Energy Star 5+ Rated Integrated Solar Home in Glenview
Glenview, IL
Architect: Nathan Kipnis, AIA, LEED AP
By Kate Yoshida
This high-end luxury home features several sophisticated green technologies such as geothermal HVAC and a grid-tied, battery backup 2.5 kW photovoltaic system. The geothermal HVAC system utilizes the constant 55ºF temperature found 6’ below grade to help pre-heat the home in the winter. Very little additional power is needed to bring the home’s temperature up from 55 ºF to 70ºF. The geothermal HVAC system also cools the home during the summer months, thus reducing the need for an artificial air conditioning unit.
The photovoltaic panels, which are carefully integrated into the otherwise traditional hipped roof, reduce the day-to-day power usage of the home. ‘Mission critical’ electrical devices would then be powered in the event of a power outage
The home has zoned radiant floors which allow certain areas of the home to be more precisely thermally controlled. Radiant floors are an energy efficiency strategy because it puts the heat where you need it most, down at the floor. This allows the temperature in the house to be set lower compared to a traditional forced air system. Additionally, a radiantly heated floor does not circulate dust throughout the space like a forced air system would.
Glenview, IL
The house also features Forest Stewardship Council lumber from sustainably managed and certified forests. Bamboo flooring was selected for its ‘rapidly renewable’ characteristics; it is harvested in three to five years in lieu of cutting down a 40 to 80 year old mature hardwood tree. Both foam and cellulose insulation were used in the exterior walls. The foam provided the air barrier, and the cellulose was used in the remaining wall cavity for additional insulation. Special air and heat exchangers precondition outside air with inside air, reducing introduction of cold, dry air in winter and hot, humid air in summer.
The U-shaped footprint encloses a landscaped courtyard. Framing one end of the ‘U’ is an octagonal-shaped yoga studio, topped with corresponding octagonal skylight.
The owner added repurposed pieced rugs, and installed artwork made from recycled construction waste. The owner enjoys the subtle difference of his home from others, humorously stating that, “One of my favorite things about living here is watching cars drive by, screech to a halt, and back up to stare at the photovoltaic panels that match the angle of the roof.”
The home received a rating of Energy Star 5+, the highest available. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping people save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Tags: Cellulost Insulation, Energy Star, Foam Insulation, Forest Stewardship Council, geothermal, Green Residential, Heat Exchangers, hvac, photovoltaic array, Radiant Floor Heating, Zoned Heating
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