La Pedrera Net Zero Residence
Net zero energy, it’s easier than you might think. As we did with La Pedrera, build a house that uses the least amount of energy to stay comfortable and then install some form of on-site power generation (usually solar panels). Beyond the benefits of reducing your carbon footprint and lightening the load on your wallet, these high-performance homes are more comfortable and healthier for their owners.
La Pedrera’s Building Envelope
As with most high-performance homes we build; start by designing, building, and investing in the best envelope (roof, exterior walls, and floor) you can. Down the road it is a lot easier to change the blinds and the countertops than it is the insulation or reduce the building air leakage (think draftiness).
This home’s building envelope:
Wall insulation = R-29 (only 38% better than code minimum)
Roof insulation = R-58 (only 18.5% better than code minimum)
Floor slab insulation = R-10 (matches code minimum for concrete slab insulation)
Air Leakage = 0.78 ACH50 (640% better than code minimum)
La Pedrera’s HVAC
Commit to going all electric, you can eliminate exhaust fumes in your home and save money without installing all the gas piping. With the new equipment options available such as induction cooktops, mini-split heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters you can have better performance, much better air quality, and at a similar cost.
This home’s HVAC:
Heating and Cooling = Daikin ductless mini-split (no lost space to ductwork and AC)
Hot water = AO Smith 50 gallon heat pump water heater ducted to the outside
Ventilation = LifeBreath HRV providing continuous balanced ventilation
Cooktop = Bosch electric induction cooktop (if you haven’t tried one you should)
With its small solar array La Pedrera generates more electricity than it uses and we think it turned out pretty nice. If you want to learn more feel free to reach out.
La Pedrera’s Building Envelope
As with most high-performance homes we build; start by designing, building, and investing in the best envelope (roof, exterior walls, and floor) you can. Down the road it is a lot easier to change the blinds and the countertops than it is the insulation or reduce the building air leakage (think draftiness).
This home’s building envelope:
Wall insulation = R-29 (only 38% better than code minimum)
Roof insulation = R-58 (only 18.5% better than code minimum)
Floor slab insulation = R-10 (matches code minimum for concrete slab insulation)
Air Leakage = 0.78 ACH50 (640% better than code minimum)
La Pedrera’s HVAC
Commit to going all electric, you can eliminate exhaust fumes in your home and save money without installing all the gas piping. With the new equipment options available such as induction cooktops, mini-split heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters you can have better performance, much better air quality, and at a similar cost.
This home’s HVAC:
Heating and Cooling = Daikin ductless mini-split (no lost space to ductwork and AC)
Hot water = AO Smith 50 gallon heat pump water heater ducted to the outside
Ventilation = LifeBreath HRV providing continuous balanced ventilation
Cooktop = Bosch electric induction cooktop (if you haven’t tried one you should)
With its small solar array La Pedrera generates more electricity than it uses and we think it turned out pretty nice. If you want to learn more feel free to reach out.
Project Year: 2020
Project Cost: $750,001 - $1,000,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 98250
