Ferrier Custom Homes built this 2,133-square-foot custom home in Mineral Wells, Texas, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.

A 4.64-kWh photovoltaic system plus the home’s energy-efficient design save the homeowners an estimated $2,700 per year in energy savings, resulting in energy bills of about $36 per month.

The SIPs walls and roof support all the framing weight, allowing for open, airy interiors.

LED surface-mounted disc lights mimic the look of recessed lighting without compromising the SIPs performance.

WaterSense-labeled fixtures reduce water usage while solar tubes provide electricity-free lighting in the bathrooms.

Triple-pane windows flood the house with natural light.

The 6.5-inch SIPs wall panels provide R-17 of wall insulation value. The 5.5-inch EPS core provides a near-continuous layer of thermal protection around the home as well as a near-continuous air barrier.

This home meets the criteria of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Fortified program and incorporates details to make the home resistant to damage from high winds, tornados, hail, and wildfires. Features include foundation anchor straps with a pull-out strength of 5,400 pounds at the corners of the home and at mid-span locations (as well as on the detached garage and the edges of the garage door openings); foundation-to-roof tie-downs; nonflammable rock and brick exterior; and metal roofing.

The 10.5-inch SIPs provide R-33 of insulation value to the roof deck.

This 10,000-gallon rainwater tank is the home’s only source of water and supplies both potable and irrigation water.