Using Building America to Demonstrate “Less Is More”

Terry Lenhart and Mary Lenhart, Advanced Energy of Wisconsin
Mary Meunier, State of Wisconsin, Division of Energy
Richard Stone, Sawtooth Ridge Woodcraft
Peter Kraus, Kraus Construction, Inc.

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Abstract

This paper discusses the performance results of a Building America prototype home constructed in Wisconsin and provides a perspective of market acceptance, ease of application and transferability of techniques and technologies promoted through the Building America initiative. The intent of this project was to demonstrate that a redesign of even the most basic home (two-story colonial) has systems engineering opportunities and value and that “less is more.” The prototype home illustrates the value of systems engineering and resource efficiency methods as a counterpoint to trends that favor aesthetic architectural features that increase construction costs. The house used as the basis for the comparison is a 2,680 square foot two-story, with the redesigned version slightly smaller at 2,464 square feet. The two houses are of very basic design and share the same general outward appearance, but that is where the similarity ends. Within the building envelope, advanced framing techniques reduced cost, increased performance, and provided potential for cost shifting. The airtight drywall approach (ADA) was implemented as an advanced air sealing technique to determine performance advantages versus the cost of application. The home was re-designed with a simplified air distribution system to boost system performance while reducing installation labor and materials. Additional applications of systems engineering included the use of a central mechanical core for plumbing, and a simple and effective cost saving ventilation strategy. The advanced techniques and technologies implemented in this prototype produced a home that exceeded the high performance standards required for Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Home certification (WFOE).