Nov 9 2003
A partnership of companies have come together in Newton, Iowa, USA, to develop what if being touted as the worlds most efficient modern home. Companies involved in the project include Pella Windows, Maytag, Lennox, several local businesses and architectural firm, Zero Net, who are designing and building the house.
The house is being built from a composite core structure of expanded polystyrene, treated with a special fibre reinforced concrete coating on the interior and exterior surfaces. All appliances used will have the best efficiency ratings and the windows are triple-paned. Landscaping will allow for innovative shading and an in-floor warm water system will supply radiant heat to both levels with air quality monitored in a four-zone heating and cooling system.
The free standing house is expected to have a comparable efficiency rating to an underground or berm home. The home is due for completion in March 2004 and more details, including house plans, are available from the Aliant Energy website.
Source: Powerhouse