Wolfworks to host Open Wall Open House at Net Zero Energy Home June 4

A new home being built in Avon for two generations will produce all the energy it uses on an annual basis as a “Net Zero” home. Wolfworks, the designers and builders of this home and many like it, have won the energizeCT Net Zero Challenge four times since 2012. They like to share the story of what makes these homes not just different, but better, by offering presentation tours during construction while the details can be seen and explained. The public is invited to a mid-construction showcase of the features that make this possible and to hear the story behind the design. Tours and a talk will take place at both 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4.

Jamie Wolf of Wolfworks in Avon will explain how the techniques employed in their award-winning homes are serving this modest new home. They are designed and built to measure up to the rigorous Passive House standard, requiring 80 percent less energy for heating and cooling than homes of the past while responding to the environmental challenges of the twenty-first century.

This level of energy performance makes it easy to balance all the building’s energy needs with solar energy. By designing the house to optimize “free gains” from the sun in the winter and adding a solar photovoltaic system to provide all the energy needed on an annual basis, this home will have zero energy expense each year, now and always.

This kind of comfort is made possible by thick walls and tight construction. This means less energy is required to heat and cool the space, which is easily accomplished with a small, high efficiency mini-split heat pump. Constant fresh air from a balanced heat recovery ventilation system assures better health. Hot water is produced efficiently by a heat pump water heater.

The home includes an accessory dwelling unit, a special designation of Avon's zoning regulations, connected to the main house. Each generation has its own living space and entries, providing the balance of privacy and family connection they were seeking. The two areas of the home make the most of every space simply and smartly, with open south-facing living space that feature large windows open to wooded views doing double duty by providing free solar heat.

Two key factors that have become increasingly important to today's homebuilders and homeowners are reducing their environmental impact and saving on the rising costs of energy. In pursuit of these goals, the CT Zero Energy Challenge sponsored by energizeCT builds off the ongoing success of the past decade's challenges. Participating homes continue to demonstrate that building a high-performance home is achievable today. The Avon home demonstrates how that is done.

Wolfworks vision is: “Better home. Better life. Better Planet." At the Open House, Wolf and project manager Janet Downey will share what it takes to produce this result.

The home’s address will be provided following registration. Register to attend at https://www.homesthatfit.com/avon-open-wall-open-house-june-4th/