Design for Life
Build Smart. Build Economically. Build Green.
The Near Zero Energy Home
|
|
This past spring Plus 5 contractors Joe Kinsella & Son, Throm Construction, RCS Contracting, Otten Contracting, and Tom's Building and Repair teamed up to show the public how to build an attractive, affordable, eco-friendly home. With the materials and innovations they are using, the builders anticipate that energy bills will be less that $40 a month. |
In September, Plus 5 opened its demonstration project, the Near Zero Energy Green House, a few blocks from the town square in Belleville. Designed by LEED-certified architect Gary Karasek, the Green House is a construction laboratory where the public can learn about environmentally friendly building practices. It will remain open until April for tours and educational programs.
|
If you would like a guided tour of the Near Zero
Energy Green House, give me a call at 618-972-7621.
You can also email me at markrhein@yahoo.com.
|
Green Home Rising
Almost every component in the home is either made from recycled materials or was used to reduce energy expenditures significantly.
Recycled antiques glass blocks form the stairwell around a vintage cast aluminum spiral staircase.
|
|
|
|
The roof is constructed of super-insulated panels made by Eagle Panel in Mulberry Grove, IL.
The steel Tamko roofing shingles, made from recycled materials, are expected to last 50 to 75 years.
A solar voltaic system to be installed on the south roof will be capable of producing 1 kilowatt a day, sending uneeded energy back to Ameren for a credit.
|
|
| |
|
The walls are constructed out of Logix insulated concrete forms (ICFs).
Outside, even the retaining walls are made from recycled concrete rubble.
|
|
|
|
The Nova-Brik bricks are made of crushed, recycled concrete instead of clay, and do not require the use of mortar.
|
|
|
|
The upper deck is made out of recylced composite decking materials.
|
|
|
|
Hot water will be generated from a Rheem tankless water heater.
|
|
|
|
The home's floor serves as a solar radiator. In cold winter months, sunlight warms the concrete, and the heat is then released throughout the evening hours.
|
|
|
|
A main goal of Plus 5 is to educate the consumer about options and choices that are environmentally friendly and very energy efficient.
|
|
If you would like to receive more information about Plus 5 Home Advantage Green, or if you have a question about any aspect of green building, leave your name and email below and I will get in touch with you. You can also call me at (618)972-7621.
|
