| Zero Impact House
The Barott Zero Impact House is located just North of the Twin Cities Metro Area. Its sculptural shape mimics the softly rolling neighboring terrain and features large expanses of south-facing arched “Sun Gathering” windows and with broad curvilinear overhangs for seasonal solar control. The centerpiece of the plan consists of an orchid Conservatory that protrudes from the building’s otherwise monolithic glass-clad passive solar shell. Its open plan is arranged around the central three story high conservatory space which can be opened on two sides extending the dining and great room areas when desired. The Barott Zero Impact House will function as a smart house in which all major functions are autonomously controlled and can be monitored and programmed from a Website. An experimental radiant heating, cooling, and snowmelt system with rainwater thermal storage cisterns and powered by a highly efficient ground source heat pump will be the high performance centerpiece of the building. Other emerging technologies include an advanced T-Mass foundation wall system which is like an inverted ICF (insulated concrete form) wall. This wall with exposed concrete on the interior behind the surrounding three foot high landscape berms, offers significant thermal storage. All exterior walls and roofs consist of prefabricated SIPs (structural insulated panels) and supported by a recycled steel frame. The windows are triple-glazed low-e windows made from FSC Certified wood from sustainable sources. Clerestory windows providing natural ventilation are operated automatically by the Smart Home Automation system. The first and second floor slabs housing the radiant heating tubes will have a highly polished finish eliminating the need for expensive floor finishes and maximizing thermal storage. The building also features many other alternative technologies such as high efficiency lighting, natural ventilation, and daylighting throughout. Project Information: Program: Residence and Catering Business, Greenhouse SIZE: 3,400 S.F. COST: $750,000 est. COMPLETION DATE: 2009 CONSULTANTS: Engineers: Karges Falconbridge, Inc. Civil: E.G.Ruud, Inc. Others: Earth Sciences, Ocean Ark International, Kjolhaug Environmental, Magic Homes (Smart Home Consultant) |
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