Bridgeport Twins: U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home
Located in Bridgeport, PA. these high-performance homes were designed to fit the vernacular of this historic town. The homes include 4 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, designer kitchens and two car garages. Designed to meet the US Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program, these homes include ”tight” highly insulated building envelope construction including high performance ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors, Structural Insulated Panels walls and roofs and Superior Wall insulated precast foundation walls.
A small, super-efficient mechanical system is used in conjunction with an Energy Recovery Ventilation System(ERV) to provide a constant supply of fresh air while recovering heat energy from exhaust air to warm the incoming fresh air, which reduces heating costs. The constant supply of fresh air improves indoor air quality which minimizes exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants.
The plumbing system meets EPA’s WaterSense requirements and includes dual flush toilets and high performing, low flow plumbing fixtures located near a high-performance heat pump water heater, which helps reduce water and water heating expenses while providing continuous hot water delivery.
Private Residence
Located in Dushore, PA. this 2,700 square foot, 1-1/2 story Arts and Crafts home has 4 bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths and incorporates a ”tight” highly insulated building envelope with high performance windows, Structural Insulated Panels for walls and roofs and Superior Wall insulated precast foundation walls. The client wanted to incorporate a high-performance building envelope without adversely affecting the architectural design aesthetics of the home. This is an example of how to seamlessly incorporate such features into any style of home in a cost-effective manner. The project included a budget for post-construction installation of a Solar Photovoltaic system.
Passive House Private Residence
Located in Loch Sheldrake, in the Catskill Mountains of NY, this high-performance home was designed to meet the Passive House Standard as certified through the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS). This rigorous program incorporates high performance building science principles and passive house techniques including heat transfer, air-tightness, thermal bridge free detailing, superinsulation, highly efficient ventilation and moisture control, resulting in highly energy efficient, durable buildings with high quality indoor air. Passive building is the best path to Net Zero and Net Positive buildings because it minimizes the load that renewables are required to provide.
The 2,995 foot home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, loft space, a designer kitchen and two car garage. This home includes a ”tight” highly insulated building envelope construction with high performance, triple pane windows and doors, Structural Insulated Panel walls and roofs and Superior Wall insulated precast foundation walls.
A small, super-efficient mechanical system is used in conjunction with an Energy Recovery Ventilation System(ERV) to provide a constant supply of fresh air while recovering heat energy from exhaust air to warm the incoming fresh air, which reduces heating costs. The constant supply of fresh air improves indoor air quality which minimizes exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants.