Scargo Lake Cottage featured in Boston Globe Magazine - Summer Living

Our small cottage on Scargo Lake in Dennis Village was featured in this Sunday's Globe Magazine which focused on Summer Living.  The clients’ story of downsizing from a much larger home in Provincetown to this 1100 SF tiny cottage is compelling.  We love the contrast between the historic features of the 1930s bungalow/cottage and the ultra light mid-century modern finishes.  This tiny house lives large! 

And you can rent it this summer: Scargo Lake cottage

To read: Boston Globe Magazine Summer Living article

Written by: Jaci Conry

Photos by: Dan Cutrona

Home Remodeling Magazine: Cape & Islands - Oyster Pond House

Check out the latest issue of Home Remodeling Magazine for a feature on the Oyster Pond House in Falmouth. We created a dynamic new kitchen with vaulted ceilings to connect an existing 1930s Cape to a new family room space in the back.  It was so fun working with the family to create their Cape home base that's perfect for entertaining and outdoor living. We love the cover shot - a new mudroom/bathroom space connected to the outdoor shower!

To read: Home Remodeling Magazine

article written by: Lenore Cullen Barnes

photos by: Dan Cutrona

builder: The Valle Group

SDLs vs. GBGs

Okay, you’re probably wondering what we’re talking about …

The short answer: GBGS and SDLS are the decorative grilles on a window. 

 The next question you might have “is what are grilles?” …look left- we did a quick sketch calling out the anatomy of a 2 over 2 double hung window.

Now you might be wondering why we’re talking about this at all… From an architecture standpoint we love windows.  They do a number of things for a structure –let in light, bring in fresh air, they also articulate the overall feel of a space.   Large windows with no grilles provide an unobstructed view allowing the most light into a space.   Windows with a lot of grilles harkens back to a more traditional, historical style that you will see driving down historic 6A on the cape.  

A historical cape cod house might have a 12 over 12 window pattern.  This means that there were 12 panes of glass in the upper sash and 12 panes in the lower sash.  A modern approach to this look that allows more light in and less cost is a 6 over 6 or 6 over 1 window which is commonly seen on the cape.

Historically, windows were a collection of smaller panes of glass that were joined together by muntin bars.  These muntin bars were integral to having a larger window unit; but they were also a weak point of the window from an energy standpoint.  The bars were made of wood or metal that acted as a thermal bridge from the interior of a structure to the outside.   As technology increased we found ways to produce larger pieces of glass without the need of this joinery and eventually we began producing double glazed and triple glazed windows that are extremely energy efficient.  So, from a functional perspective we don’t need the muntins (or grilles), but from a decorative standpoint we can have them in one of two ways.

Windows with GBGs, Grilles between the Glass

GBGs or grilles between the glass are just as their name describes --- grilles that are placed inside the double glazed window.  This gives the look of a traditional window from a distance, but when you are closer to the window you see that grilles are inside the glass.   These windows appear flatter in comparison to a window with SDLS. 

Windows with SDLs, Simulated Divided Lites

SDLS are an architect’s preferred detail for window grills.  SDLS or Simulated Divided Lites are grilles that are applied directly to the surface of the glass and provide the most authentic look for the window while still providing the energy efficiency of a modern double glazed window. These windows appear flatter in comparison to a window with SDLS. 

Net Zero Hyannis House

Net Zero Scituate House

Chatham Village House

Net Zero Quivet Neck House

Historic Details of 6A

Driving down 6A into Yarmouth port and through Brewster is a beautiful tour of historic Cape Cod architecture.   The weather has been so nice these last few days we decided to stop one morning and photograph a few of our favorite architectural details along this part of Old King’s Highway. 

Happy Fish Bakery - the classic black and white color scheme and decorative gothic style details

Briar Patch Pediatrics- Brackets at porch roof

Love these Scissor Brackets at this small historic home.

Parnassus Bookstore

Simple, angled porch brackets and large picture windows at the Town Crier Antiques

Brewster General Store - the Brewster General store is an iconic stop along this part of 6a with its tall front porch with large over-sized store front windows and decorative brackets.

Affordable Net Zero Eastham House

In February of this year, we broke ground on a small affordable net-zero house. We are committed to making net energy zero work for all.  The clients owned an 850 SF cottage in Eastham on a small lot. The cottage had no foundation so we demolished it. 

The new design is for a 1780 SF house. The form is simple – again for affordability – 2 gables connected by a small connector piece.  One wing houses the master bedroom and an open living/dining/living room.  All rooms have south facing glazing for passive solar heating. The smaller gable consists of a garage and guest room, while the ‘connector’ contains mudroom/entry and guest bath.  These simple forms allow the framing costs to remain minimal.

Some strategies when considering to cost effective ways to get to net zero:

Raised Heel Energy Truss

1. Truss roof

Instead of framing with convention lumber (typically 2x10s) this roof framing is designed to be a truss.  There are many advantages to using trusses. One is affordability.  They are installed easily in one day with a crane so there’s a major labor savings.  Secondly, the truss consist of 2x4 and some 2x6 members so there’s a significant savings versus the 2x10 lumber which is good for costs and sustainability.  Finally, these trusses are designed to allow 14-16” of blown in cellulose insulation so that are much more insulated than a typical roof especially

Triple Glazed Window and Double Framed Wall

2. Double framed wall

3. MA Energy Star Homes

4. Photovoltaic panels

We often use double wall construction when attempting to get to net-zero. We essentially double the amount of insulation. The only additional cost is extra cellulose insulation and some additional 2x4 studs. We are using

All of our new construction project participate in this worthy program. We work very closely with our HERs raters (www.energycodehelp.com) to energy model the initial design and then optimize the insulation/mechanical strategies.  During construction, the HERs raters test the project for air tightness. Our goal is always tier 3, the highest level where there’s typically around $8,000 to $10,000 in rebates/incentives, as well as a tax credit.

To get to net-zero, we need energy production. The most effective way to do this is by adding solar panels. We are so lucky to work closely with E2 Solar (www.e2solarcapecod.com) on our projects from the beginning. WE evaluate for shading and production. Sunpower panels are the most efficient on the market and reliably make more electricity than we plan on. 

4. Mini split heat pumps

5. Operating expenses

Since we are now making electricity on our roof, guess what we want to heat and cool with? Electricity!  While gas can be efficient, we LOVE mini splits. These are small room sized split systems that provide heating and cooling. When we reduce the loads by adding insulation, we can heat and cool the entire house with one mini split.  We often add others for reduncancy BUT talk about energy savings! We added insulation so that one mini split (cost $4000 installed) can heat and cool a small house.  A typical house requires a new installed $30,000 fossil fuel heating system.  

Most builders/architects create budgets based on construction costs, but we think it’s important to consider operational costs as well. What will you monthly energy costs be? WE can help project that with energy modeling!  We look over the course of a year since we often find there’s surplus of electricity created in May & June (no heating or cooling loads, but long sunny days) that can be utilized in Dec. and January (high heating loads, low sun angle)

BlueskinVP 100 -  tri-laminate polypropylene wrap  

West Elevation of Net Zero Eastham House - Screen porch is framed and E2 Solar was on site yesterday preparing the roof and electrical service for solar panels

View of LIving Room - Double Framed Wall and Triple Glazed windows. 

Raised Heel Scissor Truss

Triple Glazed Windows & framed Double Wall

Design New England: Net Zero Lincoln House

After 3+ years of a very collaborative design and construction process on a complicated site in Lincoln MA it’s so rewarding to see the project in Design New England.  When we first visited this site in winter 2011 it was a derelict foundation with oversize weeds growing out of it!  The final design is a testament to the vision we had for the site’s potential, the design sensibility of the clients and the builder’s meticulous work in crafting the structure. It’s such a pleasure to work with clients who bring net-zero requirements as well as a modern aesthetic to the project, and a builder who truly cared about both. This was a true collaboration and we’re thrilled to see it published.

To read: Design New England Article

Article by Jaci Conry

Photography by Dan Cutrona

Builder:  Goetemann Custom Builders, Lincoln MA

Solar panels on the south facing roof E2 Solar

Out for a walk in Dennis Village

A3 Architects is located in the heart of Dennis Village in a historic building from the 1830s.  Before we moved from our office in Brewster to our current location, we didn’t know much about this part of the cape.  It has been wonderful to explore all the hidden (and not so hidden) gems in the area and we thought we would take a moment to highlight a few of our favorite stops. 

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Our favorite places to grab a bite to eat:

The Mercantile

Fun little sandwich shop located behind the post office.  It is easy to run in and out for a quick sandwich (or call ahead during their busy summer months)  Everything on the menu is great, but we suggest the jimmy tuna on oatmeal bread and maybe a cookie…

The Underground Bakery

Located in the same plaza as the Merc – they have great coffee, fun sweet treats, and awesome atmosphere

 

Encore Bistro and Bar

This little bistro is located on the grounds of the Cape Playhouse and is a lovely setting for an eat-in business lunch. 

Sesuit Harbor Café

This one isn’t within walking distance, but it is probably a five minute drive from our office and a great location to sit outside and enjoy a lobster roll by the water.  Open during the summer months

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Dennis Village might be small, but it has some great little boutiques

Deep BLUE

Deep BLUE is owned by Amy Mason –she is an illustrator and designer with her own line of cards, graphics, and fabrics that are showcased in the store.  She also carries an array of furnishings, art, jewelry – seriously – We always stop in when we are looking for gifts and somehow leave having bought ourselves something as well!  (Also ,we love her blue barn doors  on the exterior of the Deep Blue shop-  such a fun pop of color on 6A!)

Scout

This little shop is precious.  The owner goes to Paris every year to shop for unique items for the store.  Scout has an array of home furnishings, textiles, and jewelry with a Parisian flair that you won’t find anywhere else (…at least on this side of the Atlantic!). 

Also,  if you’re on the cape in December, be sure to check out her shop—she decorates it to the nines for the holiday seasons!

Elburne

Elburne is a newcomer to Dennis Village and we are very excited about the addition of this new boutique.  They specialize in reclaimed, recycled, and sustainable home décor….. Right up our alley!

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A few of the special places in Dennis village

The beaches:  Corporation Beach, Mayflower Beach, and Chapin Beach

It goes without saying since we are located on Cape Cod that the beaches are a highlight. 

The whole cape has beautiful beaches, but our office is located within a mile of Corporation Beach which makes for a fun run out to the beach and back during our warmer months.  Mayflower Beach and Chapin Beach are also beautiful spots.

Corporation Beach

photo from the Cape Cinema

The Cape Cinema

We are located directly across from the Cape Cinema and when we moved to our office a few years back… none of us really knew how special it was to be located across from this landmark.

The claim to fame: 

The Cape Cinema (then the Cape Playhouse) opened in the 1930 and was one of three cinemas to preview the Wizard of Oz before its Hollywood premier.  Oh and the other claim to fame…its ceiling.  There is a 6,400 square foot mural designed by Rockwell Kent in the art deco style.  It in itself is worth the trip, but the cinema hosts a wide array of shows (really something for everyone) from the most recent Indie film to the Met Opera to the Ballet and my personal favorite – during the summer they will host a few indie music concerts.  AND you get to watch it all in a beautiful space.  Win-win

Scargo Tower

It is a random, 30 foot tall cobblestone tower located at the top of Scargo Hill.  There are a couple of things that make this a worthwhile stop:

1. You did hear us say:  it is a random, 30 foot tall cobblestone tower located at the top of Scargo Hill.  The oddity of that should be enough of an allurement alone.  Seriously – it makes you feel like you’re in a fairytale. 
2. The views.  From the top of the tower, you are afforded beautiful views of Scargo lake below and Cape Cod Bay beyond.  The view is beautiful year round, but particularly specialduring peak leaf season in the fall and in winter after a snowfall.

A little History and a few fun facts: (thank you Wikipedia!)

1. There have been 3 Scargo Towers in the same spot.  The first one was constructed in 1874; it was wood and well-the cape is a windy place so it didn’t last too long.  The second tower was built in 1900, also out of wood, but it burned down. Since we all learn by iteration – the third was built out of cobblestones and it is what we see today.  It was constructed in 1901. 
2. One other random fact.  The mason, who did the stonework for the tower, also constructed the stone wall in front of the A3/E2 Solar offices. 

This was fun highlighting some of our local favorite stops – we might just have to do future blog posts on other cape town’s and our favorite places to stop.  We do project all over the cape and always enjoy wandering around!  Be sure to let us know if you have any favorite places we should check out – always love finding spots!

Aerial Video of the Net Zero Quivet Neck House

It is nice to have friends with drones… 

Todd Druskat works at E2 Solar and has been taking amazing footage with his drone of the cape and also his travels to Florida this past winter.  He was kind enough to stop by one of our projects last week and film our Net Zero Quivet Neck House  from the sky.  Love getting this different view of our project… hope we can talk him in to a few more site visits in the future!  Thanks Todd!

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National Library week: A few of the Cape's best

April 9-15 is National Library week. On the Cape are so lucky to have a library in almost every village.  The CLAMs network is an AMAZING network that connects all the Cape libraries online.  It is difficult to pick just a few libraries to highlight, because there are so many special spaces, but here are a few of our favorites.

South Dennis Library

The winner for the cutest library on cape definitely goes to the South Dennis Library.  The building (nicknamed , “the little library”) was constructed in 1856 at the height of the American Gothic style and features quintessential gingerbread details from the ornate latticework eaves, to the Gothic pointed windows, and inlay clover trim detail. 

Accounts of the buildings exact origins differ-- some say it was moved from another site on Cape or even possibly the Vineyard before it found its home in South Dennis.   Others say it was built by a resident of the town, or maybe even a gift.  In 1918 it was Jonathan Matthews, a sea captain, who bought the cottage for the town to use as a library. 

South Dennis Library Website:  http://www.southdennislibrary.org/

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Jacob Sears Memorial Library

The library was built in 1895 by long time East Dennis resident, Jacob Sears.  It is located in the heart of Dennis village and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.  There are two distinguishing architectural features that make this building especially unique.  The first is the covered entry porch with adjacent polygonal turret.  The wraparound steps leading up to the front door with flanking supporting columns and large brackets makes for a beautiful procession into the space.  The second feature is the 3 floor to ceiling doghouse dormers that articulate the front facade of the building. 

Jacob Sears Memorial Library Website:  http://www.jacobsearslibrary.org/

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Eastham Library

Eastham has a new library that opened this past fall and is a modern interpretation of the Cape Cod architectural style. The interior spaces are bright and modern with beautiful views of the pond beyond.  The exterior of the building is clad in the cape’s vernacular trademark:  cedar shingles and clapboard.  A lovely courtyard sits adjacent to the entry corridor and main reading spaces – we look forward to seeing how this space changes though the seasons.   The original one-room library from 1898 sits at the front of the site and is now a quiet reading space.

Eastham Library Website:  www.easthamlibrary.org

Corner Window Detail

Corner Shingle Detail & Window SIll

Courtyard Space

Home Remodeling Magazine: Energy Stars

Below is an article A3's Alison Alessi wrote for Home Remodeling Magazine that provides an outline for energy efficient home renovations.  Be sure to visit the Home Remodeling Website and pick up a copy of their magazine for inspiration on your next renovation project!

All photography is by Dan Cutrona. 

Home Remodeling Magazine

8 Tips for renovating a home with energy efficiency in mind

There are many advantages to renovating your home, from increasing value to creating a space that fits your lifestyle perfectly. But a less obvious opportunity also exists: the chance to assess and address energy efficiency within the home. When wall and roof cavities are open, it is easier and more cost effective to tighten an older house or fix insulation problems. Add in rebates and tax credits for the energy-efficient updates and homeowners stand to save even more money along with reducing their energy bills and carbon footprint.

While renovation projects can be more challenging to make energy efficient, in comparison to new construction, there are still many opportunities. Consider the following:

1.  Start with an energy audit

No matter the scale of the project, start with an energy audit.  An energy audit is quite simply an assessment of the mechanicals and insulation levels in your home. Locally, the Cape Light Compact provides comprehensive energy audits with free LED light bulbs. They also fund up to 75% of recommended incentives. There are programs available for commercial, institutional and renters as well as home owners. These incentives are available every year, so even if you’ve had an audit recently, there may be more that you can do.

2.  Diagnostic testing during construction can ‘catch’ mistakes

If you are doing a significant renovation or addition, you might also consider HERs rating. Home Energy Rating is required by code for most new construction. We find working with a HERs rater to be invaluable. During design they create energy models to predict energy performance. We typically ‘test’ multiple types of insulation and mechanical strategies. Then, during construction, a HERs rater can diagnose duct and air leakages that are very difficult to find and repair when the home is finished. We have detected many serious leaks during construction that were fixed to save homeowners thousands of dollars in future energy costs.

3.  Insulate from the outside!

Another strategy for renovation projects is blown-in insulation: cellulose, which is locally produced using 90% recycled content from newspapers, is the preferred material. It can be blown in from the exterior to make sure all bays are filled with insulation. It can be much neater to attack this problem from the outside. For roofs, adding spray foam insulation can be great for air sealing, especially for more complicated rooflines. If your house has mechanicals in an un-insulated attic or basement, you should consider getting these mechanicals in conditioned or at least insulated spaces. Usually the easiest way to accomplish this is by insulating the sloped roof rafters of the attic or the basement walls. 

Scargo Lake Cottage - Energy Star for Homes Renovation

4.  Windows can make a big difference

While it’s impractical to reproduce a true divided light historic window, many double-glazed higher performing windows have simulated divided lights and spacer bars and historic profiles that replicate historic windows with higher performance. However, before you consider replacing all windows, blower door test the house and seal the gaps around the window and under the trim. The return on investment for new windows is really high! That being said, new double-glazed windows help with energy loss, cross ventilation, sound mitigation and thermal comfort.

5.  Continuous insulation eliminates thermal bridging

A thermal bridge is a gap in insulation. Each stud is a thermal bridge compared to the bay between filled with insulation. Heat is transferred more easily by wooden studs than by insulation. If you are replacing your roof or siding (something we consider a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ for most roofing and siding materials), consider adding a continuous exterior layer of insulation under the new siding or roofing.  We have done projects with even as little as one inch of rigid insulation on the exterior of the sheathing.  This gives a nice tight continuous air barrier and enhances the insulation level of wood-framed houses.  The continuous layer helps eliminate thermal bridging for walls and roofs.

Solar Panels By E2 Solar on our Net Zero Scituate House

6.  Getting to net-energy zero

A net-energy-zero house is a building that produces as much energy as it uses. This is a very simple definition but it gives quite a bit of leeway for different approaches. Passive house is another energy standard, one of the most rigorous ones in the world. The standard was developed in Germany but is based on building science from the 1960s and 70s passive houses built in North America.  The basic principal is to insulate a house enough so the mechanical load is dramatically reduced. In our climate zone, to achieve near net-zero or near-Passive house standards, insulation levels would have to be R:40 walls, R:60 roof, triple-glazed windows, R:20 basement wall and R:10 under slab foundations.  While this certainly requires an initial cost for upgraded insulation, and a serious strategy about where and how to accommodate this additional insulation, the upgrade comes with a significantly reduced mechanical load and monthly energy costs. In many cases, the heating could be as simple as one mini split heat pump. The final piece to achieve net-zero is adding renewable energy, typically photovoltaic panels that produce electricity.

8.  Heating with electricity makes sense!?

Many Cape residents no longer or never had access to natural gas for heating.  We can’t make natural gas on our roofs, but we can make electricity by utilizing solar photovoltaic panels. If we are serious about getting to net-zero, it’s important to heat/cool/heat water with electricity. Fortunately, there are great options for heating these days. We use mini-split heat pumps for heating and cooling as well as heating hot water for most projects. They are two-to-three times more efficient than the electric resistance baseboard heating of the 1970s and 80s. There are options for ducted and ductless units. 

9.  Ventilation is VERY important

Finally, a note about ventilation. The first question we often get is “Don’t you want the house to breathe?” Yes, of course we do. However, we want to control that. We don’t want the house to breathe through walls and windows. If you add insulation and don’t consider ventilation there can be problems.  We want ventilation – whether from a simple exhaust-only Panasonic bathroom fan or a more sophisticated intake/exhaust whole-house ventilation system that controls how the house exchanges air. Old houses breathe, but new energy-efficient house do too. They do it in a smarter more efficient way.

About the author:

Alison Alessi is a architect with A3 Architects, Inc. in Dennis MA. She is a Certified passive house designer and is passionate about creating low-energy projects for the Cape and Islands and beyond.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

http://energy.gov/eere/energybasics/articles/air-source-heat-pump-basics

http://www.phius.org/
http://selfreliancefuelcoop.org/

http://energycodehelp.com/

http://www.capelightcompact.org/

http://www.masssave.com/

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Brewster Flats Blower Door Test

Blower Door Test at Brewster Flats House by Home Energy Raters

After insulation is complete we typically test houses for air tightness.  This is done by a blower door test.  The required tightness by code is 3 ACH (or air changes per hour).  We are typically targeting around 1 ACH.  During this test, we typically find several “weak links” in the envelope. Often one can feel the draft around windows, at the plate or around masonry fireplaces. 

Our HERs rater is locally based in Sagamore Beach Home Energy Raters. http://energycodehelp.com/

They are a 3rd party meaning they aren’t connected to the builder or architect and therefore have an independent role in evaluating the tightness of the house. They provide us with a final HERs certificate required by building code, effectively proving the home is in compliance with the current energy code.

In addition to testing air tightness, the HERs rater typically tests duct tightness.  They also provide an independent visual inspection of insulation and mechanical systems.  After their feedback we typically tighten up a few areas and have them test again at the final inspection.

• Area of Conditioned Space:                      3,437 ft2
• Volume of Conditioned Space:                 35,233 ft3
• Loss:                                                           CFM at 50pascals
• ACH                                                            1 1/2*

*This test was done after insulation, but before drywall was installed. We found some areas that needed additional insulation and air sealing.  The contractor will address these areas and another blower door test will be performed when the house is near completion.  We expect the final test to be around 1 ACH. 

Street View of Brewster Flats House

Support the APCC : Rain Barrels for Cape Cod

A3 Architects has been working with the APCC on a phased remodel of their new headquarters in Dennis Village. (To find out more information on the architecture side )  As part of a fundraising campaign for the non-profit they have Rainwater Barrels for sale.  They are available for purchase through the APCC website.

• Cost: $79.00 each and they come in Gray, Black, Blue, or Terracotta
• Pickup Date and Time:  Saturday, April 22nd (EARTH DAY!) 9am-12pm
• Pickup Location:  Cape Abilities Farm, 458 Main Street (Route 6A) Dennis
• Last Day to Order Online:  Sunday, April 16, 2017 by midnight

A few fun reasons to purchase a Rain Barrel through the program: (via the APCC)

1. By repurposing a plastic barrel, you’ll save it from being buried in a landfill
2. You’ll make your garden happy with the raindrops you harvest
3. You can water your garden and flower boxes without adding to your water bill
4. You’ll save 20% off the retail price
5. You’ll be supporting the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and its efforts to preserve, protect, and enhance the Cape’s natural resources

Spring is right around the corner and it is almost time to start planning our gardens and a great way to support a local non-profit

Why Net Zero

Net Zero Lincoln House

What is net-zero? 

The definition is simple.  It’s a structure the produces as much energy as it uses.   However, there is definitely more than one way to get there.  

Why net zero?  

Buildings contribute 30% of greenhouse gases towards global warming and it’s not necessary. We CAN do better.  Energy efficiency is the simplest and most effective way to combat global warming.   

We love the pristine environment of Cape Cod that we live and work in.  We want to set an example of what can be done through design to create construction that is in harmony with its surroundings.  Cape Cod is ground zero for climate coastal sea rising and we think it’s imperative to act. 

Also, it makes financial sense!  An initial investment of slightly higher construction costs – 10% or even much less, can result in no energy bills! That means once you’ve completed construction the annual energy usage would be offset by annual energy production. This is powerful stuff! 

A3 Architects we have specialized in energy efficiency and high performance thermal envelopes. We design these net-energy zero homes on a variety of budgets and work with many available incentives. There are several basic strategies for getting to net-zero.

HOW TO GET THERE? 

1.  “THE NOT SO BIG HOUSE” –FLEXIBLE BUT KEEP THE DESIGN SMALL 

The most important ‘green’ thing you can do with a new house is to make it smaller! Susana Susanka’s “Not so Big House’ resonates with our design philosophy.  We ask clients to not design their Cape house for the Fourth of July when extended family & guests are here but to design their house how they live most of the year with the idea of designing flexibility into the spaces. So this means, you don’t make a dining room that accommodates a table for 20 guests, but think hard about an open living/dining space that is room for 4 to dine most nights but can be expanded for larger dinner parties.  This is important!  

http://www.notsobighouse.com/ 

Net Zero Scituate

2.  USE ENERGY MODELING  

No matter the scale of the project, start with an energy model.  WE use energy model as early as conceptual design to understand how siting, glazing and wall thickness affect performance.   In the early stages of design we can try multiple wall, roof, foundation and window insulation levels.  This gives us the confidence early in the process that the design will approach net-zero. 

3.  SITING IS IMPORTANT! 

If possible south facing glazing, and roof make passive solar and future active solar feasible.  If there are major views to the north, or other restrictions on this we can design around it. But, there is no substitute for thinking about the suns path as it relates to your home. We naturally crave light, particularly in the long dark months on winter.  And orienting living spaces towards the south can make a dramatic difference in comfort level with natural lighting.  Furthermore, south facing roof is required for solar panels that are part of the big picture – energy production. 

4.  INSULATE, INSULATE, INSULATE! 

Insulation is one of the least expensive building materials.  Doubling the insulation budget is not going to double construction costs.  Infact, although it requires some thoughtful detailing, super-insulation can be achieved in many ways. In general terms we aim for R:10 under slabs, R:20 below grade walls, R:40 walls and R:60 roofs.  Most of these numbers are twice what’s required by code. This extra insulation can be placed inside or outside the structural wall depending on the situation. 

Net Zero Brewster

5.  WINDOWS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE   

Once you’ve decided to add that extra insulation you’ll notice that double glazed windows might not make much sense.  There are some exciting triple glazed European windows available that have higher R:values than most homes! This can make a big difference at night when standing by a window in the winter.  We pay attention to window details like u;value and solar heat gain coefficient to make sure that the windows are working to help heat the home in the winter. 

6.  DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DURING CONSTRUCTION CAN ‘CATCH’ MISTAKES  

We rely on testing during construction. We test airtightness before insulation, after insulation and at the final occupancy.  Airtightness is a measure of how ‘leaky’ a house is. We want to build the tightest house practical.  This way we know that are minimal leaks in the exterior envelope for air and water movement.

7.  VENTILATION IS VERY IMPORTANT! 

The first question we often get is “Don’t you want the house to breathe?” Yes, of course we do. However, we want to control that. We don’t want the house to breathe through walls and windows. If you add insulation and don’t consider ventilation there can be problems.  We want ventilation – whether from a simple exhaust-only bathroom fan or a more sophisticated intake/exhaust whole-house ventilation system that controls how the house exchanges air. Old houses breathe, but new energy-efficient house do too. They do it in a smarter more efficient way.

8.  HEATING WITH ELECTRICITY MAKES SENSE!? 

Many Cape residents no longer or never had access to natural gas for heating.  We can’t make natural gas on our roofs, but we can make electricity by utilizing solar photovoltaic panels. If we are serious about getting to net-zero, it’s important to heat/cool/heat water with electricity. Fortunately, there are great options for heating these days. We use mini-split heat pumps for heating and cooling as well as heating hot water for most projects. They are two-to-three times more efficient than the electric resistance baseboard heating of the 1970s and 80s. There are options for ducted and ductless units.   

Net Zero Quivet Neck House

9.  GETTING TO NET-ENERGY ZERO 

A net-energy-zero house is a building that produces as much energy as it uses. This is a very simple definition but it gives quite a bit of leeway for different approaches. Passive house is another energy standard, one of the most rigorous ones in the world. The standard was developed in Germany but is based on building science from the 1960s and 70s passive houses built in North America.  The basic principal is to insulate a house enough so the mechanical load is dramatically reduced. In our climate zone, to achieve near net-zero or near-Passive house standards, insulation levels would have to be R:40 walls, R:60 roof, triple-glazed windows, R:20 basement wall and R:10 under slab foundations.  While this certainly requires an initial cost for upgraded insulation, and a serious strategy about where and how to accommodate this additional insulation, the upgrade comes with a significantly reduced mechanical load and monthly energy costs. In many cases, the heating could be as simple as one mini split heat pump. The final piece to achieve net-zero is adding renewable energy, typically photovoltaic panels that produce electricity.

New A3 Website & Blog

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website! After a few months of hard work and dedication, we are delighted to officially announce the launch in March 2017.

Our goal with this new website is to provide our visitors an easier way to learn about our services as well as an updated more visual portfolio of work and a new blog which is better integrated into the website. 

We hope you find the new website with a fresh look, easy to access information and we also wish to establish this portal as a source of information for those who visits our site.

For any questions, suggestions, feedback or comments, please email us.

Thank You!