NREL's Zero Energy Habitat for Humanity House - 2005

The Habitat for Humanity House built in 2005 is featured in this photo collection.

NREL researchers Paul Norton and Craig Christensen worked closely with Habitat House of Metro Denver employees and volunteers to finalize the design of the Laboratory's 2005 Habitat House. The goal was for the new house to be "zero-energy"—designed and constructed to produce as much energy as it consumes annually.

The Building America Program monitored the performance of the home for one year. This monitoring was used to determine if the energy features of the home performed as expected and to investigate potential improvements on the approaches used to achieve zero energy. Habitat gained experience using energy efficient techniques and technologies that can be appropriated into their standard construction practices.

For additional photographs, search on the following terms in PIX text search: habitat 2005.

#14114 - House building site: construction is ready to begin.

#14115 - Foundation has been poured and construction is getting started.

#14116 - Walls are starting to go up.

#14122 - Framing shows double stud wall construction for thermal break.

#14124 - Framing shows double stud wall construction with thermal break and raised-heel truss attic construction to allow room for R-60 ceiling insulation.

#14125 - The house is taking shape as the walls go up. Overhangs are designed to block the high summer sun and allow low winter sun to enter the house for solar heat gain.

#14129 - The house is taking shape as the walls go up. Moisture barrier has been added. Siding is being installed along with solar tempering, orientation specific, low-e windows that are very energy efficient.

#14160 - This Habitat house now is looking like a home. Crews are installing the solar thermal collectors and PV panels on the roof to provide hot water and electricity for the house.

#14171 - Dan Arvizu, NREL's Director presents Amy Whalen and her sons with a plaque and key to their new home at the dedication ceremony.

#13052 - Dan Arvizu, NREL's Director, along Amy Whalen and her son's cut the ribbon to their new home.

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