High-Performance Home Construction.
Putting Today's Building Science to Work
These construction techniques are essential to building healthy, comfortable, and durable homes. Balancing the aesthetics of the home with the performance of the building systems involves many conversations, and each client will choose different paths. We have to figure out which techniques make sense for your project. Some projects use all of them, and some use just a few. These are the options that may be available for your build.
Optimizing Window Placement
Orient to the south for passive solar gain
Renewable Energy
Photovoltaics, ground source heat, and house batteries
Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems
Heat pumps and hybrid gas-electric HVAC systems
Balanced Ventilation
Bringing in fresh air with energy recovery ventilation
High-Performance Windows and Doors
Triple-glazed, insulated and air sealed
Super Insulation
Beyond code by 50% or more thick wall assemblies, outsulation, or sub-slab insulation
Low-Carbon Materials
Low global warming potential with products like cellulose vs. closed cell foam
Durable Exterior Detailing
Rain screens, insect screens, and bulk water management
Air Sealing
Existing structure and any new additions to <1 air changes per hour at 50 pascals
Battery Backup/Off-Grid Capacity
Resilience during power outages, ensuring safety, comfort, and functionality.