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PROJECTS |
SANTA FE ECOHOME  The Santa Fe EcoHome is one of a select few passive houses in the entire United States. It employs an innovative design to achieve ultra-high energy efficiency and minimize its carbon footprint. An airtight building envelope, super insulated walls, and a heat recovery ventilation system, make it possible for the residence to be heated using only 20 percent of the energy that would be required to heat a standard home. The airtight building envelope is made possible by components such as thermal bypass boxes around electrical outlets and extensive silicone sealing. Maximum insulation (R-50 exterior walls, and a R-70 ceiling) is achieved through 13 inches of blow in cellulose insulation.  Interior Insulation consists of 13 inches of blow in cellulose (R-50 value) Contributing further to the high level of insulation are triple-pane windows and a two inch blue board insulation of the slab and footings. Responsible for unsurpassed air quality and high levels of comfort inside the residence is the German engineered heat recovery ventilation system. This system replaces the entire air volume of the home with fresh air up to eight times a day while retaining 95 percent of the heat. Mexican tile laid over concrete floor and full adobe walls further contribute to heat retention. The home was also built using all natural materials. For example, the interior finish consists of clay plaster which is entirely toxin and solvent free. The clay plaster finish, which regulates moisture, and hard-surface flooring further contribute to superior air quality.  Interior paints consist of toxin free clay plaster Materials used in construction were also locally or regionally obtained to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance transport. These materials include adobe bricks, mud plaster, locally harvested lumber, and recycled newspaper insulation from Colorado. The Santa Fe EcoHome also utilizes a rooftop rainwater collection and wastewater recycling system along with Energy Star appliances to make the home even more environmentally friendly. A complete picture gallery is available here.
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