Every project we work on is different, but the principles remain the same. These examples show how performance, durability, and cost can be thoughtfully balanced across a range of project types and client goals.
Whatever you're building, we're here to help you take the first step with confidence.
High-Performance Model House
Efficient by Design. Built to Be Repeatable.
2,400 sq ft of conditioned space
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Pennsylvania – Climate Zone 5
All-electric home
Heated and cooled with a single 18,000 BTU mini-split
Average heating and cooling costs $60 per month
Average total energy cost of approximately $110 per month
Built in 2021 for $110 per square foot with a minimum hourly labor rate of $50 per hour.
At the beginning of day one the first scoop of dirt was taken on the empty lot. By the end of day nine, the foundation was installed, the house was framed and enclosed, the insulation was complete, the windows and doors were in place, and the vinyl siding and metal roof were installed. This was done with a crew of six people, three of whom had little to no prior experience with the building-envelope components used.
This project proves that energy-efficiency upgrades do not have to come with a significant price increase. When performance is considered early and integrated into the design, high-efficiency strategies can be incorporated at virtually any project budget.
High-End, High-Performance Residence
Performance Principles That Scale
7,800 sq ft of conditioned space
4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms
South Carolina – Climate Zone 3A
Heated and cooled with a 28,000 BTU mini-split with ductwork appropriately sized for the square footage
This project demonstrates that the same building science and performance principles applied in smaller homes scale effectively to much larger residences with larger budgets. They remain just as important, as size and complexity increase.
High performance is not limited by square footage or budgets. When the fundamentals are respected, efficiency scales.
Workshop and Commercial-Scale Building
Beyond Residential Applications:
300 ft x 60 ft footprint
16-foot ceilings
Climate Zone 5
This large workshop can be economically heated and cooled to 70°F, even in demanding conditions during peak weather,
Without any HVAC or energy being used, the building can still maintain interior temperatures below 80°F in summer and above 50°F in winter, despite outdoor temperatures reaching the high 90s in summer and dropping below 0°F in winter. We were able to do this by properly integrating the geothermal footprint of the structure.
This project shows that these performance principles are not limited to homes. Commercial, industrial, and workshop buildings can achieve impressive results, and the energy savings can be exponentially higher.
Performance Improvements Without Starting From Scratch
This remodel to a house orininally built in 1923 did not follow the same steps as new construction, but the same building-science principles guided every decision.
Before the improvements were made, winter gas bills reached $500 per month. After the upgrades, the highest bills are less than half that amount, while doubling the interior conditioned space. The 1970’s windows have not yet been replaced, which will further improve performance.
This project demonstrates that high-performance is not limited to new construction. A well though out, systems-based approach can dramatically improve comfort and efficiency in existing homes as well.
