What Cofield II Estates Teaches Us About the Future of CLT in Affordable Housing
- knatlo
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Building affordable housing today means solving for more than just budget. Rising construction costs, workforce shortages, and growing pressure to meet sustainability mandates—all while delivering on-time, on-budget housing—are challenges our clients face every day. And they’re only becoming more complex.
As an award-winning construction management firm in Connecticut, LaRosa Groups has seen firsthand how the right construction strategy, paired with forward-thinking materials, can reshape what’s possible in affordable housing.
That was the case with one of our proudest projects: Curtis Cofield II Estates, a fully electric, affordable housing development in New Haven’s West River neighborhood.
Spread across 4.3 acres, the project features 56 rental apartments in 11 townhouse-style buildings, a community center, EV charging, and space for a minority-owned coffee shop—delivering long-term value without compromising sustainability or affordability.
The development exceeded Connecticut’s energy standards, eliminated fossil fuels entirely, and provided families with high-quality, energy-efficient housing. "This project reflects what’s possible when thoughtful design, strong leadership, and sustainability come together," said James LaRosa, CEO of LaRosa Groups. "We’re proud to help meet Connecticut’s affordable housing needs with solutions that deliver long-term value for our communities."
But we’re always asking: What’s the next step forward?
One answer is in Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)—a structural system gaining momentum for its ability to lower carbon, reduce labor needs, and dramatically accelerate timelines.
While CLT wasn’t part of the Cofield II Estates build, it represents a major opportunity for future housing projects that want to go even further in meeting sustainability goals and managing costs.
"One of the biggest advantages we’ve seen with CLT is the ability to drastically shorten timelines without sacrificing quality," explained Rome Santilli, Senior Project Manager at LaRosa Groups. "It allows us to go from structure to framing in record time—and that’s a key differentiator for high-demand housing."
What is CLT—and Why Does it Matter?
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is a prefabricated, engineered wood panel system made by gluing layers of lumber together at 90-degree angles. It’s strong, fire-resistant, lightweight, and faster to install than traditional steel or concrete systems.
Why CLT is Worth Considering for Affordable Housing
Here are four reasons for considering CLT in your next housing project:
Faster Construction: Floors and walls arrive prefabricated and can be installed in days, not weeks.
Reduced Labor Needs: Smaller crews can complete structural work, which can help manage project costs.
Lower Embodied Carbon: Wood naturally stores carbon, making CLT a smart solution for climate-conscious building.
Design Flexibility: CLT supports modern open layouts, natural aesthetics, and passive design strategies.
Comparing Construction Models: Traditional vs. CLT
Here is a comparison of traditional construction methods versus CLT building systems:
Traditional Methods | CLT Construction |
Slower due to on-site curing (concrete) or sequencing (steel) | Rapid—CLT panels install in days |
Larger crews needed | Smaller, coordinated teams |
High (steel, concrete) | Low—wood stores carbon |
More on-site noise and traffic | Quieter installs, less site impact |
Susceptible to market volatility | Higher material cost, but potential labor and schedule savings |
Why CLT Matters for Developers, Architects and Policy Makers
Affordable housing developers face a triple challenge: tight budgets, accelerated timelines, and growing sustainability mandates. CLT has the potential to address all three, offering an innovative construction solution that is cost-conscious, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
While it's not yet standard in residential development, the lessons from projects like our CCSU Library Addition, which reduced GWP by 65%, offer valuable proof of its potential. Visit the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator to explore CLT’s life cycle carbon impact.
For a closer look at how LaRosa Groups applies Passive House principles in the field, read our guide to best practices in passive housing.
Our expertise in this area is led by Mike Anderson, Director of Operations, a PHIUS Certified Passive House Builder. Having a certified professional on the team who understands what works—and what doesn’t—has been a key advantage for LaRosa Groups.
“The most critical best practice I can share is to get involved in the design early in the process. There’s a clear distinction between a Passive House builder and a Passive House designer,” explained Anderson. “The key is collaboration between the two to ensure the details are embedded in the design before construction begins. Adding them later is expensive.”
Lessons for the Future
From Cofield II Estates and our Passive House projects, we learned that:
Proactive planning and a collaborative mindset are essential
Energy efficiency and affordability can go hand-in-hand
Early adoption of sustainable methods earns long-term dividends
By layering in CLT as a material strategy, we believe future affordable housing projects can go even further—cutting timelines, lowering embodied carbon, and improving long-term performance.
Final Thoughts
With decades of experience managing academic, multi-family, and affordable housing projects, LaRosa Groups continues to lead the way in sustainable construction. From all-electric developments like Cofield II Estates to next-generation mass timber builds such as CCSU Library Addition, Acme Timber Lofts, and 340+ Dixwell Avenue, our team brings deep expertise and a track record of proven results. As CLT adoption grows, we’re ready to help more clients and communities realize its full potential.
Want to explore CLT for your next housing or institutional project? Contact LaRosa Groups today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can CLT be used for multifamily or affordable housing?
A: Yes. CLT has been used in both market-rate and affordable multifamily projects across the U.S. It meets fire code and structural standards when properly engineered.
Q: Is CLT more expensive than traditional materials?
A: Upfront material costs can be higher, but shorter timelines and smaller labor crews often offset that, resulting in competitive or lower total project costs.
Q: How can I learn more about using CLT on my project?
A: Visit our CLT article or contact LaRosa Groups for a consultation.