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Riversong
Joined: 22 Aug 2007
Posts: 17
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 Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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| birgco wrote: | | A reasonably good solution to this potential problem is to order the 14" tall, 2 x 4 web trusses with a verticle 2 x 4 block about 12 inches back from the exterior wall plates... |
Sounds like a great solution to the floor deck thermal bridge problem.
| Quote: | | The left and right sides of the window jambs can be flared out at a 10 - 12 degree angle to allow more light to enter a room and create an interesting visual effect. |
I like that look but it's something that doesn't work with my modified Larsen Truss frame as the inner and outer frames need to be in-line. While flared window returns will get more direct light into a room and offer a wider field of view, 90° returns spread more indirect lighting by reflection. What I'm doing on my current project to soften the deep window wells is to use bullnose corner bead on three sides (with a wooden sill on the bottom).
Good luck with your project. Sounds like a winner.
- Robert
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birgco
Joined: 01 May 2007
Posts: 302
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| Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 7:04 am Post subject: |
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It's been a while but here's an update on our single family, double wall construction project underway in the N.Y. metro area.
The home is approx. 3300 sq. ft. on 1 1/2 floors with a full garage/basement space underneath.
The construction of the interior (non-structural) component of the exterior walls is set to go.
250 2 x 4 studs and plates will be used at an approx. material cost of $850. Estimated labor time is roughly 2 - 3 days so you can calculate additional labor costs depending on your local labor market. These figures will also vary depending on the square footage of the project. An additional material and labor cost should be added for window and exterior door jamb extensions. If you like the idea, the window jamb extensions (11 1/2 inches wide or less) can be flared out to add more light into the interior spaces.
Figure about 35 - 40 % additional cost for insulation material, labor should be a bit less because set up costs are already fixed.
Projected additional expense of $10,000 or less for the double wall and insulation should be recouped in 4 years or less.
$300 / month x 12 months = $3600 / year x 3 years = $10,800.
Remember, these projected figures are based on utility costs in the N.Y metro area and will vary from region to region.
Additional energy saving/producing features of this project (with additional expenses and savings) include solar hot water/radiant heat, R60 plus attic insulation, passive cooling i.e. porches, 2 ft. roof overhangs and solar powered attic fans), solar powered DC air conditioning, roof top PV panels and extensive energy detailing.
This is just one example of how to reduce energy consumption, hopefully it will spur interest and other ideas on how to make changes on how we use energy in our homes.
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Riversong
Joined: 22 Aug 2007
Posts: 17
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| Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for sharing. I'd like to correct a few misconceptions - one minor and two major.
| birgco wrote: | | If you like the idea, the window jamb extensions (11 1/2 inches wide or less) can be flared out to add more light into the interior spaces. |
Flared window wells do not bring more light to the interior. They increase the viewing angle and allow more direct light (or glare). If the jamb extensions (or drywall returns) are light colored, then perpendicular window wells actually allow more (and better) light through reflection and diffusion.
| Quote: | | This is just one example of how to reduce energy consumption... |
Operating energy is only one small part of the broad landscape of sustainability. Embodied energy of materials must be considered, as well as durability and life-cycle costs. Resource efficiency is just as important, as well as local sourcing, environmentally-friendly methods and materials, and recycleability. Ecological siting and community orientation (village vs. suburb), employment of local skilled labor instead of factory-built materials, and the relationship between housing and employment and commerce and transportation are all vital considerations. Also impacts on land use, water resources and effects of waste disposal are all elements of sustainable housing.
| Quote: | | The home is approx. 3300 sq. ft. on 1 1/2 floors with a full garage/basement space underneath. |
The primary determinant of energy (and resource) efficiency is size. Americans live in twice as much space as Europeans and consume twice the energy and resources. Ultimately, it is our consumptive lifestyle that is unsustainable. So the only demonstration projects worthy of emulation are those that are minimalist.
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birgco
Joined: 01 May 2007
Posts: 302
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| Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject: |
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Riversong,
I agree with everything you say about sustainability and in general about the American consumptive lifestyle, but you may be a little quick to judgement.
| Quote: | | So the only demonstration projects worthy of emulation are those that are minimalist. |
Such definitive statements tend to create barriers rather than bridges in helping people understand what needs to be done to make positive changes to our environment.
I realize sustainability is a very large part of the picture but the topic here is narrow by definition. Most of the issues you mention were considered and either have been or will be achieved with varying degrees of success.
The primary point I am dealing with here is that if a structure can potentially reduce energy consumption by 50% or 75% or 90%, then the technologies and construction methods are valuable because they can be translated into other forms of building and renovation work and hopefully without any compromise to the broader "landscape of sustainability".
Unfortunately, when building or renovating or restoring a structure, some compromise may become a very real part of the picture. Economics, building codes, local custom and markets can have a substantial impact on any project.
My goal is to generate interest in the topic and promote energy saving ideas and technologies.
I hope you can see some benefit to such a project even if it doesn't fit your definition of minimalist.
Thanks again for your input.
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csintexas
millennium club
Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 1860
Location: USA
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| Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 7:59 am Post subject: |
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It beats my house which is 3200sq.ft. and not super efficient.
My ideas of what is good has changed very much in the 7 short years since I designed my house. I have to admit that my only thought then was that it would be roomy and we could easily afford it.
Now I see that in order to become energy independent and get our pollution and resource management under control we are going to have to unlearn our current wasteful consumerist lifestyle. That is why this house probably does more harm than good. It makes a false promise that we can have everything we want if we just make it a bit more energy efficient. It tells the average person that size still matters.
In a green future quality and craftsmanship will have to be more important than size.
_________________
Chris Stewart
Modern Texas Home Project |
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modjohn
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 38
Location: Kansas, USA
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| Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 12:20 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Birgco,
Glad to hear that your home project is progressing. I have a question. In your post on Sunday, you used a $300 savings calculation over 12 months. Do you expect that kind of savings per month or will that only be in the months with the highest heating or cooling costs? We experience our highest heating and cooling costs for a total of 6 months out of the year. During the other months, we have little or no HVAC costs.
I would be interested to know what your energy costs will be when your home is complete.
We have been in our new home for almost a year now. It is a 3400 sq. ft. ranch with a walkout basement, all of which is conditioned. We used ICF walls, soy based foam elsewhere and have a geothermal heat pump. Our highest energy bill over the winter was $105 (all electric, total cost) and our highest energy bill last summer was $157. I am sure our energy costs per KWH are much lower than yours plus we get a 25% break during the winter since we are all electric.
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birgco
Joined: 01 May 2007
Posts: 302
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| Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | Do you expect that kind of savings per month or will that only be in the months with the highest heating or cooling costs? |
Hi modjohn, In making my case for constructing a double exterior wall (R-38+) and R-60+ attic, I was comparing heating/cooling costs to a typically constructed newer home, 3000 - 4000sq. ft. in our area. Depending on the extremes of winter/summer temperatures, monthly utility bills can run as high as $600-800 per month, with the majority of that (about 2/3rds) for HVAC. I expect to keep heating and cooling costs below $100 per month, so on an average monthly basis, the savings should be in the neighborhood of $300.
Electric heat in our area would be a bit crazy at 16.69 per kWh so most homes use either gas or oil for heating, not a bargain either. A neighbor had his oil heat costs almost double this year while burning fewer gallons than last year.
Sounds like your ICF walls and heat pump have made a big difference in lowering your utility costs. I will give periodic updates on monthly energy costs
(if anyone is interested  )
btw, there is a really informative article this month in Coastal Builder about major energy losses from leaky and improperly sized HVAC duct work.
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cousineddie
Joined: 22 Aug 2008
Posts: 13
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cousineddie
Joined: 22 Aug 2008
Posts: 13
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| Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 5:50 pm Post subject: |
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Looks like I done posted this in the wrong place,
sorry bout that. 
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