RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
NOBSKA ROAD RESIDENCE
WOODS HOLE, MA
This 2,300 square foot new home is designed and constructed to have an annual energy cost of $0.00. It will generate enough energy from on-site renewable resources to meet the energy demands of operating the home including heating, cooling and electrical loads. This is called a “net zero energy home”.
We’ve been able to achieve this by designing the home so that it will require only a fraction of the energy that a typical code built house would need. This was accomplished through meticulously sealing all air leaks and penetrations at the building envelope (walls, roof, basement), providing the proper amount of insulation, and designing a mechanical system that is extremely energy efficient and properly sized (not over-sized) to adequately heat, cool and generate hot water for the occupants. Windows with very low U-values were selected for optimum energy performance.
In addition to the energy efficient aspects of the building shell design, there are many interior features that contribute to resource conservation and a healthy environment inside the home. Most of the light fixtures in this home are LED lights with the remainder being fluorescent fixtures. This will dramatically reduce the electrical loads while also reducing the cooling demand since these lights radiate very little heat. As a result, the mechanical system can be much smaller to satisfy the reduced cooling load.
The toilets are all dual flush models which utilize 21% less water than standard flush toilets.
All the appliances are Energy Star rated for reduced energy consumption.
Paints and finishes applied to the walls and trim are all low- or zero-VOC products. Volatile Organic Compounds are often noticeable by their smell when they off-gas and can contribute to respiratory conditions and other health ailments.
The sustainably harvested yellow birch floor was finished with a 100% waterborne product certified by GREENGUARD Environmental Institute as VOC compliant. Bathroom, Laundry and Mudroom areas have Marmoleum flooring selected for its high durability and its renewable material composition which includes linseed oil, wood flour, rosin, jute and finely ground limestone. It is hygienic and anti-static and completely biodegradable.
Permeable pave stones were used in the driveway to allow natural leaching of rainwater back into underground aquifers and minimize storm water runoff and erosion. Non-native plantings were removed from the site to be replaced with native landscape plants.
Check back soon for more energy performance data on this project.
OYSTER POND RESIDENCE
FALMOUTH, MA
DESIGN ONLY
This contemporary design is inspired by the natural beauty of the peninsula in which the home is situated. The large expanse of glass on the southern corner allows for serene views of Oyster Pond as well as natural daylighting and passive solar heat gain in winter, while the deep roof overhangs provide cooling shade in the summer.
Designed to exceed EnergyStar standards, this home is designed to be ready to receive a solar pv array on the roof which could bring the home into the Net Zero Energy classification.
SIPPEWISSETT RESIDENCE
FALMOUTH, MA
Among the major goals for this project were to [1] create a home where the occupants can age-in-place; [2] provide spaces throughout the home where the owners vast collection of artwork could be properly displayed, and [3] allow for adequate spaces and amenities for the homeowners to entertain guests for extended periods of time while maintaining the ability for privacy between hosts and guests when desired. Wintertime views of Buzzards Bay and sunsets on the water are a daily indulgence.
SUSTAINABLE MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
FALMOUTH, MA
DESIGN ONLY
This design study was prepared for an internationally renowned scientific research institution as a means of providing residential accommodations for scientists, researchers, graduate students and staff.
With a limited footprint to work within, we were able to site the buildings in such a way that would take advantage of solar gain from rooftop photovoltaic panels. Combined with a carefully designed and well insulated building envelope, our energy models predict that these buildings would consume less than a quarter of the energy than the average American home.
PENZANCE POINT RESIDENCE
WOODS HOLE, MA
DESIGN ONLY
This existing house on the banks of Buzzards Bay was in desperate need of an aesthetic, functional and energy upgrade. We completely redesigned the interior of both the first and second floors. In addition, a formal dining room was created which provides panoramic views of Buzzards Bay. A new greenhouse addition also serves as a side entry and mudroom area for the owners and their extended family. 3 identical gable roofs were added to the rear roof line to create a second floor porch providing 3 bedrooms with stunning views of Buzzards Bay.