DOE Tour of Zero: Norwalk Net Zero by Degenshein Architects
Photos
1/10
Jan Degenshein built this 3,503-square-foot custom home in Norwalk, Connecticut, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Degenshein Architects
2/10
The 12-kW PV panel array will help this home achieve net zero energy usage and is expected to save the homeowners more than $5,000 per year in utility costs.
Photo courtesy of Degenshein Architects
3/10
The simple gable roof was insulated below the roof deck with 2.5 inches of closed-cell polyicynene and 3.5 inches of mineral wool insulation.
Photo courtesy of Degenshein Architects
4/10
ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, and water-saving plumbing fixtures add to energy and water savings in the efficient home.
Photo courtesy of Degenshein Architects
5/10
The stained concrete floors provide a water-resistant durable surface and can serve as thermal mass for beneficial wintertime passive solar heat gain.
Photo courtesy of Degenshein Architects
6/10
Low-flow and EPA WaterSense-rated fixtures help conserve water while all plumbing pipes are fully insulated to retain heat. A motion sensor-activated recirculation pump speeds hot water to the tap when needed.
Photo courtesy of Degenshein Architects
7/10
The concrete block foundation wall is insulated on the exterior with 2 inches of rigid XPS foam.
Photo courtesy of Degenshein Architects
8/10
The coated insulated sheathing is taped at all seams to serve as both an air barrier and weather-resistant barrier.
Photo courtesy of Degenshein Architects
“The concept of virtually zero energy bills … is a great incentive.”
– Jan Degenshein, Degenshein Architects
“The concept of virtually zero energy bills, when confronted with a late-life fixed income, is a great incentive. Avoiding the dollar and emotional costs of a forced late-in-life move is priceless. As the winner of the 2017 Connecticut Zero Energy Challenge for lowest cost per square foot for a newly constructed home, the efforts to achieve affordability were borne out.”
– Jan Degenshein, Degenshein Architects
