DOE Tour of Zero: Coastal ZERH by Garden State Modular Homes, LLC

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Garden State Modular built this 2,709-square-foot custom home in Lavallette, New Jersey, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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This beach house is built on a wood pile foundation with ventilated skirt walls and is insulated under the raised first floor with R-24 of closed-cell spray foam.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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Porches, balconies, and operable windows encourage occupants to open windows to catch ocean breezes for natural cooling and ventilation.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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An ENERGY STAR refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, and ceiling fans add to energy and water savings in the efficient home.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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The double-paned windows are vinyl framed for durability in this coastal location and coated with low-e coatings to minimize heat loss.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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Low-VOC products were used throughout this EPA Indoor airPLUS certified home.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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A 95% efficient tankless gas water heater provides endless hot water that is sped to faucets thanks to a motion sensor-operated recirculation pump.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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Mastic-sealed rigid metal ducts are installed between the floors of this modular, factory-constructed home.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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Each floor of the two-story home consists of 2-by-6, 24-inch on-center walls that are constructed in a factory and insulated with R-21 fiberglass batt plus 1 inch of rigid exterior foam, then connected on site.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes
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The pier foundation that lifts this home above flood waters is visible in this photo taken before the skirt walls were added.
Photo courtesy of Garden State Modular Homes

“Our ZERH projects have less call-backs for moisture and infiltration. …. We pass our local inspections faster and more reliably.”

– Jason Fertakos, builder, Garden State Modular Homes

Infographic for Coastal ZERH by Garden State Modular Homes: Lavallette, N.J., gardenstatemodular.com. 2,709 square feet, HERS score 40, $140 average monthly energy bill, $1,200 annual savings, $61,000 saved in the first 30 years.
Key features list: High-performance insulation system for enhanced quiet and comfort, comprehensive draft protection, fresh air system for cleaner indoor air, high-efficiency comfort system, energy-efficient appliances and advanced lighting technology for

“We have found that building to these standards reduces service calls and protects our coastal homes better from wind-driven rain and humidity. The biggest metric that we monitor is service calls. Our ZERH projects have less call-backs for moisture and infiltration. … We pass our local inspections faster and more reliably. The clients are happy, the inspectors are happy, and we can build more homes.”

– Jason Fertakos, builder, Garden State Modular Homes

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