Project Description:
Preferred Builders knows a thing or two about spec homes, especially the well appointed, heavily-adorned variety usually found in the Greenwich real estate pages. Peter Fusaro, however, noticed a recent shift in attitude and traded excessive millwork and moulding for efficient assemblies and HVAC. Prospective buyers need not worry about what’s behind the walls (R7.5 rigid wrapping the exterior plus R21 Blown in Batt in studs) or in the mechanical room (SEER 16.5 A/C plus .94 EF condensing boiler) because the sleek kitchen, beautiful entry, and open living area are still the main attractions.
As the second home in the country to earn the U.S. Department of Energy Challenge Home certification, “The Performance House” also boasts LEED for Homes Platinum, NGBS Emerald, the EPA’s Energy Star v3.0, Indoor airPLUS, and WaterSense certifications. The home took second place in the 2012 CT Zero Energy Home Challenge, received the 2011 Spec Home of the Year Award from Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT (HOBI), and the 2013 Merit Award from the CT Green Building Council. Also trained as a HERS Rater and NGBS verifier, Mr. Fusaro understands the merits of third-party verification and hired Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) as the provider and rater for the certification and labels.
Wherever possible low VOC, recycled content, reclaimed, and recyclable materials were chosen. A small (75 kBtuh) condensing natural gas boiler for heat and hot water, and a modest 1.5-ton central-air system were installed. Occupants are unlikely to realize that the luxurious plumbing fixtures are low flow and will never have to wait for hot water thanks to the on-demand delivery systems. With high efficiency features alone, the home reached HERS Index 43, representing 37% savings over current code. A 6.6 kW PhotoVoltai system neatly tucked on the south facing roof drops the Index to 20 (80% below code) and provides a renewable source for the electric car charging station.
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Other Awards:
2011 Spec Home of the Year Award from Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT (HOBI), and the 2013 Merit Award from the CT Green Building Council.
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Site description:
Nicknamed “The Performance House,” this five bedroom 2,670 square foot house in Old Greenwich is on a small 7,510 square foot lot with tight setbacks, oriented for southern exposure.
Materials:
All concrete, copper, iron and aluminum from the existing structure were recycled
Green demolition: electrical fixtures, hot water heater, vanities fixtures and air conditioners were donated
Recycled glass content in all the concrete walls
Careful attention to detail was given to the deconstruction of the existing structure.
Energy Highlights:
All appliances and electrical fixtures will meet ENERGY STAR requirements including LED lighting and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station located in the garage. Shutoff switches to control items in the house when not in use will be manageable through smartphone technology.
This home will be using a 5kW grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system to offset the electrical load. Additionally, an electric vehicle (EV) charging station will be located in the garage.
Marvin Integrity windows were chosen for durability and performance to meet ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 requirements.
A storm water management plan for the site has been designed to direct all water runoff into a retention storage system
Low flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets will be installed to meet EPA’s WaterSense labeling program.
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Subslab assembly:
There is 3” closed cell foam insulation with R value of 20 under entire slab and along the vertical stem wall.
Foundation wall assembly:
There is 2.5” closed cell foam insulation with R value of 15 against foundation walls behind the studs.
Above grade wall assembly:
There is 1.5” rigid foam board exterior insulation with R value of 7.5 were used plus Blown-In-Blanket System (BIBS) with R value of 20 was used in between the two by six wall studs.
Cathedral ceiling assembly:
There is 5.5” closed cell spray foam was sprayed with R value of 37 as well as foil faced fiberglass batt with R value of 13.
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NESEA Awards:
The home took second place in the 2012 CT Zero Energy Home Challenge
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The house is oriented for southern exposure. During the summer months, when the sun is higher, the 2’ overhangs will shade the heat gain.
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Window Description:
Marvin Integrity windows were chosen for durability and performance to meet ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 requirements. With a 0.28 U-Value, the continuous seal and patented window frame reduces thermal bridging and condensation. South side glazing will have a higher SHGC to allow heat gain in the winter months.
Mechanical Equipment Installation Details and Comments:
Heating will be provided by a natural gas Buderus ultra efficient 96% AFUE wall-mounted boiler with a Grundfos Alpha Circulating pump. This sealed combustion unit was chosen to eliminate the possibility of back drafting which will support the indoor air quality. Carrier hot water coils and Carrier air handlers will be built into this hydro-air system. For cooling, Carrier Infinity condenser units with efficiency of SEER 16.5/EER 13.5 were chosen. Domestic hot water will be supplied by two on-demand tankless hot water heaters with a 0.93 Energy Factory (EF).