DOE Tour of Zero: Pebble Creek by DP Construction
Photos
1/18
DP Construction built this 3,021-square-foot home in Prattville, Alabama, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
2/18
Even without photovoltaics, the energy-efficiency measures built into the house are expected to cut energy costs nearly in half compared to a home built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
3/18
Overhangs and covered porches help to control solar heat gain in this warm-humid climate.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
4/18
This Zero Energy Ready home was prewired for solar photovoltaic electric generation.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
5/18
Ceiling fans help occupants feel more comfortable with less use of an air conditioner.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
6/18
All lighting in the home uses high-efficiency compact fluorescent or light emitting diode (LED) lamps.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
7/18
The windows are double paned and vinyl framed with low-emissivity coatings on the glass to reduce heat transfer.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
8/18
The home meets the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor airPLUS certification program including the use of low- or no-VOC wood products, primer, paint, cabinets, and flooring.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
9/18
The home was equipped with a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR refrigerator and dishwasher for energy and water savings.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
10/18
An on-demand hot water circulation pump ensures that hot water is available when it is needed while avoiding wasting water by letting it run to heat it up.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
11/18
The home’s four wall-mounted ductless mini-split heat pumps provide zoned heating and cooling.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
12/18
For water heating, the builder chose a 50-gallon high-performance heat pump water heater, with an efficiency rating of 2.40.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
13/18
Controls for the on-demand hot water circulation pump are located near the kitchen sink and in the master bedroom.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
14/18
The outside components of the high-efficiency ductless heat pumps use a refrigerant cycle to pull heat from the air in the winter and shed heat to the air in the summer so they can provide both heating and cooling using less energy than electric-resistance heaters.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
15/18
The 2-by-6 advanced framed walls use less lumber, allowing more space in the wall cavities for insulation.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
16/18
The builder installed 1.5 inches of soy-based spray foam on the outside of the walls over the OSB sheathing, then he kept a ¾-inch gap between the foam and the brick veneer siding to allow moisture vapor from the bricks to dissipate.
Photo courtesy of DP Construction
“With no additional cost upfront … homeowners … are able to move in and instantly reap the benefits of owning such an efficient and sustainable home.”
“This home has been constructed with an exceptional attention to detail that will continually pay off ... without any additional cost per square foot. With no additional cost upfront for homeowners, they are able to move in and instantly reap the benefits of owning such an efficient and sustainable home; and [they] will continue to do so for years to come.”
– Dow Perry, owner, DP Construction
