Construction Projects
Smith House, 2002-2003
German-born Katrin Klingenberg, founder of e-co lab, completed a 1,200 square foot home in Urbana, Ill., in 2003. Her goal was to demonstrate that stringent Passive House energy standards could be met in the severe climate of Central Illinois. The project has succeeded, inspiring the ongoing construction and research efforts of e-co lab.
Applying computer modeling, Klingenberg implemented several, but not all, of the many techniques, systems and materials that can be used to reduce energy load the required 90 percent. Among them:
•Superinsulation (total R value of 56) and supertight thermal envelope--thermal bridges are minimized.
•Orientation that maximizes passive solar heating in winter, cooling in summer.
•Triple-glazed windows.
•100-foot long earth-tube air intake for pre-heating and -cooling.
•Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) that recovers heat from exhaust air, and ensures constant outdoor air ventilation for excellent indoor air quality.
•Instantaneous electric water heater.
Read about the Smith House in this Energy Design Update Article.
See below for basic specifications and links to suppliers.
Location
Urbana, IL
Area
1,200 square feet, with loft
Foundation
Concrete-block frost wall
Foundation perimeter insulation
6 inches of expanded polystyrene (R-24)
Under-slab insulation
14 inches of expanded polystyrene (R-56)
Wall framing
Wall framing Vertical 12-inch TJIs
(Trus Joist I-Joists)
Wall insulation
12 inches blown-in fiberglass plus 4 inches of exterior rigid polystyrene (R-60)
Roof framing
16-inch TJIs I-Joists) with vent channels above the sheathing
Roof insulation
16 inches of blown-in fiberglass (R-60)
Windows
Thermotech windows with triple-pane, argon-filled, low-e glazing
Ventilation system
WestaflexWAC 250 heat-recovery ventilator
Heating system
Electric resistance element in the HRV
Domestic hot water system
Stiebel Eltron instantaneous electric water heater
