Page 43 - Green Builder Jan-Feb 2021

GREEN HOME OF THE YEAR AWARDS

CREDIT: WILLIAM FREEMAN

A strong seal. Double-wall construction, high R-value insulation and triple-pane windows help form a
tight building envelope. CREDIT: WILLIAM FREEMAN
BY GREEN BUILDER STAFF

UILDING HIS FIRST They had several project goals: build on a site from the local train station and only a half
Passive House in with a high walkability score to lower their mile from downtown shops and the town
carbon footprint; create a fossil-fuel-free,
green.
2014 permanently all-electric home; incorporate healthy and
altered how Bill sustainable building materials; and establish INSIDE INFORMATION
Freeman, principal a sustainable site as an alternative to a high- A lot of thought was given to a sustainable
B of Celebration Green maintenance traditional lawn, to support build of the home, according to Freeman.
local pollinators, birds, wildlife and people.
In terms of structure, the house features
Design & Build in Guilford, Consistent with the Passive House a double-wall construction, high R-value
Connecticut, viewed the protocol, the design featured clean lines insulation, and multiple strategies to ensure
construction process relative to and generous overhangs to provide air-tightness of the building envelope,
achieving a much higher level of shading. During the project development including limited penetrations, taped
energy efficiency, superior indoor process, Freeman learned that the town plywood seams, use of insulated window
was encouraging accessory apartments
headers, and precise use of closed-cell foam.
air quality and unparalleled and modified the plans to maximize the Triple-pane windows and doors add to the
comfort. efficiency of the dwelling. home’s environmental control.
When it became time to downsize his own The result was a 3,140-square-foot home: A variety of sustainable, environmentally
residence, Freeman and his partner, Alicia 2,268 square feet for the main residence and friendly building material and appliances
Dolce, knew they wanted to pursue building 872 square feet for a guest house. It was built keep the green-minded inside theme in play:
a zero energy Passive House for themselves. on a building lot that is a one-minute walk Milliken Declare carpet, locally sourced
®
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