DOE Tour of Zero: The Adaptation Home by Evolutionary Home Builders LLC
Photos
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Evolutionary Home Builders built this 4,798-square-foot home in River Forest, Illinois, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home is certified to ENERGY STAR and EPA’s Indoor airPLUS. It also meets the requirements of the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building certification, emerald level, and Passive House Institute U.S., but has not yet received these certifications.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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A durable engineered wood siding covers the exterior of the ultra-efficient home. Proper site grading carries water away from the foundation, which is also protected by a liquid-applied waterproofing membrane and continuous thermal blanket composed of two 2-inch layers of XPS rigid foam on the exterior of the wall, under the slab, and between the slab and footing.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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High-efficiency air source heat pumps (SEER 14.1, HSPF 9.6) provide heating and cooling to the first and second floors of the two-story home.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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ENERGY STAR appliances and EPA WaterSense-rated fixtures provide energy and water savings.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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An energy-efficient heat pump water heater provides domestic hot water.
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A whole-house fresh air system consisting of an energy recovery ventilator continuously provides fresh, filtered air to bedrooms and living areas and exhausts air from the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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Ultra-efficient windows feature triple-glazing, an insulating argon gas between the panes, and an invisible metallic coating that lets in visible light while retaining heat during the winter.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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The energy-saving advanced wall framing was constructed with 2-by-8 framing filled with blown-in fiberglass. The framing is sheathed with plywood that is sealed at all seams, coated with a liquid-applied weather-resistant barrier, and covered with two 2-inch layers of reclaimed polyiso rigid foam and house wrap. Wood furring strips were installed vertically over this assembly and .75-inch plastic ventilated rain screen strips were installed at the tops and bottoms of the walls to provide an air gap under the engineered wood siding that ensures effective drainage.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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The liquid-applied membrane weather resistant barrier also serves as a seamless window flashing.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
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A dropped ceiling of drywall was installed about one foot below the plywood that is installed under the roof rafters. This provides space for ducting and wiring without making extras holes in the ceiling plane that could leak heated air into the attic if not properly sealed.
Photo courtesy of Evolutionary Home Builders
“… a home that would be healthy, safe, and nontoxic for our children.”
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“We fell in love with River Forest because it’s so beautiful. But we wanted a home that would be smart and be energy efficient and blend in with the beautiful neighborhood. We wanted to take energy efficiency to the next level, and not only have a smart home, but also have a home that would be healthy, safe, and nontoxic for our children.”
– Homeowner
