High Performance SIP Affordable Multi Habitat Homes Salt Lake Valley UT

Location: Kearns, UT

Project Information

Project Type:	Residential, Affordable Housing
Manufacturer:	Premier Building Systems
Builder:	HFH Salt Lake Valley
Design Professional:	Walker Design
Year Built:	2022

Performance

High Performance:	Yes
HERS/EUI Index Score:	42
ACH50 - Blower Test Results:	1.36
kBtu/sq.ft./year:
CO2 lbs./sq.ft./year:

Awards/Certifications: Building Excellence Awards, ENERGY STAR Certified

The design is intended to provide low-income homeowners, not only with low-cost housing but also with low-cost utility expenses. All cost savings to households making 60% Annual Median Income or below becomes a vital element of their financial success. This design can provide an additional $60 to $80 in monthly savings.

Structurally Insulated Panels provided the major two elements we needed to meet our goals:
- Acceptable cost (keeping the home affordable)
- Energy Efficiency (keeping the home affordable to own)

SIP wall thickness: 8" R-Control Max GPS
SIP roof thickness: 12" R-Control Max GPS

SIPs benefits include:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Sound dampening (homes are under the flight pattern for SLC airport)

The Field of Dreams Eco-Community design implements many cost-saving elements. These are twin-homes which reduces land cost. One concern is often sound intrusion from the adjacent home. The "party wall" was designed with an air space that includes a fire rated sheer wall. There is no sound intrusion between the units. Additionally, the sheer wall is designed to isolate a fire to one unit.

The windows are designed to maximize solar gain with smaller windows on the North and larger on the south with an "eyebrow blade" to block summer sun intensity.

HERS index: 42

Blower door test results (ACH50): AeroBarrier to seal any remaining gaps down to a pin hole.

HVAC system: Homes are heated and cooled with mini-splits

U-values:
U Value = 0.29
SI Units = 1.65

Energy-efficient products:
All lighting is low energy
Tankless water heaters
Energy saving appliances

Sustainable materials:
Each home has growing boxes installed with drip systems to allow for home food production (reduces grocery costs and is healthier)
Landscaping implements water tolerant plants (reduces water costs)

Documents