We enjoy learning about exciting projects throughout North America and like to share these projects with our readers. Scott and Annika created their “forever” home in beautiful southwestern Vermont. We visited Scott and Annika’s project two years ago when inside and outside were in the midst of construction. For those of you deep into constructing your dream home, we hope Scott and Annika’s home brings you inspiration that your efforts to build a high quality, sustainable home is worth it.
Scott and Annika designed/built their net-zero home in southern Vermont. This was a DIY project with them serving as architect, general contractor and doing a large portion of the construction.
After much research, they settled on the CERV2 combined with radiant heated/cooled ceilings to maximize comfort and energy efficiency. Build Equinox technology and expertise were critical in enabling this decision. The house is built with airtightness beyond Passive House standards, so the CERV2 is vital to managing air quality. To enable radiant cooling, a de-humidifier is integrated with the CERV2 to control relative humidity and prevent condensation.
The 4500 square foot home is heated/cooled by a small geothermal unit (1.5 Tons), the CERV, and a small ducted mini-split (1 Ton). The foot thick, double stud walls are insulated with dense pack cellulose and the ceilings are insulated with 2.5 feet of loose packed cellulose. The triple pane, argon filled windows have external, solar-powered shades to control solar heat gain.
The whole property (house, cottage, and barn) along with an electric vehicle are powered by a 54-panel solar array on the barn roof. All the energy efficiency efforts have paid off with the property being net positive (+1.8 MWH have been sent back to the grid during the past 12 months).
The radiant heating/cooling combined with the CERV’s high air quality make the house very comfortable year-round. To be able to create a comfortable, energy efficient, “forever” home has been a dream come true for Scott and Annika.
Specifications
- Size: 4500 sq ft
- Heating & Cooling: 1.5 Ton Geothermal (Radiant) + 1 Ton Ducted Heat Pump
- Ventilation: CERV2
- Energy Generation: 54 Panel Solar PV
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