DOE Tour of Zero: Z.E.N. 2.0 Collection by Thrive Home Builders / New Town

Thrive Home Builders built this 3,945-square-foot production home in Denver, Colorado, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.

Deep overhangs and porches protect windows and walls from summer sun and winter snows in this Denver area home.

Solar panels should help this highly efficient home achieve zero energy bills for its homeowners.

Beneath the fiber cement and brick siding, the builder packed R-41 of blown fiberglass into the double walls.

ENERGY STAR appliances and EPA WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures add to energy and water savings.

All of the home’s lighting is provided by highly efficient LED bulbs.

A high-efficiency heat pump heats the home with 12.2 HSPF and 18.9 SEER efficiency.

The builder packed R-41 of blown fiberglass into the double walls, which are advanced framed to cut lumber usage.

The HVAC ducts are located between floors in conditioned space, protecting them from cold attic conditions.

The windows are ENERGY STAR-qualified, double-pane, argon-filled, vinyl-framed windows with a U value of 0.28 and a SHGC of 0.41.