Since completing the first half of Consultant Training, I worked on 3 new prototypes in an attempt to understand how to optimize Passive House design on what I now realize is a most challenging building type and site. First, the issue of compactness: a 20' house on 2 stories is relatively long, and therefore its surface-to-volume ratio is high, resulting in big heat losses. If you try to overcome those losses with big south windows, you soon overheat the house or cause an overly large cooling load: hence the balancing act. So you increase the insulation as high as possible and simplify the volume as much as possible. It's interesting to note that more insulation and simple volume means a less expensive building to build than a more complex one with lots of pricey windows!
After some wrangling with heroic amounts of insulation I managed to get the first new prototype to work, barely hitting the targets for heating, cooling, and primary energy use. This was a tiny house-- 3 bedrooms, treated floor area (TFA) 1284 s.f. (gross area about 1,600 s.f.), compactness of 3.4. It didn't have or need the big clerestory as in this blog's previous design.
For the next one, I tried an even simpler shape and 4 bedrooms, TFA 1,414, gross area 1,800 s.f., compactness of 3.2. This was slightly easier to bring to the energy targets. Then I tried a 3-story 4-bedroom version, TFA 1,781, gross area 2,400, compactness 3.1; this was easier still.
But "easier"-- it still means 16" of rigid insulation under the slab, 18" thick walls filled with insulation, R-100 roof, and the finest windows made. (There are many ways to get to compliance, but these are the ones I used.) It's evident that compactness really matters. That point came clear in training: our first exercise was a single family detached house, which we didn't quite get to certification in the Chicago climate. The next one was a 4-unit multi-family house, and it was, by comparison, a breeze.
As we look ahead to renewed development, particularly in transit-oriented districts, I think we're going to see many Passive House apartments, condos, duplexes, and townhomes. For minimal upcharge, fully offset by low operational costs, new homeowners will be able to live well, comfortably, and green. Looks like it's time for a multifamily prototype exercise!
Senin, 18 Oktober 2010
Rabu, 13 Oktober 2010
Nest & Nest Interior Design is excited to announce that we will be a participating sponsor for POST Blogger Social!
Hosted by Hello, Splendor and Fabulous K, this event will bring together local bloggers for a evening of mingling and fun. Even better, we are hosting this soiree at our new location!
Nest Interior Design will also be a sponsor for the event. If you are one of the first 30 people to arrive will see a special treat from them in your swag bag!
Will you be joining the members of the blogosphere November 4th? If you have a blog, big or small, you're invited!
You can RSVP to postbloggersocial@gmail.com
You can RSVP to postbloggersocial@gmail.com
Selasa, 05 Oktober 2010
Ready Aim Re-Design Contest for Dwell With Dignity!
I am so thrilled to announce the launch of the Ready Aim Redesign Before & After Contest for Dwell With Dignity!! You may know that I recently recently joined the leadership council for this amazing organization that inspires lives with design. Helping the less fortunate & interior design? That's right up my alley! This contest is designed to raise awareness of the organization and to raise funds to continue our good work. And, I'm sure raising awareness will be no issue considering the amazing slew of judges: Jonathan Adler, Grace Bonney, Ronda Carmen, Crystal Gentilello, Samantha Sano, & Rebecca Sherman!! Pretty stellar, right?
The contest is $25 per entry with no limit to entries. Visit the Ready Aim Redesign site for more info and to ENTER!
You may remember seeing the image above? Yes! That's my before and after sofa that I did for a client!
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