11. Luby

This new house is a medium sized one at 3757 square feet and was designed to minimize the hallways. It features a high efficiency air conditioning system that uses about one-tenth the electricity of conventional AC systems. With 40 solar panels and other low energy features such as CFLs and Energy Star appliances, this house is a net producer of electricity. The owners installed two tankless water heaters that unfortunately restrict the hot water flow in the winter. They discovered a simple solution is to install a standing water tank(s) that will allow cold supply water to warm to room (basement) air temperature. This is something worth paying attention to when considering a tankless water heater.

The owners also felt that the most difficult part of building the house was working with the trades – most were not open to try new products and techniques, and when left to their own devices, wasted an amazing amount of building materials.

While the house is fairly large for two people (and the owners would make it smaller the next time), the house is filled with family and friends most of the time.

Sun Tempering
Clerestories facing east and west
Shade trees planted for sun control

Thermal Features
R 25 walls
R 40 roof

Photovoltaic Panels
8.2 KW system with 40 panels

Thermal Envelope / Thermal Comfort
Low – e windows
Ceiling fan
Evaporative cooling
Expanding foam insulation around windows and outlets
Folded, glued and sealed vapor barrier seam at joints, top and bottom plates
Zoned heating
Zoned cooling
Night setback thermostats
Eleven separate climate zones

Lighting
CFL

Construction Techniques
2 x 6 walls
Low – e windows with argon gas
Ridge vents on roof

Appliances
Energy Star rated
Tank less water heaters
High efficiency furnace
Tankless boilers

Transportation / Lifestyles
Intentionally built far within allow lot lines to allow for solar access
Uses public transportation
Bicycles
Recycling
Vegetable and flower garden

Green Features
Disassembled two houses and used everything possible from them – the entire garage, kitchen cabinets,
Sinks, appliances, interior doors, windows, copper plumbing, hardwood floors, and brick
All salvaged materials are used to remodel two other houses
Heat recovery system helps to heat and cool the house

Unique Features
Highly informed homeowner
Personal philosophy of building was economics and sustainability
Net zero electrical usage

Water Features
Low flush toilets
Low flow shower heads
Low flow faucets
Drip irrigation