Kaneda Residence

Design Features

Targeting LEED For Homes Platinum and Greenpoint Rated status, strategies to create this Net Zero Energy home include: passive solar design, a high performance building envelope, energy efficient building heating and cooling systems, natural lighting, renewable energy and water conservation measures.

By optimizing the southern exposure granted by the one-third acre site, solar access was maximized for passive solar design. Concrete floor slabs in the Master Bedroom and the primary living spaces provide thermal mass which is warmed by the sun in the winter. External operable shades along the Southern façade control sun infiltration in the summer months while extended, and allow the solar heat gain in the winter months when opened. High-performance glazing has been used throughout the home to optimize solar and thermal gains and losses. To ensure a tight building envelope, the roof and wall cavities have a spray foam insulation that exceeds code requirements.

 

A 6.4kW photovoltaic system is designed to provide 100% of the electric use requirements for the residence. A planned expansion of the photovoltaic system is provided for future electric vehicle charging capacity. Six high efficiency solar thermal collectors supply domestic hot water. A high efficiency air source heat pump provides backup hot water and an in-floor hydronic radiant heating system as well as radiant cooling in the summer. Excess heat from the solar thermal collectors provides heating for the pool through a heat exchanger. Natural ventilation is utilized and augmented by ceiling fans and a whole house fan for night-time flushing. Heat recovery ventilators with Hepa filters provide high indoor air quality while minimizing heat loss in the water and heat gain in the summer.

Natural light is in the space is provided through solar tube skylights and windows, minimizing the need for electric light during daylight hours. High efficiency LED and fluorescent lighting is controlled by dimmers, timers and occupancy sensors for night time lighting. Reducing the energy consumed by plug loads was a dominating factor in the design and selection of fixtures and appliances. Energy Star equipment was chosen to save energy as well as an induction stove, all electric dryer and high efficiency washer. Low flow, water efficient fixtures and dual flush toilets are installed to conserve water.

The existing building was deconstructed on the site and materials were salvaged and donated for reuse. During construction, over 80% of job site construction waste was diverted, by weight, from the landfill through recycling or reuse. FSC certified wood was used for construction and rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo, were chosen for interior finishes and flooring. Zero and Low VOC paints were used on the interior ceilings and walls to improve indoor air quality. A minimum of 25% Fly Ash Concrete was used to reduce the amount of virgin cement needed in the project.

Native plants, that utilize little or no irrigation, have been chosen for the landscape. Drip irrigation and a gray water system combine to reduce potable water consumption by more than 50% below the baseline. The southern façade of the building is comprised of sliding glass doors that open completely up to connect the residents to the natural world and native landscape.

Design Team:

• Architect: LMS Architects
• Mechanical: Integral Group
• Electrical: IDeAs
• Structural: Tipping + Mar
• Solar Design Build: Cobalt Power Systems Inc.