Project Subtitle:
Project Description:
Wisdom Way Solar Village in Grenefield MA was a community of 10 duplexes (20- homes), which RDI of Turners Falls MA was committed to making a ver low energy use community. Units range in size from 1100-1700 SF and each have PV and solar hot water systems, along with their tight, energy efficient construction attributes. Each unit is a home that can (or has been) purchased, with the exception of 2 units, which are rented to people with disabilities. 11 of the units are for low income and 7 are for middle income; each unit is also visitable by wheel chair making it easy for those with disabilities to have friends over and visit their neighbors.
Building Type Summary:
Other Awards:
3rd place in Zero Energy Challange - 2009
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Occupancy Type and Details:
Wisdom Way Solar Village contains 10 duplexes (20 homes). 18 are single family homes and 2 are handicapped accessible apartments. All buildings are visitable by handicapped persons.
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Materials:
Materials used withing the project: Green Spec Waterproofing, HadiePanel(TM) vertical siding, lap siding, BASF The Chemical Company; Hydrocide - waterborne emulsified-asphalt dampproofing compounds, Paradigm Windows, CertainTeed WeatherBoards FiberCement Siding,
Energy Highlights:
Passive solar orientation (southern orientation)
LCA Description:
No
HERS Index:
Energy Star Score:
Electric Utility Company:
Gas Utility Company:
Datasets and Utility Bills sources and reliability:
The source of this data comes from Energy Star reports by Energy Efficiency Association. Eversource is the current Electric Utility supplier for Greenfield, MA. Eversource bought/merged with Western Mass Electric.
Energy Storage type:
The buildings do not store energy for later use. Excess energy, not used by the occupants, goes back to the grid.
Foundation wall assembly:
2x6 PT sill on foam sill seal
1/2" DIA stee; anchor bolts spaced per code
Dampp proofing, top of footing to finish grade TYP
8" CIP CONC wall, MIN 3000 PSI (TOW 8" above grade MIN.)
16" x 8" MIN 2500 PSI CIP CONC footing with 2x4 keyway (BOF to be 4'-0" below finished grade)
Capillary break between footing and foundation wall
4" CIP CONC slab, MIN 3000 PSI on 4" MIN compacted gravel base
6 mil poly vapor barrier
4" DIA PVC Radon mitigation sleeve w/cap
MIN 4" crushed stone, no fines
95% compacted subgrade or undisturbed soil
Above grade wall assembly:
(outside to inside)
Fiber cement siding, PTD
WD trim, PTD
1/2" OSB sheathing
DBL 2x4 SPF KD #2 or better studs @ 16" OC
Dense-pack cellulose insulation with reinforced vapor barrier, MIN 43
1/2" GYP BD, PTD
Flat attic assembly:
The attic is assembled with 11" of cellulose to provide an r-value of 52. this will help regulate temperatures within the building, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Other Software tools:
Vectorworks, Sketch Up
Finances Description:
This project was planned and constructed as an affordable housing project through the state of Massachusetts. The project was partially funded through a Community Development Block Grant from the Town of Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Total Cost of Project:
Construction hard cost:
State incentives:
Massachusetts Affordable Housing Trust Fund: $50,000 per home for low-mid income buyers, Community-Based Housing: $286,484; this went to funding the two fully-accessible homes, HUD HOME funds; Mass Development of Housing and Community Development: $715,000 ($65,000 per home) for low income buyers.
Local incentives:
Community Development Block Grant: $130,000
Special architectural measures:
Passive design features, such as, solar orientation was used for the project. Tight construction and high insulation values were also used to help reduce the energy footprint of the project. Design was kept simple to avoid complications during designing and building the project.
Energy Use and Production Documentation:
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Scope Description:
All buildings are committed to low energy. All 20 units are visitable by wheel chair on the first floor; two units are to be rented out to people with physical disabilities. The remainder of the units will be bought by people with low or middle income. Within the community there are four 2-bedroom single story units, four 2-bedroom two-story units, nine 3-bedroom two-story units, and three 4-bedroom two-story units.
Site conditions:
Renewable Energy Sources:
Other Purchased Fuels Description:
No
Storage Strategies & System Details:
Wisdom Way Solar Village is comprised of near Net Zero energy units, which consist of tight construction, efficient energy systems and solar orientation to take advantage of mother nature's natural resources.
Summary of enclosure strategy/description:
The building envelope was tightly constructed with the highest r-value that could be achieved for the building type and budget. Double walls with blown in cellulose create high R-values throughout the buildings. Triple-pane windows, and highly insulated doors helped to complete energy efficient construction. Solar PV and solar thermal systems were added to provide electricity and heating for the community; each unit has their own system, which was installed on the roof.
Roof Assembly:
30-year architectural shingles, flashing as required
aluminum drip edge
CONT ridge vent and fiber cement soffit vent TYP
5/8" APA plywood sheathing or EQ, clip BTWN trusses TYP as required by manufacturer
metal-plate connected wood trusses @ 24" o.c. w/integral 2x4 taiols and 2x6 top chord
loose, dry-blown cellulose insulation @ bottom chord of trusses, MIN R-50
insulation baffles at line of EXT wall and bellow sheathing as REQ for adequate air flow
1/2" GYP BD, PTD
Window Description:
Vinyl windows; double and triple glazed used in project; made by Paradigm Windows in Portland, ME. Double glazed on south side with low-e coating on surface 3; U-value 0.26, SHGC 0.37. Triple glazed on north, west, and east with low-e coating on surfaces 2 and 5; U-value 0.18, SHGC 0.23.
Door Description:
Doors have a ratting of R8 and are steel insulated.
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Project Team:
Team Member:
Team Members:
Ann Perkins, Builder/Re-modeler & Developer, Rural Development, Inc.; William Austin, Architect, Austin Design, Inc.; LEED USGBC, Green Varifier; Douglas Mason, Photographer; Joan Rockwell, Landscape Architect, Joan S. Rockwell & Associates
Mechanical Equipment Installation Details and Comments:
The Solar Village homes have no central heating at all, relaying on passive solar with a gas-fired sealed combustion room heater in the main living space. No air conditioning.