Leaders in High Performance Building: The Efficient & Comfortable Spec Home

At HeatSpring, we celebrate innovative builders and designers who work to improve the overall quality and performance of public and residential buildings…

Our Leaders in High Performance Building Giveaway was created for those who have helped plan, design, construct, and/or operate a high performance building. Entrants could submit a photo of their high performance project(s).* The photo could show the entire high performance building or a feature of the high performance building (systems, etc). We randomly selected a winner in February 2016!

‘Leaders in High Performance Building Giveaway’ entrant: We have sought to find that perfect balance of cost versus benefit to get the biggest bang for the buck regarding energy efficiency, comfort, livability and appeal. This home will be a net-zero spec home. It features a hidden ducted mini-split, ERV and high efficiency water heater centrally located (so that no re-circ pump is needed to conserve water and still get quick hot water at all locations) and all within the heated envelope. It also includes a tightly sealed envelope, upgraded insulation package (R-32 walls with a thermal break & rain screen, R-60 Attic, R-38 Floor, U-.22 to .25 4th layer Milgard windows), a 6.8kW PV system, effective daylighting and comfortable living spaces including a bonus flex space, (just big enough for a single bed window seat or a small office area) in addition to the three bedrooms. The design uses advanced framing but uses 2×6 walls so that any builder could do this without having to re-invent all of their plans for thicker walls. The intent is to create a model process for Joe/Jane Contractor that makes it easy for them to take that next step in creating a better building without them needing special knowledge.

********

*High performance buildings maximize operational energy savings; improve comfort, health, and safety of occupants and visitors; and limit detrimental effects on the environment.

Continue Learning with Marc Rosenbaum in ‘Zero Net Energy Homes’…

This course is an opportunity to study under Marc for a full ten-week semester, ask him questions, and get specific feedback on your own capstone project. You’ll learn key pitfalls to avoid and get numerical guidelines on sizing peak heat loss, glazing amounts, and solar electric systems. You will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of all of the key components of a zero net energy home—envelope, systems, and renewable energy sources—and how they fit together that will empower you to confidently create your own designs. Successful students will complete a full design for a zero net energy home, including an energy model, and earn NESEA’s ‘Zero Net Energy Homes Professional Certificate’.

Enroll Today!

*HeatSpring’s Leaders in High Performance Building Giveaway Disclaimer: By submitting your photo, you represent and warrant to us that (1) doing so does not violate or infringe anyone else’s rights; and (2) you created the file or other content you are uploading, or otherwise have sufficient intellectual property rights to upload the material consistent with these terms. By submitting a photo, you give HeatSpring permission to publish it on HeatSpring Magazine and via HeatSpring’s social media channels. This is not a sweepstakes or a lottery; the winning photo is randomly selected with a number generator. The contest begins November 1, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. and ends at 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2016. The winner of HeatSpring’s Leaders in High Performance Building Giveaway will be announced on HeatSpring Magazine and contacted by email within 48 hours of the close. The winner may choose to take the class selected or choose a class of equal or lesser value. This contest is open to legal residents of the USA. You must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry to participate. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.