Energy Star SIP House Washington NC

Location: Washington, NC

Awards/Certifications: ENERGY STAR Certified

This single-family home provides a modern, sustainable living space designed to prioritize energy efficiency and family comfort. The compact yet functional design maximizes usability, with a focus on long-term operational savings and environmental responsibility.

Embracing Sustainable Living:

This single-family home exemplifies modern, sustainable living, prioritizing energy efficiency and family comfort within a compact yet functional design. Built with a focus on long-term operational savings and environmental responsibility, this home showcases the power of innovative construction.

The SIP Advantage:

SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) construction played a pivotal role in achieving the project's ambitious goals. These high-performance panels, featuring 6 ½" walls with 5 5/8" EPS foam and 10 ¼" roof with 9 3/8" EPS foam, provided a robust, energy-efficient envelope.

• Expanded Living Space: SIPs enabled a significant increase in living space, expanding the main level from 1,299 to 1,499 sq. ft. and adding a spacious second story with a bedroom, office, bathroom, and bonus room.
• Unmatched Energy Efficiency: The airtight SIP construction minimizes energy loss, resulting in substantial savings on heating and cooling costs.
• Accelerated Construction: SIPs significantly reduced construction time, with a crew of four completing the installation in just five days – a 50% time savings compared to traditional framing.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Despite a slightly higher initial cost ($68,000 for SIPs vs. $42,000 for traditional framing without insulation), SIPs offered superior value with the added living space and long-term energy savings.
• Enhanced Durability: SIPs provide exceptional structural integrity and resistance to environmental factors.

Design Highlights:

• Expansive Living: Vaulted ceilings create an airy and spacious feel without compromising energy efficiency.
• Optimized Materials: Careful panel layout minimized material waste during construction.
• Future-Ready Roof: The thoughtfully designed roof ensures efficient rainwater runoff and is perfectly suited for future solar panel installations.

Energy-Efficient Features:

• High-Performance Envelope:
  • Triple-pane windows minimize heat transfer.
  • High-performance insulation in the foundation and attic maximizes energy efficiency.
  • Meticulous air sealing around openings and penetrations further reduces air leakage.
• Efficient Systems:
  • Energy-efficient HVAC system with an air-source heat pump and high-efficiency central cooling.
  • Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) for improved indoor air quality.
  • Energy STAR® certified appliances and lighting.
  • Programmable thermostat for optimized temperature control.

Sustainability in Focus:

• Solar Ready: While no solar panels were installed initially, the roof is designed to seamlessly accommodate future solar installations.
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Recycled and low-VOC materials were used throughout the interior and exterior finishes.
• Sustainable Landscaping: The landscaping incorporates stormwater management strategies to minimize environmental impact.

This home showcases the harmonious integration of modern design, advanced technology, and sustainable practices, creating a comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible living space for the entire family.

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