Page 40 - Zero Net Energy Case Study Homes-Volume 1

CASE STUDY NO. 2
FORTUNATO HOUSE RENOVATION
In addition, the owners decided to set a general goal for the cost of this “deep green” house, namely that by using available “off-the-shelf” techniques and building technologies, the desired project outcomes could be realized at the same or less cost than a “standard house”. This cost would be measured in all aspects of specific sustainability features employed to construct the new 2,150 sq. ft. renovation/addition, including the re-use of a portion of the 1,320 sq. ft. existing structure.2
Finally, this project is somewhat unusual since the owners decided to act as both project design- ers and general contractor for the execution of the design ideas. This permitted full engagement with these ideas and resolution of their application in the physical construction of the house. While the design and execution were directed essentially by the owners, engineers and con- struction professionals were consulted on various aspects of the project.
Project Process
Building Program
The renovation basically consisted of the addition of a new 830 sq. ft. floor level to the two-story existing house and extensive work on this existing structure. This added a new master bedroom suite and an office at this upper level, while the main level was reorganized into two bedrooms with a shared deck, a bathroom/laundry and a main living space adjacent to the rear garden area. (See the floor plans and building sections.)
2 As it turned out, only the rough framing and foundation of the existing house were reused in the new structure. Nevertheless, this cost saving plus the downsizing of the energy systems through design resulted in an approximate cost for the renovation of $200/sq. ft. Some rebates and tax deductions are also included in this cost reduction, although these did not contribute significantly to the overall savings. This net cost of construction compared well with the cost of construction at the time for “standard” new houses in the same area of $250/sq. ft. and higher.
(Right) View of final “deconstructed” original house, with some rough framing and foundations from the rear half of the 1959 house salvaged for the new structure. The west half of the new house would be mostly new construction.
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Zero Net Energy Case Study Homes: Volume 1