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Taft School Residence

Taft School Residence

Completion

Completion date
04/10/2015

Scope

Type of Construction New
Bedrooms 4
Stories 2
Conditioned Floor Area 3,600 sq ft

Location and Climate Details

Single family residence

Address
59 North Street
Watertown, CT 06795
United States
Lat. / Long. POINT (-73.1213623 41.6055379)

Site

Site conditions:
previously developed land
Site description:

An existing residence was demolished to build this new residence.

Materials and Design Strategy

Materials:

A PV array was installed on the roof to bring site energy consumption to net zero. Used low-VOC sealants, caulks, adhesives, primers and paints. Also used existing granite stones from original house foundation for the steps and stone walls.

Special architectural measures:

Located on a quiet street adjacent to campus the existing, historic home was deconstructed for its efficient replica. Challenged to find high efficiency windows that were historic commission acceptable, the team installed Klearwall awnings or casements over fixed glass (to mimic double hungs) with simulated divided lites (u-values as low as 0.13). A high solar heat gain coefficient (0.58) facilitates the passive solar gain for winter months, while well designed overhangs and pergola shade summer sun.

Indoor Environment Description:
A Zehnder Novus 300 (93.3% efficient) HRV supplies 112 cfm of continuous fresh air ventilation; using only 32 watts of power and runs quietly. The homeowners control the mechanical ventilation through the intuitive wall-mounted control pad to shut off or increase the ventilation. Chemicals and contaminants were reduced by using low VOC and GreenGuard certified sealants, adhesives, primers, and paints. A walk-off mat at the side entry and hardwood floors help control dirt and dust.