People driving by would not realize this unassuming little house's secret. The 3716 Residence just won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lifecycle Design Challenge for generating all its own energy, using reclaimed building materials and offering design flexibility to future occupants.
Not only is the 1,745 square foot three-story house LEED Platinum, it boasts renewable energy systems and energy conserving design elements such as:
- a windmill
- photovoltaics built into the roof
- passive solar design
- a geothermal heat pump
- high performance glazing (windows)
- natural cross ventilation
- hydronic radiant flooring
- high efficiency heating/ventilation/air conditioning
- energy efficient lighting
Reclaimed construction materials include:
- majority of wood used in the interior was recycled from a former ammunition facility
- aluminum panels on the exterior are salvaged from a previous project
- steel members used within the structure are made from 75% recycled content
There is also rainwater harvesting, rain pervious outdoor surfaces, drought tolerant landscaping and other features too numerous to list. To learn more about the project, check out the Lifecycle Design Challenge profile for the 3716 Residence entry here. Does this seem like a house you would like to live in?
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