Custom Builder: Getting to Net Zero

The November 2018 issue of Custom Builder Magazine features homes that meet Passive House standards that require less investment in solar to achieve net zero. The new home of builder Carl Christianson and his wife, Julie, had to satisfy a host of requirements. It had to be big enough for a family of five but highly efficient in its use of space; provide for main-floor living that would allow Carl and Julie to age in place; be a certified Passive House; and act as a marketing tool for Carl’s business, G. Christianson Construction, of Corvallis, Ore.

“We wanted to demonstrate the advantages of Passive House design to our community and other builders,” Christianson says.

12″ thick walls, enhanced with a 2” layer of sustainable cork insulation, exceptionally efficient windows and doors from Zola Windows, PV panels, heat pump water heater, Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, highest efficiency HRV system, and loads of natural daylighting keep the home’s annual energy bills to $0.0.

Zola Thermo uPVC is one of the highest performing window options for value-oriented projects including economical passive house and net zero projects, as well as large multi-family developments.

Click on the cover below to read the entire article, and view the Zola Windows’ installed throughout the home.

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