Energy Efficient House Minneapolis MN

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Project Information

Project Type:	Residential, > 3,000 sq. ft.
Manufacturer:	Extreme Panel Technologies
Builder:	PanelWorks Plus, Inc.
Design Professional:	Christian Dean Architecture LLC
Year Built:	2017

Performance

High Performance:	Yes
HERS/EUI Index Score:	30
ACH50 - Blower Test Results:	1.38
kBtu/sq.ft./year:
CO2 lbs./sq.ft./year:

Awards/Certifications: Building Excellence Awards

BEA: 2018 SIPA Building Excellence Awards First Place Winner Single Family Home Over 3,000 sq. ft.

One of the major benefits of using SIPs for us, was the shop drawing review process.

Award-Winning Energy Efficiency: The Weiting Residence by Christian Dean Architecture

This document details the Weiting Residence in Minneapolis, MN, a project by Christian Dean Architecture that recently won a Building Excellence Award from the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA). The homeowner's desire for a sustainable and energy-efficient modern home drove the design choices throughout the project.

SIPs: The Foundation for Efficiency

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) played a key role in achieving the home's energy goals. The project utilized 5 1/2" and 12 1/4" thick SIPs with expanded polystyrene insulation for the walls and 12 1/4" thick SIPs with expanded polystyrene insulation for the roof. This high-performance building envelope contributed significantly to the home's energy efficiency.

The prefabricated wall system offered several advantages:

Streamlined Construction: Shop drawings allowed for better coordination and minimized errors during construction.
Quality and Efficiency: SIPs provided a tight building envelope, resulting in a blower door test score of 1.38 ACH50, indicating exceptional energy efficiency.

Innovative Design Meets Energy Savings

The Weiting Residence wasn't just about efficiency; it also incorporated innovative design elements. The home's mass and large openings required careful structural engineering, which the SIP system accommodated seamlessly.

Beyond SIPs: A Multi-Layered Approach

Energy efficiency went beyond SIPs. Here's a breakdown of the home's features:

Double-paned windows with U-values of 0.30 and 0.28 for optimal insulation.
High-performance insulation: R-49 roof, R-15 foundation walls, and R-15 underslab insulation.
Strategic window placement: Large south-facing windows for passive solar gain and minimal east/west windows to manage unwanted light.
Automated roller shades for additional west-side heat control.
Central stairwell for maximizing natural light distribution.
Energy Star appliances and LED lighting throughout.

Sustainable Features for a Healthy Home

Sustainability was a core value of the project. Here are some key highlights:

Passive solar design: Optimized layout for maximum solar access and minimized reliance on artificial lighting.
Water-wise landscaping: Low-mow grasses and drywells to minimize irrigation needs and promote rainwater infiltration.
Sustainable materials: Accoya wood cladding, Mosa tiles, Richlite paper counters, and salvaged wood floors – all with eco-friendly certifications.
Thermally massive foundation walls: Exposed concrete walls provide thermal stability and reduce material usage.

High Performance Credentials

HERS Index: 30
Solar Panels: A 4.92kW solar panel system was installed on the project.

Conclusion

The Weiting Residence is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and innovative construction techniques. By combining SIPs with sustainable materials and energy-efficient features, Christian Dean Architecture has created a beautiful and environmentally responsible home that exemplifies high-performance building practices.

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