Story

Sustainability was the major factor in nearly every decision made on this home. From the choice of where on the lot to place the home, to the unique foundation design, to all the material choices; sustainability and very low energy usage were primary considerations. The end result of this meticulous attention to detail is a net-zero home; producing all the energy it uses over the course of a year.

This home is for empty nesters who plan to age in place while caring for aging parents.To that end the home is zero step certified; requiring no steps to access any part of the home.

Consolidatedmarketing statement

From whereto site the home, to the foundation design, to every material choicessustainability and low energy usage were primary considerations. This attentionto detail produced a zero-energy home.

This homeis for empty nesters who plan to age in place while caring for aging parents. Thehome requires no steps to access any room.

Buyerprofile

A married couple nearing retirement who enjoy serenity and nature.They will provide care for their elderly mother living with them.

Home facts

2576sq.ft. includes screen porch and breezeway, excludes garage

$511,000build cost excludes lot, site costs, appliances, and PV

$595,000includes all of the above except the lot

The designof the foundation was chosen to minimize site disturbance. This utilizes aFrost Protected Shallow Foundation (FPSF). No trees were cut for the placementof the home, and the driveway was routed to preserve larger trees.

Passivesolar design sizes the windows and roof overhangs to block the sun fromentering the home during the summer months, while allowing full sun into thehome during the winter months. This is elevation and latitude specific, andmust be plotted for each home individually. The home was designed so that thecommon rooms faced the South to receive the free solar heat during the winter.It was sited where the Southern windows would not be shaded by trees.

All wastewas sorted; and the majority was either repurposed or recycled. Scrap foam fromunder the slab and the ICF walls was used as additional insulation in thegarage walls. I estimate this saved us 2 dumpsters.

InsulatingConcrete Forms were used for the walls to build a home to far outlast theoccupants, while using only a trickle of energy to heat and cool. A mechanicalchase was designed with an air barrier under the trusses, saving over 130penetrations through the drywall (the typical “air barrier”). Triple pane windowsand doors were triple sealed to the ICF walls, and featured three seals on thesash to frame. Each penetration through the wall or ceiling air barrier wasfoam and taped meticulously.

Muchresearch was put into selecting and locating ultra low water use toilets. Lowflow fixtures were used throughout. Rainwater is captured by a series of ten 65gallon rain barrels and used to water plants and drought tolerant vegetation.

Indoor airquality is controlled by first creating an airtight home, then providing acontrolled stream of fresh air while removing stale air using an ECM poweredHeat Recovery Ventilator. This exhausts stale air from the bathrooms andlaundry room while providing filtered, conditioned fresh air to the living/dining/kitchenareas. The speed and runtime of the HRV is controlled by a device that monitorsindoor air quality for Carbon Dioxide and humidity. Filtration is to the MERV13 level, which removes >90% of PM2.5 particles so harmful to our lungs.

Thehomeowners were educated during the selection process, in a final walk-through,and product manuals provided upon completion of construction. The various systemswere described each time, with suggested settings and maintenance cycles.

This home is pending Green Star Platinum certified, and wells as Zero Energy Capable, and Zero Step Certified.