A project that may interest you

[thoughtforward]

I am new to the forum and in searching around I think this is the best place to cast out my line. I want to let people know about a project that I have under way. This project is in Cambridge Vermont just east of Burlington.

Overview.
Cost effective new home construction using streamlined construction methods to minimize labor and reduce wast to keep the overall home cost down. Utilize renewable energy resources to keep the long term operating cost or the home to a minimum.

Keep the turne key cost of the home below 160k including land and apliences.


As I figure out how to post pics and such I will try to keep everyone up to date.



Today is Sept 3 2008. 3 out of 4 of the houses in the development are sold or under contract as of this post. Target completion date for these three houses is Christmass 2008. I get the site for house 1 on Monday Sept 8. The time line will be tight but the houses are small and the build is very steamlined.

The house is 960sqft so even if I left holes in the walls it would still qualify as "efficiant". Each house will have a 1kw Photovoltaic solar system with batterie back up but will also be grid tied. The foundation is built with Logix ICF and is a full basement with 8' ceiling. The deck dimension is 24'x40'. Floor system is TJI 360 14" on 12" centers with 3/4" advantack subfloor glued and nailed clear span. Wall system is 2x6 studs on 16" centers sheathed in Advantach Zip System. Roof system is a scisor truss system 5/12 exterior 2/12 interior on 24" center with Zip System roof sheething and standing seam roofing. Exterior trim is all Azack and sideing is Certainteed Ceaderboard insulated vynil.

I am sure I left a tone out but I would like to let the conversation begin. I would also love to know if there is anyone else out there who is doing this type of project.

Thanks
Brian
All Jobs Considered, LLC
EarthSense Design, LLC.

[Rich]

I haven't gone to the photovoltaic systems yet except for one off grid home (still waiting for their other house to sell). But we have been designing (or having design done) for solar domestic hot water - which is a pretty cool system. Solar technology has really come a long way.
We're currently in the process of constructing a SIP panel Energy Star Compliant home with solar water radiant heat and domestic hot water. Options for backup heat is propane and electric - so gives the option on what is cheaper at the time.

[thoughtforward]

Will you be using any thermal massing to store th excess heat energy available doring summer months?

[Rich]

Not on this one. That is one of the downsides to the solar evacuated tube systems - too much heat in the summer. The thermomax tubes we are using have a shut off at 250 F. I don't think we'll ever reach that - but if the system shuts down it could potentially build that much heat into the manifold.
On 2 retrofit projects that were done locally - they have Heliodyne flat panels with a drain back system and are getting 160 gal of 170 F water during the day. That, to me, is pretty impressive. I'm keeping track to see how well the flat panels perform in the winter.

[thoughtforward]

Unfortunatly, i am trying to keep these builds at a very low budget. Since a backup system for the hydronic is basicly required, it took itself out of the budget. As soon as one of the buyers has an extra couple thousand to put into it, we will do one. So far Lot #1, #2 and #3 have opted to go with just the PV and some themal mass n the floor to take advantage of the passive solar. In keeping the homes FHA compliant, we are limited to 16% glazing which realy effects just how much passive solar gain we can get. Don't you just love out dated antiquated and stupid criteria that stand in the way of progress. I'll stop befor a rant develops. sorry

[Rich]

16%??? That is really low considering the advancements in window technologies. Although Energy Star isn't much better - they recommend 18%. But, anything over 18% and they allow you to up the U-Value to offset the additional square footage.

[thoughtforward]

banks tend to be even slower to pick up on development technologie than anyone else. FHA dose not alow for ofsets elsware in the build. A couple of local banks have started programs for financing alternative energy though. Union Bank came out with "Green Lend" for stuff like PV, Hydronic and eficiancy upgrades. Its a start and prety cool if you ask me.

[dantheman9727]

Well, I personally am not working on a project but I was part of a campaign that worked towards constructing new buildings in my area using greener energy sources. We got a surprising amount of volunteers and I'm proud of what we accomplished. It sounds like you have something really good going for you. Keep it going!

[rabmark]

This sounds ike a great endevour, I'd like to see a pic of the completed home on here. My thought for your consideration, is to get these designs engineered in the future and maximise you OVE methods. It might give you enough cost savings to swap out for other features, and can potentialy raise the efficiency due to increased over all R values.