daylight into several otherwise dark spaces including two second floor sleeping areas, a master bedroom closet, the entry foyer and main stair, the dining room, and kitchen. The energy system includes a 7.92 kWh photovoltaic collection system and Sunny Portal Web (data collection system), two 225foot geothermal wells, a three-ton geothermal ground source heat pump, Intellizone four-zone interactive system controller and an energy recovery system to harvest latent heat and provide fresh air for the circulation system. In addition, Energy Star equipment and appliances, LED/CFL lamping, dual flush toilets, and ultra low flow showerheads and faucets are also used throughout. To meet LEED Platinum certification and further reduce the environmental impact on the site an existing pool and apron and approximately 10 percent of the existing impervious coverage were also removed. Ninetyfive percent of all grasses were removed and replaced with drought tolerant plants and ground cover and roof gutters, down spouts, and site drainage were redesigned to redistribute storm water more evenly throughout the property.
LOCATION: Wyncote, PA CLIENT: Dr. Sidney Kahn ARCHITECTURE: John Hubert Architects In combination, the passive solar collector, the photovoltaic and geothermal systems, the improved thermal envelope, and the incorporation of water conservation strategies produces a high performance structure which significantly decreases its reliability on non-renewable energy sources and wasteful water consumption while creating a more integrated relationship between the building and landscape. After 12 months of operation, the system is producing more electricity than required and the projected rate of return on the investment (including rebates, tax credits, and depreciation) is projected to exceed the client’s original target.
BUILDER: John Hubert Associates ENERGY CONSULTANT: Energy Reconsidered Inc. LEED FOR HOMES CONSULTANT: Energy Coordination Agency of Philadelphia STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Tripi Engineering Services, LLC LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Michael Malofiy PHOTOGRAPHY: Joseph M Kitchen Photography, LLC context | SU2013 | 35