It's time to follow up on a project a cool project, the Zero Energy Idea House, that we mentioned at ground breaking in July 2008.  Located at Bass Cove near Bellevue, Washington, the 1,630 square-foot, two-bedroom Zero Energy Idea House was designed by Clinkston Brunner Architects and built by Shirey Contracting.  Overlooking Lake Sammamish, the home is planted into the hill as a demonstration of energy efficiency — the goal is to show that it generates as much energy as it uses.  

The Zero Energy Idea House was designed to conserve first and generate energy second.  The home features efficient construction with SIPs, as well as high-efficiency hyrdronic heating, energy-efficient windows, Energy Star lighting and appliances, and real-time monitoring of energy use.  On top of this, there is a photovoltaic system, a solar hot water system, and a vertical axis wind turbine by Helix Wind.

In addition to conserving energy, the home features water efficient fixtures, too.  There's dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads and faucets, a rainwater collection system, and drought tolerant plant selections. 

The green roof normalizes the temperature of the house, while a number of green materials were used in the construction.  FSC certified woods, recycled content tiles, salvaged wood flooring, low VOC paints, formaldehyde free insulation and cabinets, locally manufactured materials, and long-lasting siding and a metal roof. 

The Zero Energy Idea House is a stellar example of green home innovation and will be open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays through the first week in November.  Learn more here:

[+] Zero Energy Idea House in Bass Cove, Washington.

Photo credits: Northwest Property Imaging and Zero Energy Idea House.