Race to Zero:
Fall 2015 - Spring 2016 | University of Wisconsin
Department of Energy National Design Competition
Collaborators: Jonathan Nelson, Laura Valdivia, Nasim Shareghi, Jacob Moffat, Daniel Baker, Drew Dillmann, Nicholas Scharping
Awards: Urban Single-Family Detached Housing 2nd Place
Publications:
https://archinect.com/blog/article/149941435/uwmilwaukee-and-the-race-to-zero
https://energy.wisc.edu/news/uw-team-wins-second-place-race-zero-competition
https://uwm.edu/news/uwm-students-place-second-in-national-race-to-zero/
I had the opportunity to collaborate with a group of students for the Department of Energy’s Race to Zero National Design Competition. Our entry was located in the Franklin Heights neighborhood of northern Milwaukee, and focused around the concept of a Midwestern craftsman style home. In addition to reaching our net zero energy goal, our house meets EPA Indoor airPlus and WaterSense requirements, as well as accommodating an aging in place family with a wheelchair friendly first floor. Reconciliation ecology was implemented into the landscaping, and all of the materials were locally sourced.
To achieve our net zero goal we had to ensure that our building envelope was as secure as possible to limit the amount of energy needed. Below, the passive elements of the house are demonstrated along with a breakdown of our thermal boundary.
2 x 6 stud wall assembly following Building America and Net Zero Energy- Ready Guidelines
Shop-fabricated wooden scissor trusses save on materials and cost
Exterior Wall Assembly Demonstrating Thermal Boundary Detailing
Air Circulation and Natural Daylighting
Moving into the interior of the home, an open concept first floor plan was devised to unify the space. At the center, serving as the hearth of our home, is the kitchen counter, ADA accessible creating flexibility for any who wish to grow old in this space. Upstairs, the master bedroom is found along with two accommodating bedrooms, a den, and bathroom.
Seen below, the Midwestern craftsman style found on the exterior is carried throughout the interior of our house, flowing through the kitchen and living room creating a warm atmosphere.
To meet our EPA Indoor airPlus goal, several strategies had to be used that would allow fresh air to circulate through the home without losing energy in the process.
Overall Air Ventilation and Conditioning Strategy
First Floor Ductwork and Ventilation
Simulated Airflow
Our design has an average monthly utility bill of $51, with $24 composed of water and utility service charges. This can be attributed to the strong design which produced a HERS score of 36 without PV. With the addition of the PV system, the project achieved a HERS score of zero.
The 8.2 kW PV system installed is capable of providing slightly under 11,000 kWh per year of energy production. This system was placed on the south-facing rooftops of both the house and the garage, at an inclination angle of 38 degrees, to coincide with Milwaukee’s vernacular while also optimizing energy production over the summer months. When determining the PV systems affordability metrics, the team utilized NREL’s system advisor model. Using input data specific to the location along with renewable energy rebates and incentives, the PV system is projected to have a reasonable payback period of slightly over 14 years.
The hope is that the net-zero performance and efficiency of Forward House will provide not only comfort, but also more financial security to the occupant through reduced utility bills. The chosen location is similar to many of the vacant lots in the area, so the design strategies of Forward House should be able to extend beyond the bounds of the current lot and impact an even larger community.
Complete house analysis and report is available upon request.
