How Did the Project Achieve Their High-Performance Envelope?

Because the new slightly higher peaked roofline in front, and a flat roof extending over the back, produced an increased heat-island effect , the flat roof and third floor were insulated with ROCKWOOL or other mineral wool products: Safe'n'Sound insulation on the party wall; Toprock DD on the roof and underlay for the vented roof; and Comfortboard 110 beneath the cladding. The contractors also installed vents and poured a reflective coating.

How Did The Project Ensure Excellent Air Quality?

A high-performance, air-tight home needs a continuous flow of fresh air. To achieve this, the homeowners added a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) on the third floor. Contractors adjusted the existing ductwork to run a return to the third floor. That way, fresh air brought up to the third-floor addition could also be cycled throughout the house. The top floor also has operable clerestory windows for natural light and ventilation . The windows will also help create a stack effect. Because of the home's east-west orientation, the couple can experiment with the HRV and cross-ventilation to balance their source of fresh air. The couple also asked that non-toxic materials be used throughout the interior. The wet-applied products used in air-tightness detailing and the window and door insulation are free of ingredients on the Red List. The adhesives and paints are zero-VOC .