It is Living Shelter Architects’ goal to positively impact our community and our planet by creating spaces that are sustainable while enhancing our health and well-being. It is important for us to design in ways that support both our clients’ lifestyles and the environment. This is why we champion using natural materials, designing for energy efficiency, and striving to achieve Net Zero or Net Positive structures.
What is a Net Zero Home?
You are likely already familiar with the various ways a Net Zero or Net Positive home benefits the environment. But are you aware of the personal benefits of living in one? First, let’s define the terms “Net Zero” and “Net Positive”:
A home with zero net energy consumption is designed so that the total amount of energy used by the home on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.
A home with positive net energy consumption produces more energy than what it consumes, allowing for powering other things such as electric vehicles or neighboring buildings.
An Energy Efficient Custom Home In Yakima
An example of a Net Positive custom home is a custom home Living Shelter Architects designed for a couple in Yakima, WA. This 3100sq ft home uses a combination of passive solar site orientation, super insulation, geothermal heating and cooling, and an ample solar panel array. It produces more energy than it needs so the excess charges their electric vehicle.
This custom home utilizes extra insulation and tight air sealing to prevent air leakage and provide an excellent thermal and moisture barrier. In addition to the traditional fiberglass batts used for insulating the exterior walls and roof, this home has continuous rigid foam insulation on the exterior of the walls and foam sprayed under the roof sheathing to help reduce both air leakage and thermal bridging.
The daylight basement is nestled into the hill with an insulated concrete block system. The hillside itself provides an additional thermal barrier. Made with rigid thermal insulation, insulating concrete forms are interlocking and filled with concrete. In addition to providing a structurally insulated wall they provide an excellent moisture barrier that doesn’t crack.
The clay plaster walls and stained concrete floors provide an interior envelope that keeps the house temperate. The homeowners report that both the indoor temperature and humidity are comfortable year-round in all parts of the house.
Benefits Of An Energy Efficient Custom Home
No More Energy Bills
There are several benefits to living in an energy efficient home. One of the most obvious is the lack of energy bills. After three years in their healthy, efficient custom home in Yakima, the owners did not have a single energy bill! The fourth year they experienced an unusually cold and snowy winter, covering the solar panels for so long that they could not produce as much power.
Solar Incentives
It is estimated that between a 30% Federal tax credit, a production credit from the local utility, plus incentives from Washington State of up to $5000/year, this system’s costs will be paid back in one more year.
Healthy Home
Net Zero and Net Positive custom homes often utilize advanced fresh air systems. When also constructed with non-toxic finishes, materials and surfaces, the result is a healthier home to live in. For example, the clay plaster walls in our Yakima project, are a non-toxic healthy alternative to paint, wallpaper, cement, acrylic and gypsum plasters. Clay is a natural material that is mold resistant, temperature controlling, moisture and humidity buffering, and durable.
Clean Air
The airtight nature of this energy-efficient home incorporates an advanced ventilation system called an ERV or Energy Recovery Ventilator which provides pre-heated or pre-cooled fresh, filtered air – free of outside pollutants and allergens. We love how these systems work to help keep you and your family healthy.
Low Maintenance Home
Net Zero and Net Positive custom homes can be lower maintenance and are easy to keep clean due to their durable, airtight construction and fresh air system. Moisture barriers prevent mold or water damage and fresh filtered air means less dust and easier cleaning.
Fight Climate Change
There are so many benefits to owning an energy-efficient home. One of the most important is giving individuals a way to have a positive impact on our world. A Net Zero or Net Positive home by definition contributes far less - or in some cases nothing at all - to climate change.
Want to live in a custom home that contributes positively to our world? Designing sustainable healthy homes is what we do. Find out if working with our team is a good fit: https://www.livingshelter.com/working-with-us