Pro Tour: Lessons Learned from An Innovative, Wood-Heated Single Family Home in CT

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Join NESEA for a Pro Tour of an innovative single-family home featuring new wood-frame construction on concrete bond beam over 1892 stone foundation. This interesting project exclusively uses wood stove heating, with ventilation by ducted ERV. There is no mechanical cooling. An attached greenhouse is a classic passive solar heating element, upgraded with contemporary glazing technology. The ventilation concept delivers more fresh air to living spaces than a typical concept. 

Overall, this home includes an unusual example of approaches familiar to the NESEA community. The owners think attendees will benefit from a deep dive into what worked, what didn't, and why, with plenty of detail. This was a project where risks were taken and boundaries were pushed, and the builders are eager to share lessons learned, along with failures and successes that came as a result.

Our day will start with an opening presentation from the owner, who was also the architectural and mechanical designer. During this presentation attendees will learn about the history of the project, the approaches that were taken in the design and construction of the home and its systems, and the lessons learned in the process.  Attendees will then break into small groups to tour the home while hearing more from addditional members of the project team. After the tour, we’ll regroup for a reception and Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to chat with the day’s speakers and each other. We hope to see you there!

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General Information:

• Use of wood stove and classic passive solar greenhouse with contemporary glazing technology for space heating.
• Glazing distribution for passive solar heating and enhanced natural ventilation. 180-degree pivot windows for generous air flow.
• Mechanical ventilation routing for enhanced ventilation effectiveness.
• Fiberglass-faced gypsum sheathing for vapor permeance from fibrous insulation to ventilation channels in roof.
• Foil-faced polyiso as barrier between wet basement and new framed floor.
• Unfinished pine reversed board and batten rain screen.

Energy use and energy systems description:

• Heating is by a wood-burning stove. The house is comfortable and we've never had to get out of bed to load the firebox. Wood consumption is measured at about 1/2 to 2/3 of a cord per winter (as of this writing we are most of the way through the 2nd winter). Ventilation is by ducted ERV and there is no mechanical cooling.
• The water heater is electric resistance tank with drain water heat recovery. Hot water distribution is by 3/8" pex (1/2" to bathtub) and routed for 5-second wait time, without re-circulation.
• Energy star appliances, warm-dimming full spectrum, low flicker LED lights that are nearly always dimmed or off.
• Electrical use for house + electric car for the first 12 months was 7,700 kWh, and the 8.8 kW PV system, installed October 2025, is guaranteed by the installer to produce at least 9,700 kWh annually. Future efficiency upgrades are planned to accommodate additional energy use of an ADU within the PV system's annual generation.
   

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Tentative Schedule

If you have questions about this event, you can contact us via protours@nesea.org. Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here.