USGBC 2010 Project Summary

There is a large need for low income housing in the New Orleans area. Sustainable housing in New Orleans must take in to account durability from hurricanes, flooding, and termites. This project calls for the design of a cost effective, efficient, LEED Platinum home for the elderly and potentially handicapped. When designing the home we also needed to accommodate the site and location which required that the house be able to comfortably fit a narrow lot, in a neighborhood and setting of homes typically built between1910 to 1950. Therefore the problem is how to design a home on a narrow lot, with a façade that would blend in to the given neighborhood within a $100,000 budget.

Our design process began with three charrettes. The process began by considering the site restrictions and developing an appropriate building footprint. The building was limited to a square footage between 720 and 880 in buildable area of 24 feet by 70 feet (this took into account property line offsets required by code). Working within these two requirements we were able to establish our building footprint and approximate square footage. Then we began considering design elements that would help the house blend into the surrounding neighborhood. The design that ETEC team is proposing is a raised Bungalow style home. The rules of the competition required that the home be raised seven feet above grade to avoid the water level from the one hundred year flood, and the Bungalow style is the most prominent style of homes in the Broadmoor Neighborhood at 41%. All of the four prominent designs feature large front porches with sweeping entry stairs. In order to keep with the historical feel of the neighborhood, our design incorporates a large front porch with a stairway while also including a hidden lift to provide handicap accessibility for the occupants.

Our next consideration was that the home easily accommodate elderly occupants. This effected how we designed the living spaces, choosing to design the home with large open spaces, and minimal hallways. The home features a large living area that is open to the dining room and kitchen for easy maneuverability. Both entrances, bathrooms and bedrooms are also handicap accessible. The hurricane resistant windows are used to provide maintenance free hurricane protection for the occupants.

Once all these considerations were incorporated, we also needed the home to come in under $100,000 dollars while still maintain durability efficiency and the goal of “LEED Platinum” certification. To accomplish this, the materials used are from local suppliers and preferably the local area which will reduce shipping costs on materials, framing efficiencies were also incorporated to reduce the amounts of material needed and cost. Our rafters, floor joists, and wall studs are placed at 24” on center rather than 16” on center which reduced our material use by 10%.

Our final consideration was how to achieve LEED Platinum within the $100,000 dollar budget. To do this we chose not to implement sources of renewable energy as the capitalization cost are not justified by the amount of energy that is produce at today’s energy prices. We focused instead on the construction of building, energy efficiency and conservation of water.

In all, the home has a preliminary LEED rating of 99 which allows the home to be certified as LEED Platinum. According to a design professional and advocates for the elderly we consulted with the design more than accommodates typical elderly homeowners. The feature that most impressed the consultants on elderly design was the incorporation of a wheel chair lift and large front and back porches that will allow residents to enjoy the outside without having to go down the stairs. The counters in the kitchen and the 5 foot wide separation between the island and the rest of the kitchen make it very functional while maintaining a price tag of $93,994.58.

LEED Considerations

Innovation and Design Process

Integrated Project Planning

The project started with a design meeting in which the goals of the overall project were discussed with key members of the project team and specialty advisors. During this meeting we discussed the design requirements. The project was also broken down by LEED areas and assigned to responsible parties. We also established where we would need to integrate experienced professionals into the project. . This meeting was followed by three charrettes.

Student Team

Project Manager- Steve Chartier

Sustainable Sites- Andy Manty, Dianna Cacko

Water Efficiency- Alicia Haydamack and Dianna Cacko

Energy and Atmosphere- Dianna Cacko

Materials and Resources- Drew Ambrose and Bret Bastinelli

Indoor Environmental Quality- Alicia Haydamack and Dianna Cacko

Awareness and Education- Dianna Cacko and Alicia Haydamack

Professional Advisors

Lynn Artman- Civil Engineer and Enterprise Advisor

Conceptual Design, Envelope System Design Consultant, Final Design Review

Dave Bach- LEED Accredited Professional and Mechanical Engineer

Charrette Facilitator, Planning, Preliminary Design, Energy and Envelope Design Consultant

Jeff Flam- HERS/Green Rater

Energy and Envelope Systems Analysis, Final Design Review, and Specifications

Karin Cooper- Architect

Final Design Review

Sarah Baratono- Social Worker and bereavement coordinator elderly occupant representative

Final Design Review

David Bach is our LEED for homes accredited professional for the project. As well he helped to lead two of three design charrettes. Therefore we should be eligible for credits 1.1 through 1.4 for a total of 3 points.

Durability Management Process

The first concern during the design phase was the structural integrity and durability of the building. The durability risks in the New Orleans are interior moisture loads, pest, hurricane, and flood mitigation. To combat interior moisture in the home we chose to install an Energy Recovery Ventilator, with wall interior wall construction consisting of green board drywall in moisture prone areas, and closed cell insulation that is resistant to moisture. Pest problems will be reduced by eliminating contact of vulnerable materials near the ground, as well as installing corrosion resistant screens over large openings, and all voids will be filled with caulking. Hurricane resistance will be addressed through the use of a pile foundation, design for winds up to 150 mph, hurricane resistant windows, and adherence to the state of Florida Building Code which is the most stringent. All measures for durability can be seen on the plans.

Prior to construction the builder will provide detailed quality management measures checklist to insure proper installation of all materials. This project should be eligible for 3 points under credit 2.3 as long as a third party verifies compliance during construction.

Location and Linkages

Seven credits from this category have been provided to the project team on the LEED Project Checklist from the project resources located on the competition website. The credits were awarded for preferred locations in an infill and previously developed setting, a location with existing infrastructure that also hosts extensive community resources and transit as well as access to open space.

Sustainable Sites

Site Stewardship

Proper maintenance and selection of sites is imperative to good design and construction. Very little soil will be disturbed during the construction of the building as it does not include a strip footing but concrete piers that minimize excavation. Additionally, storm sewers shall be protected with proper erosion control measures. The project will be constructed on a previously developed lot that has a housing density equal or greater than 7 units per acre. The project is eligible for credit 1.2 for 1 point.

Landscaping

The landscaping plan incorporates local non invasive flora to eliminate the need for water and synthetic chemicals. The plants used in are considered non invasive. The basic landscaping design is very straight forward and allows flexibility for the homeowner.

Basic Landscape Design

The area surrounding the house is covered with a drought resistant Bermuda Grass that is well suited to traffic and the southern climate.

There is no grass used in densely shaded areas rather mulch placed around the trees with plants suited to shaded areas.

All of the planting beds will consist of herb gardens and wildflowers and be covered with mulch to prevent evaporation and reduce erosion.

The conventional turf has been limited to fewer than 40% of the designed landscape area. All the plants to be installed will be considered to be drought tolerant. We have included a decorative wheat grass, cone flowers, sage, rosemary, and lavender. With the use of non-invasive plants, a basic landscaping plan with reduced amounts of turf, and drought tolerant plants this design is eligible for 6 points under credits 2.2 through 2.4.

Local Heat Island Effects

To reduce local heat island effects all pavement, pathways and driveway on site will be of permeable white concrete. Therefore the design should receive 1 point under credit 3.

Surface Water Management

The site has been designed with a number of features to reduce water runoff and encourage absorption of rainwater. 100% of the lot, with exception to the area under the roof, has been developed to be permeable. This is accomplished through the majority of the lot being covered with grass and plantings, and the driveway being of permeable concrete. The site has also been designed with a system to channel 50% of runoff from the roof to cisterns to be used for irrigation purposes. The design is eligible for 6 points from credit 4.1 and 4.3.

Nontoxic Pest Control

In New Orleans there is a very large problem with pests, specifically termites. To counteract pests we have specified that all wood with the exception of the stairs is to be 7 feet above the ground. All external joints will be sealed with caulk and openings sealed with screens. The design is eligible for 2 points from credit 5.

Compact Development

The home is to be located in the Broadmoor Historic district of New Orleans Louisiana which has a high density. With the location located in an area of high population density we are eligible for 3 points under credit 6.2.

Water Efficiency

Water Reuse

The home has been designed with a rainwater harvesting system that takes the water from the roof and stores it in cisterns locate on both the front and back porches to water potted flowers and a large elevated cistern on the ground to water gardens. These cisterns will hold approximately 50% of the roof runoff. The system will simply use downspouts to divert water into the cisterns which have valves and hoses to be used to water plantings. This water harvesting system makes the design eligible for credit 1.1 for 3 points.

Indoor Water Use

All fixtures in the home are high efficiency to prevent water waste, work effectively with the on demand water heater, and reduce the household water bill and energy costs. The lavatory faucets and showerhead use 1.5 gpm which are considered to be very high efficiency fixtures. The water closets have an average flow rate of 1.1 gpf which is considered very highly efficient. With the use of only very high efficiency fixtures the design is eligible for 6 points under credit 3.2.

Energy and Atmosphere

Insulation

The insulation in this home has been designed to completely fill the cavities in the wall without compression and there are few gaps as we will also seal around the insulation with spray foam. Roof will be insulated with Polyiso insulation above the ceiling to an R-Value of 30 with a reflective coating to reduce heat gain from the sun. The insulation in walls exceeds that specified by the IECC as we are using 2x6 walls that are filled with foil faced Polyiso insulation with an R-value of 7.20 per inch. With increased amounts of insulation we are eligible for credit 2.2 enhanced insulation for 2 points.

Air Infiltration

The home has been designed with all air tightening features possible. All ventilation ducts will be sealed with mastic, taped, and under insulation. Windows are of the highest quality with weather seals, during installation any voids in the wall cavity by the window will be filled with polyurethane spray foam. The Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) system will also be balanced as to prevent negative pressure in the home. After construction a blower door test should ensure that there is minimal envelope leakage. With a design that has minimal envelope insulation we are eligible for 3 points under credit 3.3.

Windows

In a climate like New Orleans it is very important to have high performance windows that will block the suns harsh rays. The windows chosen for this home are energy star certified and supplied by Window World of Baton Rouge. The windows have performance ratings that exceed the requirements for the southern energy star zone. The windows have a U-factor of .28 and an HGC of .30 and are hurricane resistant. These windows make the design eligible for 3 points under credit 4.3 for exceptional windows.

Heating and Cooling Distribution System

The home has been designed with a passive heating and cooling system which means there is no distribution losses. Due to the fact there is no distribution system there can be no distribution losses and is eligible for credit 5.3 for 3 points.

Space Heating and Cooling Equipment

The home uses only passive heating and cooling techniques to reduce energy consumption. We did not use any points in this category as we did not design a mechanical system and opted to use passive techniques.

Water Heating

The home has been designed with option C compact design of the conventional system. Our largest run for hot water piping is less than 20’ and our pipes for hot water do not exceed ½”. The hot water pipes are insulated with R- 4 pipe insulation that is self sealing. The home also has an efficient hot water heating system that uses a tankless on demand gas fired water heater. Due to the fact we are using an on-demand water heater with an efficient piping layout and insulation on the pipes we are eligible for 5 points from credits 7.1 through 7.3.

Lighting

The lighting in the home was designed to be extremely efficient using only two compact florescent bulbs with the rest of the fixtures being energy star rated LED canisters. There are also two energy star rated ceiling fan/light combinations. With all lights in the home being energy star fixtures we are eligible for 3 points under credit 8.3 under the advanced lighting package.

Appliances

The home incorporates all energy star rated appliances. The Refrigerator has a bottom mount freezer unit. The clothes washer is also functions as the dryer and is very water efficient using only 12 to 15 gallons per load in comparison to a traditional washer that uses 30 gallons. With high efficiency kitchen appliances and washer the home is eligible for 3 points under credits 9.1 and 9.2.

Residential Refrigerant Management

The home does not have an air conditioning system which means zero refrigerants are used. Due to the fact there is no system in the home using refrigerants we are eligible for 11.2 for 1 point.

Materials and Resources

Material Efficient Framing

In an effort to reduce waste and conserve resources, the waste factor on the project has been limited to 5% for all building components. The design process integrated the concepts to reduce material waste. Prior to construction detailed framing documents, detailed lumber order and cut list will be created to show the builder how to cut and assemble the structure in order to minimize waste. At this time framing efficiencies will be taken into account. The wall studs, ceiling joist spacing and rafters are all at 24”O.C. With the use of framing efficiencies and proper framing documents we are eligible for credits 1.1 through 1.4 for 5 points.

Environmentally Preferable Products

During the design process we did our best to keep in mind the use of environmentally friendly products. To do this the first thing we decided was to exclude using tropical wood of any kind. This in turn kept cost down and our project more sustainable. A large majority of the products used in the home contain low amounts of toxic chemicals making them environmentally preferable. We also used concrete for the pilings which consisted of 30% Fly Ash in the mix. Our flooring choice bamboo is also highly sustainable as bamboo grows very fast with little intensive care and is moisture resistant. As well many of our wood products will be from local suppliers/manufacturers within 500 miles. Because our products are environmentally preferable and we are not using tropical wood we are eligible for 8 points under credit 2.2.

Waste Management

Within the New Orleans area there are not many recycling facilities for construction waste. The majority of our waste will be sorted into groups building material waste, and household type waste. The building materials waste such as concrete will be diverted to Roadrock recycling which should be a minimum of 38% and the household type waster i.e large boxes and plastics will be diverted to waste management for recycling. Because we have chosen to divert concrete waste and packaging materials to recycling facilities we are eligible for 1 point under credit 3.2.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Energy Star with IAP Considerations

Water Managed Foundations

The house is designed to sit on a pile foundation that sits 7’ off of the ground. The piles are reinforced concrete. The area under the house is to be covered with aggregate and the drive way is made up of pervious concrete slopped at a minimum of ¼” per foot away from the home. There are no walls around the pier foundation therefore exempting the design from credit 1.3. There will be no vapor barrier on the interior side of any wall or floor assembly. The house is wrapped in a monolithic weather resistant barrier that is overlapped and tapped to prevent water infiltration. Window and door openings are to be properly flashed to prevent water infiltration. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

Water Managed Roof Assemblies

The roof system is designed to intercept water and direct it into storage tanks. The metal roof system is a continuous Gable with no intersection exempting the design from 1.8. The roof has no valleys but is designed with roof vents which will be coated with a Tar membrane for durability. The design is exempt from 1.10 as it is located in climate zone 2. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

Interior Water Management

The home is designed with 100% hard surface for easy maintenance and cleanup as well as in all wet room i.e. kitchen and bathrooms where moisture resistant drywall has been specified. The water heater is located in a closet with a catch basin that is plumbed to the outside. All water piping is specified to be wrapped with a minimum of R-4 insulation. The interior finishes will be drywall with a painted finish yielding permeability greater than 50. All products will be thoroughly inspected before installation for damage. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

Radon Control

The home is exempt from construction with radon resistant features as it is located in zone 3. As we are in zone 3 there is no requirement for providing homeowners with test kits. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

Pest Barriers

This credit goes along with the LEED for homes credits. Corrosion resistant pest barriers will be installed at all openings too large to be filled with caulk. Additionally, there is no wood within 7 feet of the ground except for the stairs and sill plate which have been treated to prevent termite infestation. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

HVAC Systems

Heating and cooling equipment

There is no air handling duct work located outside the building envelope and the heating source is a based on a passive system. There are no return vents as this is a passive heating system with the exception of the Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) system which uses returns in the kitchens and bathrooms. This former is a mechanical ventilation system which will be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. The electric condensing dryer will be plumbed to drain according to manufactures instructions. Each bathroom is equipped with energy star ventilation fan and the kitchen has a range hood. There is no garage included in this design. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

Combustion Sources and Garage Isolation

Combustion Sources

The design directly vents the combustion from the gas fired water heater to the outside. There are no fireplaces or fuel burning appliances located in the home. Carbon Monoxide alarms will be installed outside of both sleeping areas. An energy star certified range hood will also be installed in the kitchen to directly vent kitchen contaminates outside. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

Garage Isolation

This home has been designed without a garage. Therefore there is no need to isolate it from condition space. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

Building Materials

All wood building materials have been specified for low formaldehyde emissions as well particle board and MDF are ANSI a208.1 and A208.2 compliant. Interior paints and finishes have low VOC content. There is no carpeting installed in the house which exempts the design from IAP credit 6.3. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

Home Commissioning

HVAC systems will be thoroughly inspected for cleanliness and tested for proper airflow rates before final completion. There is no need for refrigerant testing as there is no cooling system. The home will have a complete air change at the highest rate the ventilation system can produce before occupancy. A checklist will be provided to the homeowner after completion certifying the system is in compliance. It is anticipated that the design of the home will meet these specifications after inspection on completion of each component.

It is anticipated that all of our methods will be excepted under the Energy Star IAP and we will be able to receive 13 points under credit 1 of the Indoor Environmental Quality section of LEED for Homes.

Return to LEED Considerations

Enhanced Outdoor Ventilation

The home has been designed with a properly sized Energy Recovery Ventilator that will provide continuous ventilation and moisture control in the home with little maintenance from the homeowner. The ERV providing constant outdoor air makes the design eligible for enhanced outdoor air- ventilation for 2 points under credit 4.2.

Local Exhaust

It was important we kept in mind the moisture and pollutant level that could build up inside the home. The kitchen has a direct vent exhaust fan over the range and the bathrooms have occupancy controlled ventilation fans to prevent the buildup of moisture in the air. All of the fans are energy star compliant. Using energy star compliant exhaust fans makes the home eligible for 2 points under credits 5.2 and 5.3.

Contaminate Control

To prevent contaminates from being brought into the home a shoe removal bench and storage system is located next to the main entrance. There is no carpeting in the home to trap tracked in contaminates and there is also a central vacuum system that collects debris from receptacles in the full bath and the kitchen. The central vacuum system and shoe removal system make the design eligible for 2 points for indoor contaminant control credit 8.2.

Awareness and Education

We have created a basic operations training manual for easy reference to the home operating systems as well it includes tips on how to make your everyday living more energy efficient. With the energy guide we created for the homeowner they will be able to effectively operate their homes systems as well be able to inform all visitors about the homes features thus making the design eligible for 2 points under credits 1.2 and 1.1.

Location