Two homes, one goal:
A replicable model for Deep Energy Retrofits
The challenge: retrofit a pair of late 19th century brick homes to dramatically reduce their energy use and carbon emissions — and adapt them for the 21st century, recognizing the unavoidable climate disruptions that are headed our way.
This site documents the process of designing & constructing the retrofits. It’s jointly run by the homeowners, one of whom also works at the firm responsible for the design (Sol design + consulting). We intend to share the process, fully and transparently, with the hope that others will see what’s possible, learn from our experience, and join in the project of creating a sustainable future.
Project Goals
1 Minimize 30-year carbon emissions, including both carbon from operating energy use AND upfront carbon from the manufacture of new materials. Achieve Net Zero Energy if possible.
2 Design for durability & long life; enable another century of productive use. Build in flexibility and design for aging where possible.
3 Create a healthy home. Abate existing toxins; select non-toxic materials; and carefully manage moisture and fresh air to avoid mold and improve air quality.
4 Prepare for predicted climate-related disruptions. Ensure the home remains resilient, safe, and comfortable in the face of the coming storms.
Latest Updates
Casey’s House
Casey’s retrofit was completed in 2021. The home is Net Positive Energy and earned LEED Platinum Certification.
- How we Used Passive House Principles to Achieve 80%+ SavingsThis was post adapted from an article by Sol Design + Consulting — the company that provided architectural design, sustainability consulting, and LEED certification services… Read more: How we Used Passive House Principles to Achieve 80%+ Savings
- Conclusion + Energy Results after a Year!So I’ll cut to the chase — this renovation was net negative for the year following the renovation — as in the home made more… Read more: Conclusion + Energy Results after a Year!
- Air TightAirtightness is the key to a truly energy efficient home. After all, it doesn’t matter if your home is well insulated if it is leaking… Read more: Air Tight
Carl’s House
Carl’s retrofit is ongoing; the final phase (exterior insulation) is planned for the spring of 2027.
- Pre-Retrofit Blower Door TestOn March 7, 2020, we conducted a preliminary airtightness test (AKA a bower door test) of the existing home. The goals were two-fold: (1) find… Read more: Pre-Retrofit Blower Door Test
- Minimizing 30-year carbon emissions: a project roadmapThe big top-line goal: retrofit my 150-year-old house to minimize carbon emissions over the next 30 years, including the upfront carbon of the new building… Read more: Minimizing 30-year carbon emissions: a project roadmap
- Can one house foster systemic change?A lot needs to change in order to retrofit single-family homes at scale. Contractors must be trained on new ways of doing things. Products need… Read more: Can one house foster systemic change?
Subscribe for updates
Sign up to be notified when new posts are added to this site.
