Description:

This newly finished house features passive solar heat; innovative thermal mass system using water-filled recycled plastic jugs in 1st Fl ceiling, dyed concrete floor for thermal mass on basement floor, ground loop pipe and heat exchanger, Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV); heat recirculation system; tight thermal envelope; triple glazed, fiberglass windows, with high SHGC on South side of house, FSC and locally sourced materials, low-VOC/non-toxic materials, manifold plumbing, durable construction techniques, day lighting, Solar Hot water, and a 6.4 PV system. Green construction practices included temporary PV power for construction purposes and a composting toilet for construction crew.

Other Benefits:

Passive solar heat gain, lots of thermal mass and a well insulated and air tight building envelope eliminate the need for central heat.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Rainwater harvesting system with 8000 gallon cistern and drip irrigation system, secondary drip irrigation septic system, permaculture landscaping.

My Motivation:

Objective was to build a house that required no fossil fuels to heat it, and that would be close to net zero in energy.

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