Project Team

Peter Stevens's picture

Business Member Member

Peter Stevens's picture

Business Member Member

Architect

Rachel Stevens's picture

BE Boston 21 Registrants BuildingEnergy 16 Full Conference Business Member Member

Rachel Stevens's picture

BE Boston 21 Registrants BuildingEnergy 16 Full Conference Business Member Member

Architect

Ratings, Awards and Recognition

Other Awards:

National Grid Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot Program 2013

Published References:

Construction Blog
http://maplearch.com/revell/

The owners, Peter and Rachel Stevens, are also the architects. As they started renovations, it became clear that most of the systems and finishes needed replacing, which made this two-family a perfect candidate for a Deep Energy Retrofit. All the exterior finishes had lived out their lifespan (and the aluminum siding recycles well), so exterior insulation was easy to add. The largest challenge for this job was to preserve some of the interior finishes and detail while replacing the entire shell and all systems. The owners helped with the insulating and air sealing, and ran interim blower-door tests, and they continue to work on interior paint and other small projects. They now enjoy a home that comfortably shelters their new daughter, as well as a family with two small children in the first floor apartment.

This project was funded in part by a grant from National Grid as part of their Deep Energy Retrofit pilot program. The project achieved a bonus for exemplary performance.

This home is Zero Energy Ready. Due to healthy, mature trees on the southern side of the site, photovoltaics are being purchased offsite as part of a community solar program. This offsite array will completely offset all energy used by the Stevens family. Meanwhile, a green energy surcharge is being paid to National Grid. The first floor unit could also pursue these same steps (even as tenants) to achieve Zero Energy for that portion of the house.

Quick Facts

General

Location Northampton, Massachusetts
Building Type two-family residence
Project Type Zero Energy Ready / Near Zero Energy
Basis of Performance Claim Verified
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 3.0
Conditioned Floor Area 3,600 sq ft
Total Cost of Project $388,500

Energy Summary

Energy Data Type Verified
Renewable Energy System Type(s) Photovoltaics
Ratings
Net electricity usage (purchased) -2,107 kWh/year
Annual renewable energy generated 10,535 kWh/year

Envelope and Mechanicals

Subslab assembly

Given the existing slab, we insulated above the slab. Dimple mat to allow movement of any water, taped. 2" rigid foam (XPS) insulation, taped. Click-together laminate flooring.

Foundation wall assembly

We used foil-faced polyiso on the walls to provide a vapor barrier as well as air sealing and insulation. Two layers offset provided backup.
There were masonry nails in the brick foundation, and rather than risk destroying the brick (with hours of hard work) we decided to use thicker insulation on the first layer.
2" + 1" for a total of 3" foil-faced polyiso

Above grade wall assembly

The house is balloon framed with actual 2"x4" lumber. Our favorite insulation, dense packed cellulose, was not enough to superinsulate. We used it in the existing framing, and then added 2, 2" foil-faced polyiso layers staggered on the exterior. Furring strips held the siding away for airflow.

Door Assembly

Thermatru Smooth Star

Air Changes per hour, ACH50 0.65 ACH50