PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Energy efficiencient home featuring solar hot water, superior insulation, HRV ventilation, photovoltaic panels and more—all on a budget.
COMPLETED: 2009
GRIFFIN RESIDENCE
A chance meeting in Los Bagels in Arcata with Michael and Sara Griffin led to Pacific Builders being selected to build the Griffins’ new home in Bayside. The Griffins were looking for a contractor that was willing to support their commitment to energy efficiency in design and in the features of their new home. This home was designed by Michael Griffin, with construction drawings prepared by Matt Grosjean of Northcoast Design.
FEATURES
The challenge in designing and building the home was to get maximum energy efficiency, while making decisions within the context of a pre-set budget for the construction. Working within that budget, the clients and Pacific Builders were able to install radiant heating that is supported by a solar hot water system installed by Ben Scurfield. The house also has significant insulation upgrades and is very weather tight. Recognizing that this weather tightness can affect indoor air quality, the Griffins elected to install an HRV air handling system that brings in fresh air without losing heat to the outside. The house also has photovoltaic panels installed on the metal roof and a sunroom that gathers passive solar energy to distribute into the house. The house finishes also demonstrate sensitivity to the effect house construction has on all environments, including the bamboo flooring (instead of a tropical hardwood, for example) a high efficiency wood burning stove and extensive compact fluorescent lighting.
