The NAHB Research Center worked with Bob Ward Companies (BWC) to identify energy efficiency improvements throughout all aspects of the home design. This whole systems approach began with the selection of the particular model to be used for the Ultra-Efficient demonstration home. The Greenland model was chosen because it was modestly sized with all ducts located within the conditioned space. Because the site faced southwest, the home was turned slightly on the lot and the gable roof was re-designed as a hip in order to provide a greater amount of roof area on the south side of the home.
Front Elevation
Side Elevation
Then, from foundation to framing to mechanical systems, NAHB Research Center and BWC identified a package of cost effective energy upgrades that could be incorporated into the home. Because all of Bob Ward Companies' homes are already built to the ENERGY STAR® level, the company and its trade contractors are already familiar with many high performance measures. For instance, their ENERGY STAR rater, Energy Services Group, also performs careful air sealing details on every home; their HVAC contractor, N.M. Phillips, sizes heating and cooling systems carefully using the ACCA manuals and installs high efficiency equipment. So, for Bob Ward Companies, this ultra-efficient home is really a step to achieve the next level of energy efficiency rather than an entirely new goal.