ICF CONSTRUCTION (INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS)
Our house is constructed of ICFs, versus traditional stick framing. While a significant initial expense, the R values of the forms are estimated at R40+ even though we think that is a generous estimate. Our blocks are from Nudura. Daniel Heckman of Big D Construction & Concrete, LLC, is our general contractor.

PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN
The passive solar design of our house is the most basic and most fundamental techniques that our home will utilize. Passive solar design allows you to work with the sun for your heating and cooling needs, instead of against it. This simple concept is regularly overlooked and there is no simple way to correct for this after your home has been built. That is why you have to get it right from the start. When we found this lot for sale, we were excited to discover that the most suitable spot for building allowed for a natural east-west orientation.

EARTHBERMING
The first floor of our home will be built into the hill. This will utilize the natural insulation of the earth which remains at a constant temperature. We originally wished to have the entire northern wall earthbermed, but the additional costs for reinforcement were significant. 

THERMAL MASS UTILIZATION
Our floors on the first floor will be exposed concrete which will absorb the sun's rays in the winter and release it gradually to assist in keeping the home a comfortable temperature.

RADIANT FLOOR HEAT WITH ZONES
Our home will be heated solely by radiant floors with electric back-up and passive solar heat. We will have four zones that will operate independently of each other and all will be supported by the solar hot water system with an electric back-up. 

NO FORCED AIR FOR COOLING
I think this may be the most eyebrow-raising feature of our house.... no air conditioning. But we are going for it. Optimistically.

SOLAR HOT WATER
4 solar hot water panels will be the first supply of hot water to the radiant floor heating system as well as our domestic hot water needs. We are working with Carl Adams of Sunrock Solar.

METAL ROOF & SIDING
A metal roof can last 5 times longer than shingles. Metal is 100% recyclable when it comes time for replacement. A metal roof is also more energy efficient in climates that require air conditioning. Our white metal roof will have a 30 year warranty on the finish.

NO VOC PAINTS

RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM
The rainwater collected from the roof will be used in the toilets and for outdoor irrigation. The jury is still out as to whether it will also be tied to our clothes washer.

LOW-FLOW PLUMBING

PASSIVE SOLAR ROOM
We intend to use this room for drying clothes and hopefully starting seeds for early gardening.

HIGH PERFORMANCE WINDOWS