This stylish modern house is the new home of the owner of Green Mountain Construction. Applying his knowledge of green building, he built this energy-efficient, low maintenance home for his family. The home was designed by Architectural Design Studio.

Energy efficiency starts below grade- both the stem wall and slab were insulated with R-10 rigid insulation.

This home has a passive radon ventilation system beneath the rigid insulation. It consists of a perforated pipe, in a permeable layer, that is connected to a vertical pipe that goes up through the building. The permeable layer is topped with a vapor barrier. The stack effect draws radon gas from under the building, preventing it from building up in the home. A fan can be added later if radon testing is done and levels are high.

10-12" of spray foam insulation was applied to the underside of the roof. Spray foam not only insulates well, it is great at air sealing which helps with energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

As the roof is the greatest source of heat loss in a home due to the stack effect, the owners chose to use spray foam in the lid but lower-cost R-19 batt insulation in the walls.

The air sealing qualities of spray foam weren't needed in the walls because the wall assemblies were covered in rigid insulation. Exterior insulation prevents heat transfer across the wall studs to the outside environment and also works as an air barrier.

With the added R-value of the exterior rigid insulation, the total R value of the wall is R-24, about 25% higher than required by code.

Air sealing was a priority on this home, and all penetrations were sealed.

Quality windows are an important part of the building envelope.

Tyvek® DrainWrap™ is a newer product that offers enhanced drainage behind cladding by providing vertical channels to move bulk water away from the home.

This home has three Panasonic spot Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)- two in the main house and one in the apartment. They will provide optimal air exchange between the outdoors and the air-tight interior of this home. They filter the incoming air and the heat exchangers make this an energy-efficient process.

These two Navien 95%-efficient on-demand gas boilers work in concert to supply hot water for space heating and domestic use for both the main house and the apartment. These are smart systems that can "learn" the behavior of the occupants and circulate hot water through the lines at times when it is typically used by the occupants.

This high-efficiency mini-split heat pump provides energy efficient heating and cooling to the apartment above the garage.

The solar PV system for the home is anticipated to address about 30% of the electricity needs. The owners plan to expand the system in the future.

LED lighting and Energy Star-certified appliances make this an energy-efficient kitchen.

Reclaimed wood was used for sustainable, aesthetic accents throughout the home.

An apartment above the garage created greater housing density on this property and provides a rental income to the owners.