2011 MAINSTREAM GREEN WINNER
Peace of Mind 09
Stanwood, Michigan
Built for just $142 per sq. ft.—before rebates—this appealing home is packed with energy-saving features and designed for life.
PROJECT TEAM
Builder
Dan Vos
Vos Energy Concepts
Rockford, MI
Architect
Eric A. Hughes
Image Design
Grand Rapids, MI
Interiors
Christy Hughes
Image Design
Grand Rapids, MI
Along with its many green features the “River Escape” home has no steps, and is designed to accommodate owners who want to age in place. The team certified it through
www.zerostep.org.
The home uses only about 600kW of electricity each month, and has been net metering more than that amount on average since completion. Overall, it is 88% more efficient than a comparably sized, code-built home.
It’s not always easy to build an affordable green home without a glaring compromise or two. But architect Eric Hughes and builder Dan Vos somehow beat the odds.
This compact, 1,267-sq.-ft. home does everything right, from its frost-protected shallow foundation to its ICF walls to its SIP roof. But it’s not just the shell that’s well above average. The home is zero energy and scored 32.5 points above LEED for Homes Platinum certification.
Other key features include high performance windows (U-value of .24), radiant floor heating provided by a high-efficiency boiler (supplementing passive solar). A wood pellet burner provides a renewable backup heating source.
The team also put great effort into managing indoor air quality. Along with no-VOC paints, caulks and adhesives, they installed formaldehyde-free cabinets made by local Amish crafters. Floors are made from FSC-certified bamboo flooring, and the home features a whole-house vacuum system, plus a heat recovery ventilator. “Its seems to be a new trend with all my clients lately that the want a small house with the best building material for the shell of their home,” notes architect Eric Hughes. “Then they want as much renewable energy as the budget will allow, so they can reduce their utility bills and get as close to net-zero as possible.” GB
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