Zero Energy Casita by Jetsongreen

 This is a great example of a single family house. I am in the process of changing my present home into a zero energy home. I have the metal roof installed. We have installed all energy efficient lighting. We are re-framing the inside walls and planning to spray foam insulation. Double pane windows, tank-less water heater, dual flush commodes,  Grey water system and  a rain collection system are to come. Wind turbines and solar panels will soon follow.  The only draw back I see is that I buy my energy through my own energy company with Ambit.  Jesse C Smith Jr

 

Old and New in a Zero Energy Casita

Written by Preston Koerner | January 15, 2010 | read more: Energy Efficiency, Single-family

Recently, we had to opportunity to talk with Don Ferrier about the progress of a home called the Zero Energy Casita.  Ferrier, president of Ferrier Custom Homes, started building earth-sheltered homes 25 years ago and has the distinct accomplishment of building the first LEED Platinum home in Texas.  In this net zero energy beauty, Ferrier is building a home that generates as much energy in the course of a year as it consumes. 

The 1,015 square-foot home was built with a combination of Fischer SIPs and advanced framing techniques.  The tight envelope, careful placement of windows, and extreme insulation contribute to a 30 on the E-Scale (not counting on-site energy).
Of course, the Zero Energy Casita will generate some energy on-site.  A 3.7 kW Skystream wind turbine is being installed on a 45-foot pole on a 90-foot hill nearby.  The turbine will finish up where energy-efficient design left off.
With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the casita also has high-performance windows, a durable metal roof, a tankless water heater, an air filtration system, siding and flooring from an 80-year old barn, dual-flush toilets, PEX plumbing, low-flow plumbing fixtures, Energy Star appliances, native landscaping, and no- and low-VOC paints. 
Located on Eagle Mountain Lake in the Fort Worth Area, this home should be complete within 6-8 weeks.  The reclaimed siding will get a red wash by that time, and Ferrier Custom Homes will have tours in March.  Keep your eyes on the website, Zero Energy Casita.




Photo credits: Ferrier Custom Homes and Zero Energy Casita.