Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Net Zero Bungalow
adding energy affordability to the paradigm
General Process
All-volunteer design team, including 3 architects (one retired), construction managers, and input from Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Building Committee
Design for Adaptability: Fully wheelchair accessible home, with grab bars in shower.
Software Tools
Software Tools: HERS draft rating provided during design phase as backup
General modeling information: Marc Rosenbaum's Excel-based Net Zero Energy model
Lessons Learned
Outcome of project goals: Most of this high-performance building proved possible to build by a volunteer workforce. It should be noted that some volunteers were extremely skilled, including a local high-performance contractor who donated a day of her crew to install all the windows in both homes.
Air sealing sequence turned out to be difficult for the many supervisors involved in the volunteer model. Building has tightened since the ACH reported here, but it is not likely quite to our air sealing goals.
Building was designed for simpler mechanicals, but it proved impossible to convince installers of likely comfort. It is still early in the super-insulation movement and a lot of expectations will shift slowly.
Discrepancies: We look forward to the data we will be gathering from these homes, indoor and in-wall temperatures and RH, and energy usage.
General Process
All-volunteer design team, including 3 architects (one retired), construction managers, and input from Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Building Committee
Fully wheelchair accessible home, with grab bars in shower.
Software Tools
HERS draft rating provided during design phase as backup
Marc Rosenbaum's Excel-based Net Zero Energy model
Lessons Learned
Most of this high-performance building proved possible to build by a volunteer workforce. It should be noted that some volunteers were extremely skilled, including a local high-performance contractor who donated a day of her crew to install all the windows in both homes.
Air sealing sequence turned out to be difficult for the many supervisors involved in the volunteer model. Building has tightened since the ACH reported here, but it is not likely quite to our air sealing goals.
Building was designed for simpler mechanicals, but it proved impossible to convince installers of likely comfort. It is still early in the super-insulation movement and a lot of expectations will shift slowly.
We look forward to the data we will be gathering from these homes, indoor and in-wall temperatures and RH, and energy usage.