RED CLAY PASSIVE
Single Family Residential
New Construction
3,500 SF
Kennett Square, PA
This project investigates the notion of a Shaker farmhouse in a contemporary, low carbon context. Like the barns that dot its agrarian landscape, the house is simple in shape, absent of ornament, and constrained in material expression.
Its simple, vernacular form steps down with the sloped site and orients its long axis towards the south, maximizing solar exposure during winter months. Exemplifying a New Carbon Architecture, this house and adjacent outbuilding avoid the inconsistencies and waste of conventional ‘stick-built construction' by using an innovative, wood-fiber-based, panelized assembly system; all above grade wall and roof components were prefabricated within seventy miles of the project site.
As evidence of the design's focus on energy efficiency and reduced carbon consumption, the project achieved PHIUS+ 2018 Source Zero Energy Passive House certification.
PROJECT STATS
Passive House: PHIUS+ 2018 Source Zero Energy Certified (Database Listing)
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home Certified
ENERGY STAR Certified
U.S. EPA Indoor airPLUS Qualified Home
Building Geometry
Heat Loss Form Factor: 1.6
Building Metrics
Predicted Energy Use Intensity (pEUI): -1.87 kBtu/sf/yr
Home Energy Rating Score (HERS Index): -11
Airtightness (measured): 0.05 cfm/sf; 0.72 ACH50
Building Envelope
Slab On Grade: R-25
Below Grade Walls: R-25
Above Grade Walls: R-36
Roof: R-53
Windows: Average SHGC 0.5, average U-Value .14
Skylights: Average SHGC 0.19, U-Value 0.19
Modular (panelized) wood-fiber-based wall & roof assemblies (above grade)
Building Systems
Power/Fuel Source(s): All electric
Renewable Energy: Solar PV array (8.76 kW system size)
Heating & Cooling: Ground-source heat pump
Energy recovery ventilation
Domestic Hot Water: Heat-pump water heater
Appliances: Energy-Star
LED lighting
Project Team
Builder: Hugh Lofting Timber Framing
Energy Modeling / Prefabrication Specialist: Holzraum
Prefabricated Assembly Provider: Blueprint Robotics
Energy Verifier: DSB Energy
Photography: Sam Oberter
Awards & Recognition
2023 Phius Passive Projects Design Competition: Source Zero Honorable Mention
2023 CONTEXT: Design Profile | Red Clay Passive
2022 AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence COTE Award
2020 AIA Philadelphia COTE: Net Zero Buildings | Red Clay Passive