Super insulated house building book

Sep 23, 2017 owner built super insulated home part 2 bill hulstrunk built his own home in the green mountains of vermont. Back in 1980, saskatoons energy showcase sponsored by the governments of canada and saskatchewan, the local branch of the housing and urban development association and the city itself invited builders to submit plans for lowenergy residences. A superinsulated self build monique and laurence steijgers superinsulated new ecofriendly timber frame house cost less than. So i might not get to build my dream house for quite a. We used her bikes to explore the city, and thanks to the central location, we didnt have to go far. There are some barsrestaurants right outside, but you wouldnt know it because its insulated well from sound. We also specialize in topquality sunrooms and conservatories.

As i live in the same building, so normally i am around to help out with everything you. I got the opportunity to interview him and find out how he did this. Because my husband is a frugal man, and conscious of heatingcooling costs, plus very interested in energy efficiency, we are making a super insulated home. The superinsulated house by ed mcgrath, 1981, that new publishing co. Harold orrs superinsulated retrofits the sustainable home. Celtic trade group enercept sip super insulated panel. To accomplish that, the building must be super insulated and when one super insulates, airtight construction is a fact of life. Regardless, making your house more energy efficient. Super insulated homes disadvantages house framing small. Bill mollison jokes about over insulated houses while teaching a permaculture design. When fossil fuels seemed cheap and plentiful, most people didnt worry about how much heat their houses lost. Enter your private houseboat apartment and you know you have made the right choice for an unforgettable stay in this buzzing city with your beloved one. Superinsulated house plans green homes mother earth news.

The doublestud wall is a well established method for creating a very economical, durable and high rvalue assembly in new construction and is one reason its included as one of the basic 475 smart enclosure system assembly types. Feb 11, 2011 anyway, ive posted a couple times here, thinking that the house im currently building is insulated well im in atlantic city, nj area, but this site is definitely reshaping the way i think about insulation. Yes, even in our mild east tennessee climate, we wish to maximize our heating and cooling and minimize the losses. Now in his eighties, his brain contains a library of information on energy efficient building, and he. In the 1930s he was spectrophotometric laboratory at the calco chemical division of the american cyanamid company. Aug 26, 2014 superinsulated building enclosures require careful design and detailing to ensure durability balancing materials, cost, and detailing considerations cladding attachment detailing minimize loss of rvalue of exterior insulation shifting insulation to the outside the structure improves performance and durability balance is often cost super. Before we talk about building a super insulated home, first you need to understand how to design a super efficient shell. It gives you step by step directions on how to build a 24 x 28 super insulated cabin. Our sip house plan collection contains floor plans for homes designed to be constructed with energyefficient structural insulated panels sips or a similar panelized system, as well as plans that can easily be converted for building with such a system. When they returned, the inside of the house was still 65 degrees. Can i retrofit my home to the pive house standard kore. Super insulator bricks pavers cladding timbercrete.

One result of rising energy costs is the evolution of energyefficient house designs based on two distinct concepts. The real problem is when the house needs to achieve superinsulated standards as this cannot really be achieved without significantly thicker insulation. Weve supplied and installed super insulated structural insulated panels sips for residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The airpressure control layer in this example is structural sheathing on the floor and stud wall, sealed at. Analyzing design heating loads in superinsulated buildings.

Recently i had the privilege of interviewing harold orr, who was the project leader on the saskatchewan conservation house in the late 1970s. Its 72f in the house right now at one in the afternoon, and the wood stove was out by 9 oclock this morning. The house orr and dumont had found was a 1968 bungalow with 2. I have found the green building advisor as a valuable resource for information and discussions in particular the musings of an energy nerd blog. New superinsulated homes rising across alaskas north. Energy modeling, as mentioned in step 2, above, can help you optimize the insulation levels for the ceiling, walls and floors. Passive house passivhaus extreme green and net zero energy building.

An overview from building science corporation of the double stud wall construction strategy, including its rvalue, durability, cost, and use applications. While there is much to be learned in the ongoing development of super insulated design and construction, my energy is also focused on the context of the home within the larger environment. Part of that economy comes from the fact that the base prep and form. Of heat, houses, and heuristics front porch republic. I switched from the foam icf foundationbasement wall to the faswall block system for my first floor because i feel a home needs to. I have had a couple questions to describe how i have insulated my house to super levels. But the economics of sustainable construction sometimes make it a losing proposition. This book presents superinsulation as the art of minimizing heat loss from houses and other like structures. This house has some crazy insulation details youtube.

Drawing courtesy 475 high performance building materials this drawing illustrates a complex situation. Superinsulated house plans green homes mother earth. Choosing a superinsulated wall system blue heron ecohaus. Jul 10, 2019 insulation provides a home with a barrier against environmental conditions, moderating temperatures inside to provide comfort while also saving on energy costs. The superinsulated tiny house posted on february 7, 2015 by mcpletcher 5 comments housing ideas come to me so fast and change with such regularity, while my writing and drawing lags behind hundreds of iterations. Two coldclimate designers choose optimal wall designs, roof designs, insulation rvalues, and window glazing. At a certain point in the construction, the cavity is filled with high density blowin cellulose insulation. For insulation to do its job properly, it is important to know where it should be installed. Horizontal steel rebar inside top and bottom beams. The only really serious heat loss is the windows and doors, and the slab. The residents of a super insulated home left for a week.

Superinsulation is an approach to building design, construction, and retrofitting that dramatically reduces heat loss and gain by using much higher levels of insulation and airtightness than normal. Superinsulated home green home energy efficient homes. It is important to insulate the walls, floors and ceilings with types and thicknesses of insulating materials that fit the specific needs of each surface, and to design wall, floor and ceiling. Many of the energy efficient home plans in this collection have been designed to mitigate their environmental. Superinsulated and passive homes laugh at the polar. Sep 09, 2015 insulating a basement slab is incredibly uncommon. In part 3 of a fivepart series on building a passive house, architect steve baczek explains how he and his crew designed and built a concrete slab insulated to r50. Developed for use on the riverdale net zero house in edmonton, alberta, the system uses a double 2x4 wall assembly insulated with blownin cellulose. I have read this book cover to cover about 3 times.

In 1979, steve kropper and the rowell energy group undertook the retrofit of a 1911 tripledecker, a three family home design nearly identical to the estimated 18,000 tripledeckers in the city of boston. It is the most eco friendly wall on the market today. R32 underslab and basement walls, r56 walls, and r80 attic. Most people dont think about energy efficiency, ecofriendliness, or environmental considerations when buying or designing and building the house of their dreams. Our journey of urbanites becoming ruralites and our experience with net zero super insulated eco house building and sustainable living on the prairies. Energy efficient house plans can save you money on your energy bills, and it all starts with energy efficient house design. Insulating, along with sealing, all six sides of the net zero building envelope are fundamental steps in the construction of zero energy homes.

Do you think investing in the latest hightech hvac and onsite renewable energy systems is the only way to create an energyefficient building. There has been a lot of hoopla and craziness around passive homes, net zero energy homes, and super energy efficient homes. For our house, wed gone with high levels of insulation in the range of 3x the typical amount for standard construction. Dec 31, 2008 any building that aspires to be green must first and foremost be energyefficient and minimise energy consumed for space heatingcooling will be at the top the ee strategy list. Choosing a superinsulated wall system greenbuildingadvisor. The doublestud wall simplified low cost high performance simplify. The following home has been sold, but well be more than happy to build and customize your own super insulated home. Enercept structural insulated panels are driving big changes in framing.

Anyway, ive posted a couple times here, thinking that the house im currently building is insulated well im in atlantic city, nj area, but this site is definitely reshaping the way i think about insulation. Even though our super insulated block is significantly larger than a hollow core concrete block, it is no heavier. The superinsulated house 1981 edition open library. Super insulated cabin roof project ridge haven homestead. Airtightness refers to the leakiness of your house. Get ready for the ultimate houseboat experience in amsterdam. Given the insulation and performance of the house, it is arguable that the best choice from a cost perspective would be simple electric baseboard heaters. After arriving at central station you take a left and within a few minutes you will see our lovely harbor, tucked away like hidden treasure, yet right in the city centre. He received his ba cum laude in 1930, a phd in physics in 1934, and a degree in business administration in 1935, all from harvard university. After examining a number of options, the author chose a wall assembly called the deep wall system.

Judging by the way that most superinsulated homes are being built in the uk. The kropper house was the first super insulated retrofit in the us. The dunkirk home was a collaboration with bob callahan at builtsmart by bob the house is nestled into the kenilworth neighborhood of asheville and took part in the modern asheville tour last year and were happy to post some additional finished photos here. To achieve passive house levels of energy performance like those at the karuna house you need an advanced building envelope airtight, vapor permeable, super. At enercept we like to say that structural insulated panels sips are the future of framing, but in truth, the future is now. I also want it super insulated so came up with idea of a double wall block house with foot or so gap between the. Jim riggins is building this superinsulated house in monument, colorado. Contractors reading this book will gain a better understanding of how important small details are on building a more energy efficient house. Buildings certified to passive house standards are up to 90% more energy efficient than buildings designed only to code. Although this book was published way back in 1985, it still has much to offer for anyone who is considering an energy efficient home, whether you plan to build it yourself or have a builder build it. Enercept has been fabricating sips since 1981, and has built a reputation for delivering the most customized sips on the market. The space in between was filled with fiberglass, which i wouldnt do again. In a conventionally framed house studs are placed every 16, which provides a lot of contact between the inside and outside of the home.

While thermal bridging can be limited by proper design, airtightness can only really be ensured by paying attention while on site, building the house. Simply contact us to get started you can now enjoy a green home that is more than 40% more energy efficient than other new homes built to current codes. The real problem is when the house needs to achieve super insulated standards as this cannot really be achieved without significantly thicker insulation. Explore zeroenergy designs vast portfolio of super insulated modern passive houses, green homes, green buildings and mechanical design projects. The sts house combines the latest building materials and construction techniques with effective use of the. Of course, because every house or building is different, the ultimate cost will depend on your personal tastes and your definition of quality. Details for foamfree superinsulated construction jlc online. It is important to insulate the walls, floors and ceilings with types and thicknesses of insulating materials that fit the specific needs of each surface. Nov 01, 2014 our journey of urbanites becoming ruralites and our experience with net zero super insulated eco house building and sustainable living on the prairies choosing a super insulated wall system posted on november 1, 2014 by kent. How to build a super insulated airtight home primex hvac.

Apr 04, 2015 superinsulated house plans learn more about the superinsulated building technique thats popular in saskatoon. These concrete homes are stronger, safer, quieter, and much more energyefficient. Superinsulated and passive homes laugh at the polar vortex. Many of the energy efficient home plans in this collection have been designed to mitigate their environmental impact, and some of them could even be. All timbercrete bricks and blocks are lightweight and can be screwed and nailed into just like timber. The main difference between the houses detailed in this book and the versions that they are building now is that builders now have a better. These really are insulation and airtightness the two pillars of an passive house and pretty well any other ecohouse building. This book will be of greatest use to architects and persons desiring to design their own home. Your passive house may boast superhigh end finishes, luxury appliances, and other bells and whistles or it may be built very modestly. Superinsulated homes are super warm, super efficient and. Recently, however, mother earth news began to look into an offshoot of passive solar technology. A new method called advanced framing uses much less lumber and provides far more space for insulation without compromising the structural integrity of the building. Super efficient small house plans architectures insulated. Builders of superinsulated homes struggle with financing.

Concrete homes building with insulated concrete forms. After making the house airtight, super insulating the house may be the second most costeffective strategy for creating a zero energy home. To do this we built the entire structure on foam, pouring the concrete foundation atop a thick layer of eps expanded polystyrene geofoam. Top 15 energy efficient homes and costs illustrated. Feb 22, 2014 despite the savings in energy costs, wouldbe builders of super insulated homes are finding the financing hard to come by. Passive buildings combine super insulated, airtight building envelopes with energy recovery ventilation erv systems and optimal orientation to. It also prevents heat from escaping through the walls thereby providing a better insulated. Super insulated and passive homes laugh at the polar vortex. Jan 08, 2007 doublewall, super insulated, block building. Superinsulation is one of the ancestors of the passive house approach. Super insulated homes are very airtight and typically 85 percent less drafty than new homes that are constructed to building code minimum standards, says paul huijing of paul huijing inc. Super insulated houses and doubleenvelope houses book. Super insulated walls are made with an expanded polystyrene foam interior that has the highest fire rating within all foam insulated walls. The below 26 minute free video lesson is from marc rosenbaums 10 week, zero net energy design class, where students learn how to design a zero net energy home in 10 weeks.

Icfs are the perfect replacement for concrete block, traditionally poured concrete walls, brick, framed steel or wood walls, and any other typical material used in construction. Feb 09, 2012 the building code dictates that you have to have backup heat in addition to a woodstove. My friend is building a house that will burn less then a cord of wood per winter. However, the nationallevel approach to my need for a larger house and space for the kids to grow up out in the country where they can build giant catapults and raise 4h sheep entails the following. Olivier has written extensively on lowenergy housing, and his word. He was involved in the invention of the residential hrv, and blower door tests, and his work influenced the passive house and net zero movements. Maybe in your local area and on your specific budget, it actually does make sense to build a super insulated house. Analyzing design heating loads in superinsulated buildings lois arena. It is hardly ever done unless the code requires it. These plans were specifically designed from the finest designers and architects in the us.

Superior walls precast concrete foundations are the best solution for architects, builders and home buyers looking for an energy efficient, qualitycontrolled, and certified installed precast concrete product. Whether you want a turf roof, solarpowered hot water, or a super insulated and costefficient house, you need to know the essential elements of the selfbuild process. So how do you know which blueprints are eco friendly house plans. Aug 17, 2012 open library is an open, editable library catalog, building towards a web page for every book ever published. Posted in house build tagged black, black house, eco house, energy efficient, green build, green building, green home, modern building, modern house, net zero, passive house, passivhaus, scandinavian design, super insulate, superinsulated house, sustainable 3 comments musings on passive house standards and the costs of new home construction, part 3. Affordable energy efficient home plans green builder. Super insulated small house plans house design ideas. Perhaps this happens due to a general lack of knowledge and understanding of the many great benefits of green home design, budget worries, or other factors. It is important to insulate the walls, floors and ceilings with types and thicknesses of insulating materials that fit the specific needs of each surface, and to. In the green self build book, jon broome gives an overview of the different methods of sustainable and ecofriendly construction techniques, and presents this information in. Aug 09, 20 this was the same year that the superinsulated retrofit book, by marshall and argue, was published, describing double wall retrofits. Walk out basements and radiant floors are about the only time you will see insulation under the slab and you would be lucky to see more than r10 2 of extruded polystyrene xps rigid foam. It complies with all applicable building standards actually, it exceeds them all. While they were gone, the home ran out of heating fuel, kooley said.