DOE Tour of Zero: Eastlawn by Davis Signature Homes
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Davis Signature Homes built this 4,800-square-foot custom home in Dallas, Texas, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Deep overhangs and covered porches keep out high summer sun and provide naturally cooled living spaces in shoulder seasons.
Fiber cement covers the 2-by-6 advanced framed walls, which are sheathed with coated OSB and 1/2–inch rigid foam. Metal roofing and TPO tops the roof. Rigid foam was installed above the OSB roof decking then covered with a moisture and air barrier of ice-and-water-resistant membrane.
ENERGY STAR appliances, advanced LED lighting, and EPA WaterSense-rated plumbing fixtures save energy and water in the efficient home.
A foam gasket was installed along the top plates before installing drywall as one of several air-sealing steps taken to help achieve a quieter, draft-free home.
The ducts for the home’s high-efficiency gas furnace and air-conditioning systems were located within the home’s conditioned space.
The home’s 2-by-6 advanced-framed walls were filled with R-19 of blown cellulose. Sill sealing foam gaskets between the bottom plate and the slab provide protection against drafts, bugs, and moisture intrusion.
Taped rigid foam provides a continuous layer of thermal, moisture, and air protection around the home.
Beads of caulk along the studs and sill plate help seal out drafts and bugs.
The home was equipped with a 9.81-kW photovoltaic system, which brought the HERS score down from 43 to 8.