Folks in Cleveland aren’t going to watch the economy leave with Mr. James. They’re working on a future-forward demonstration built to what’s heralded as the world’s most rigorous energy standard for homes. The Passive House, referred to as SmartHome Cleveland, was designed by Chuck Miller of Doty & Miller Architects and will be built on the grounds of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
SmartHome will have SIPs, high-performance windows, a heat recovery ventilator, and an airtight building envelope (see wall section below). As a result, the goal is something that’s 90% more efficient than a typical home.
But it will also be more than just energy-efficient. Plans call for – in general terms – sustainable materials, advanced storm water techniques, healthy housing elements, and biophilic design, according to Cleveland Museum.
The traditional-style, 2,500 square-foot home will have three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a full basement, according to a press release. The museum will charge an entrance fee of $5 (plus museum admission) and will keep the place open for tours approximately June-September 2011.
Upon the close of the exhibit, SmartHome will be moved to a lot on Wade Park Avenue in University Circle and made available for purchase. Hopefully it moves a little quicker than another Passive House on the market in Kansas City. I’ll follow up later in the year.
Update: as pointed out in the comments, according to The Plain Dealer, the home is expected to cost ~$525,000 to build and it will be sold in the range of ~$300,000 – $400,000.
Credits: Doty & Miller Architects.
Interesting, Cellulose SIPS made with 2×10’s ?
This article needs some information about costs.
Here is a link to the Cleveland Plain Dealer Story
http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/cleveland-to-get-furnace-free-home-heated-by-sun/c215b8fb9cec40f59744f50a817d5464
totally beurk 🙂
$525.000 to build and a sale value at 300-400K. What bank is gonna finance that?
Museum probably expects to pay difference with admission fees. Lots of banks will finance it if the price and appraisal pens out.
Why use 2 x 10 studs with 16″ spacing? Certainly not needed for structural strength. A 24″ spacing would surely be adequate and save a few trees and money.
I agree. SIPs panels also get a good bit of their strength from their sheathing. It seems like 24″ spacing would also decrease risks of thermal bridging. It may be over engineered but perhaps the combination of interior design (i.e. long, minimally supported second floor joists) and roof load (with extra support for heavy snow) require extra beefy walls?
There is indeed a $5.00 charge to see the home. However, you must additionally purchase an entrance fee to the Museum of Natural History to see the home, thus it actually costs $10.00 to see the home. It is not possible to purchase only a $5.00 ticket to see only the home.
Could modifications be made to put the attic crawl space INSIDE the building envelope (e,g, for an added bedroom/office, etc)?
…and what would it add to the building costs?