable features from above is the solar panels on the roof, but the building also features solar awnings that hang over the top of each window facing the street. “The size and orientation of the awnings are part of the building’s energy model,” says Evan Carroll, the principal architect of the new building. “During the summer, when the sun is high in the sky, these awnings will block most of the direct sunlight, reducing the thermal loading that would otherwise take place. This means the units are much easier to keep cool in the summer. But the spacing of the slats will still allow for diffuse light to enter the window, so you’re getting nice summer sunlight without overheating. And in the wintertime, the sun is lower in the sky, so the building can benefit from that direct thermal gain during the colder months.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal