ZED Logo Custom Home Design & Energy Design
 October 2008 - Vol 3, Issue 9
 
  Services:
  Custom Home Design
  Energy Design
  Mechanical Engineering
  Sustainability Consulting
In This Issue - click on a title below
Featured Design Project
Water Resource
Energy Improvement Act
Architecture 2030 Commitment
Design Resource
Federal Report on Net Zero Energy Buildings
Open House Success
Featured Design Project
 
Lakeside1
 
Lakeside Retreat  -  Waterford, Maine
 
Basics
- Square Footage: 1900
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3 Full, 1 Half
 
Home
Waterfront, Double Height Great Room, First Floor Master Bedroom, Walk-in Closet, Private Deck off Master Suite,  Intimate Study, Children's Playroom, Screened Porch with Dining, Loft Space, Fireplace with Wood Burning Insert
 
Energy
Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Foundation, 2x6 Advanced Framing, Spray Foam Insulation, Energy Star Windows, High Efficiency Natural Gas Furnace, High Efficiency Air Conditioning, Heat Recovery Ventilator
 
Health
Low to No Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Materials, Simple to Clean Floor Surfaces, Walk-off Entry Area
 
Green
Low Flow Fixtures, Dual Flush Toilets, Low Maintenance Materials
 
Overview
This Oregon-based client decided to set up a permanent residence in Central Maine to be closer to friends and family. With deep roots in the area since childhood, the land chosen was the essence of what Maine meant to the couple. They sought a new home that took advantage of their lakefront view and juxtaposed a rustic exterior and modern interior. 

The Details
On the approach to the house, it blends seamlessly into the local vernacular with its natural shiplap wood siding and casement and awning windows, while a covered porch reveals the front door with sidelight windows. The entry provides a walk-off space to remove dirt, dust, and shoes as one enters the house and includes easy laundry access for muddy clothes and a half bathroom. From there the space opens into the great room including a full kitchen with breakfast bar and a double height space for both living and dining. The far wall features custom casework for books, a stone fireplace, and a wood burning insert. Views of the lake are available throughout the great room, as well as from the attached screened porch, which provides a protected outdoor dining area and is easily accessed from the kitchen. 

Lakeside2
 
A master suite on the first floor provides lifelong accessibility and features a water view, a walk-in closet, a full bath, and a private deck area. A pocket door reveals an intimate study space with built in shelving and more views of the lake.  On the second floor, two bedrooms share a full bathroom and loft space for watching television. Since the lot slopes toward the lake, ZED included a walkout basement to accommodate a children's playroom and easy access to and storage for recreational equipment such as canoes and kayaks.
 
Lakeside4
   
 
ZED designs responsible custom homes. View our Custom Home Design brochure.
 
 
 Water Resource
WaterSense  
 
The EPA WaterSense Program has an online resource to locate products that meet the program's standards for water efficiency (about 20% more efficient) and have been certified. WaterSense Certified Products
 
 
 
"Water is vital to the survival of everything on the planet and is limited in supply. The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact only 1 percent is available for human use. While the population and the demand on freshwater resources are increasing, supply remains constant.

Managing water is a growing concern in the United States. Communities across the country are starting to face challenges regarding water supply and water infrastructure. As the map below shows, many of the states that have projected population growth increases also have higher per capita water use." - EPA

Water Map
WaterSense Label
 
 
When building new or renovating your home, be sure to consider these WaterSense certified products.  Also look for the WaterSense label on the package when shopping. 
 
 
Use It Wisely 
 
For 100 ways to save water and a home water audit visit the Water - Use It Wisely website.
 
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008
 
dsire image 
 
In the previous ZED newsletter we reported that The Senate passed a bill for eight years of solar tax credits, and that The House needed to vote on the measure.
 
We are now pleased to announce that the new law, the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (H.R.1424, Division B, Section 106) has passed and includes provisions for 30% tax credits on geothermal systems, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, small wind, fuel cells, and more.
 
This new law not only adds a brand new $2,000 federal tax credit for geothermal systems, but also removes the previously established $2,000 federal credit ceiling on photovoltaics, allowing for an unlimited 30% credit.
 
DSIRE has the details for this Federal financial incentive.
 
 Architecture 2030 Commitment
 
Architecture 2030If you are affiliated with the building industry, consider talking the Architecture 2030 challenge.
 
"2030's mission is to rapidly transform the US and global Building Sector from the major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions to a central part of the solution to the global-warming crisis."
 
ZED is pleased to announce our adoption of the the Architecture 2030 challenge. It was a natural fit, with most standards already in place at the firm. 
Consider adopting the challenge yourself!
Read more at Architecture2030.org
 
 
Design Resource
 
CribCandy Logo 
For your new home you may need a new sofa.
 
Looking for something different? Great non-traditional options are showcased at CribCandy.
 
Sofa 1 Sofa 3

Sofa2

 
 
Sofa 4
Federal Report on Net Zero Energy Buildings
 
National Science and Technical Council 
 
Released this month by the National Science and Technology Council (a Federal level cabinet in the Executive Branch) is a detailed report on the Federal Research and Development Agenda for Net Zero Energy, High Performance Green Buildings.
 
The report covers energy performance,indoor air quality, water conservation, and material use for commercial buildings. It includes research and development goals with recommended steps for achievement. 
 
 

 
 Zero Energy Home Open House
 
Truro Deck SmallThank you!
 
ZeroEnergy Design would like to thank everyone who helped to make the open house a phenominal success.
 
Approximately 300 people toured the home on October 4th making it one of the most successful of the 600 homes on tour in New England. 
 
We hope this newsletter was helpful and educational for you. We are already working on the next issue. Please feel free to call or email with any questions or ideas for the newsletter, or about our firm's services. We'd love the opportunity to design your next home!
 

Sincerely,

The ZeroEnergy Design Team

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