SBF#9 What makes it a Deep energy retrofit.

In the last couple years this element has really become an interesting challenge for me. After a couple of years of immersing myself in energy geek world, I get to bring a lot of retrofit ideas together with a lot of freedom because of the depth to which we gutted the farmhouse. Interestingly, the old balloon framing style has helped with the fact that we are leaving the exterior skin on and insulating to the inside, which is typically the least favored option in terms of how to add insulation to the walls. I should say that this retrofit favors natural materials over petrol and chemical based ones.

So a deep energy retrofit for me means increasing energy efficiency by over 75%. To achieve this we are installing:
1. a continuous air barrier - ADA-sheetrock on the interior.
All electrical on exterior walls will be run on interior of sheetrock in wood chases.
2. 12" of cellulose in the walls(R42).
3. R20 on the foundation perimeter and floor.
4. A thermal envelop that minimizes thermal breaks.
5. R5 or better windows.
6. R80 ceiling with cellulose.

The energy analysis will be done under the mentorship of Andy Shapiro who will be bringing many years of experience in understanding the modeling of energy and moisture in the new design in order to make a predictable outcome.

The goal of the deep energy retrofit is basically to reduce the energy consumption of the house as much as possible with a modest budget through intelligent design to remove a dependence on fossil fuels, reduce carbon output and to conserve resources. We will track metrics such as the tightness of the house once we have completed the envelope as well as yearly use of fuel and power. The Passive House model is attractive, but not quite the right fit for this project. I believe the owners need to be 100% behind that kind of a focus. It will certainly inform much of the design. Passive and low impact design are a top priority for my design process in general. One of the things many people misunderstand about passive design is that it relies most on people's behavior more than the actual design. This means it will be much more difficult to design our way out of our current crises than to change our behavior.

We also see this project as a transition town model for sustainable design. This means there is no reliance on fossil fuels in the design other than through the electrical grid. It also means there is an integrated design that includes ecological processes such as food production and nutrient recycling with a composting toilet and greywater system.

Heat will be from passive solar and wood with an electrical heat pump for backup and hot water will be supplied by the cookstove and solar panels. PV panels will eventually supply electric power.

There is also provisions for food storage in the root cellar and a cold pantry. The greenhouse will extend the growing season to support a healthy homesteading operation for food production. Rainwater catchment will also passively support irrigation in the well drained soils rather than rely on the well pump.
The crew.

SBF #8 Sunnybrook farm design comes together

The design has evolved nicely as we have spent time disassembling the farmhouse. This time allows us to see all the perspectives and sit with ideas for several days.
Some of the conceptual overtones that we have been working with are traditional farmhouse (imagine that) with a touch of modernity. Another term that has come up is rustic elegance.
Some important ideas for me in this design is using what we have, and simplifying. Which means what ever we can recycle including sinks/toilets/copper/electrical fixtures and wood. It also means some really nice wood and granite from the barn. And it means other local materials from nearby.

In this view into the kitchen, you can see the reused barn beams and post.


This view looks into the Living/Dining room.
At the far end you can see the bedroom and Den which will have the hardwood floors that were retrofited some time ago. In simplifying we have removed the front porch and reduced the number of rooms by 2, removed a chimney, one vent stack and the kero boiler with all the baseboard.



The 2nd floor will be largely similar to the original layout. We will refinish the original wide pine floors throughout the second floor, except maybe in the bathroom where it looks like we might have tile.


Some of the more interesting details include a dumbwaiter rootcellar; the granite veneer chimney and interior stone window sills.
The greenhouse and outdoor kitchen are last to evolve. More to come.....

SBF #7 The Barn is Recycled

Here are two tie beam solutions to join to the wall.
The older half of the barn used a lap joint onto the rafter plate which is holding up great.
The newer half decided to tenon into the top of the post below the plate, this resulted in a major blowout on the two middle posts, as seen below.














The siding is coming off well as Aliza and Donnie deconstruct the skin first exposing the frame. The typical two layers of siding include the 1/2" inner layer and the 1" outer layer which is painted red and has gotten a beautiful patina over the years.

Still not sure where the siding will go, but the lower section looks promising as wainscote.
The frame will be used for structural beams in the Kitchen and Dining/Living Room. We will also use some pieces in the Kitchen floor and the outdoor kitchen.