From the category archives:

Building Science

Over-Conditioned: The Super-Sized HVAC Problem

January 29, 2010

Technology, it seems, has given us the opportunity to defy nature’s impact on our lives in all but the most extreme conditions. This is particularly true within the confines of our houses and other buildings. In our homes, the words “climate control” no longer suggest the nefarious plan of a volcano-dwelling, Bond villain, but rather [...]

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Passive House Ventilation Design

January 20, 2010

We thought it would be a good idea to review our new ventilation strategy and design implemented in the recent Passive Project. The ventilation strategy in the 100K House was different than most typical houses and the Passive Project took things a step further. We’ll start with the outline: Use a very efficient mechanical ventilation [...]

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Building Gaskets and Air Sealing Tape

October 30, 2009

Yesterday we looked at some lessons learned from our aggressive air sealing goals on the Passive Project. In doing so we mentioned that we will be utilizing building gaskets and air sealing tape to help obtain the very difficult building air tightness goal of 0.6 ACH @ 50Pa that is required by the Passive House [...]

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Passive House Air Sealing – Lessons Learned

October 28, 2009

It’s been a while since we posted on any technical aspects of the Passive House we are trying to build in the Passive Project. We recently tested our air sealing with a blower door test prior to drywall at the homes and I figured it would be a good time to bring up some thoughts [...]

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Super Efficient Windows for the Passive Project

September 11, 2009

In addition to insulation levels and air sealing details, the windows and external window shading in the Passive Project is upgraded from the 100K House Project. There is a lot more to windows than insulation levels, but in order to keep things simple we will focus on this aspect and cover energy efficient windows in [...]

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Party Promo – Free Solar Upgrade to Net Zero Energy

July 29, 2009

If you haven’t heard yet, we are having a party this Thursday evening to announce some new homes we plan to build. If you are coming, you probably like modern architecture, affordable homes, sustainable design or some combination of these three. No matter which is your fancy, we think you have great taste and want [...]

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Passive Project Foundation and Slab Insulation

June 11, 2009

Many have been waiting for us to start posting on specifics of our Passive Project which contains two homes – one of which is seeking the stringent Passive House certification for extreme energy efficiency. We have been waiting to post until we have completed each section of the build. This ensures that we post once [...]

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SIPA Conference Wrap Up

April 27, 2009

While I didn’t announce this on the blog, those that follow me on Twitter know I was in Chicago for the SIPA (Structurally Insulated Panel Association) Annual Meeting and Conference this past week. I was asked to come and present on the 100k House project and was kindly allowed to attend some of the conferences [...]

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LG Art Cool Provides Attractive Ductless Units on a Budget

March 20, 2009

We have been planning on using a supplemental split-ductless or heat-pump HVAC system in the 120K House from day one. These units are very efficient, supply both heating and cooling, and eliminate ductwork that can further reduce efficiency and air quality in standard HVAC systems. The main complaint I have with these units is that [...]

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Home Slicker Instant Rainscreen House Wrap

February 25, 2009

After deciding to go with James Hardie Vertical siding, it took us some time to determine exactly how the best way to apply it to our SIPs house would be. The main questions was whether or not to employ a vented rainscreen or not. A vented rainscreen is basically an air gap in between the [...]

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