The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the concept of, “build tight and ventilate right” with advanced framing and heat recovery techniques. This is a unique project that will positively contribute to green building technology and the local building community.
The house will be used to show the production of renewable energies and will produce electricity using photovoltaics. Solar hot water will provide the main source of heat in the building with hydronic radiant floor heating.
Energy production and consumption will be tracked to verify that the house is in fact achieving zero energy consumption. Sufficient technology will measure the individual circuits of the system to experiment with the consumption of different plug loads and appliances.
Passive heating qualities include the amount of south facing glass and the ideal orientation developed during the design process. Natural ventilation will be the primary source of air conditioning in the building. The vaulted ceiling over the great room will feature a wall of south facing operable awning windows providing natural day light and will take advantage of prevailing winds and passive air movement.
A golf cart is being restored through the funding for the house. The cart will be recharged by the PV system on the house and used to promote the two programs jointly.
On campus project partners include the following programs: Architectural Engineering Design, Interior Design, Landscape Management, and Automotive Restoration.
