E2 Homes: The New American Remodel 2021
Published Monday, February 1, 2021
ABOUT THE PROJECT
- Project Type: Single-Family New Construction
- Unit Size: 5,474 sq.ft.
- Location: Winter Park, FL
- Certification: NGBS Green Certification – Emerald Level (Jan 2021)
- Additional Certifications Earned: NGBS Green +NET ZERO ENERGY & +WELLNESS
- Website: The New American Remodel
Download Full Case Study as PDF
VERIFIER VOICE
"Having been the sustainability consultant and green verifier for The New American Remodel projects for many years, I appreciate how showcase homes like this provide an opportunity for all trades within the building process to see and experience the many different cutting-edge products and green building techniques available today. This annual project, in particular, exemplifies how important it is for a renovation home to be tested and certified, and what a profound difference it can make to the home's efficiency."
- Drew Smith, Two Trails, NGBS Green MASTER Verifier Green Master Verifier
Overview
The New American Remodel (TNAR) 2021 is among the first single-family homes to achieve NGBS Green Certification under the 2020 version of the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). It was also among the first to earn the NGBS Green+ NET ZERO ENERGY and WELLNESS badges.
Originally built in 1973, this home draws lineage from famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Through the renovation project, the team sought to address structural challenges and improve efficiency, while maintaining the home’s structural integrity, enhancing the lake views, and opening up the floor plan.
At the start of the project, the home was performing poorly in its energy use, with a HERS Index value of 147 – 47% less efficient than the average new code-built home. Post-renovation, the home has an enhanced building envelope and a rooftop solar array, enabling it to generate more energy than it is designed to use.
Features like low-flow plumbing fixtures, on-demand hot water recirculation, and drought-tolerant landscaping support water conservation, as well as reduce energy use for water heating.
The home also includes many features that support health and well-being. It is located near many local Orlando amenities, making it well situated for walkability.
Green Features/Practices
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
- With 13 kilowatt photovoltaic solar array, home is designed to produce more energy than it consumes
- Tight building envelope (constructed using AeroBarrier) boosts air leakage at 2.47 ACH; minimizes incoming contaminant and supports energy efficiency
- Exterior masonry walls are insulated using reflective open-cell wall insulation
- Windows with low-e coating limit solar heat gain and optimizes air tightness
- Efficient ground-source heat pump
- 100% LED lighting
Water Efficiency:
- Achieved a 58% reduction in water usage through the installation of high efficiency plumbing fixtures
Health & Wellness:
- Walkable community near resources, retail, and restaurants reduces auto dependence and carbon emissions
- Low-VOC and other low-emission finishes
- Whole-building mechanical ventilation with capability to maintain relative humidity
A BETTER PLACE TO CALL HOME
"An NGBS Green Certified Home offers numerous advantages for homeowners, including energy savings, improved air quality, durability, etc… but my favorite is definitely the independent and rigorous testing procedures required to achieve certification. E2 Homes is proud to participate and certify its homes through the NGBS Green program."
- Rob Smith, Owner, E2 Homes
About E2 Homes
E2 Homes is a modern, forward-thinking custom builder. The award-winning firm has a diverse team that specializes in distinguished residential and commercial construction, remodeling, and green building. The firm's work has been featured in TecHome Builder, Orlando Home & Garden, Fine Homebuilding, Winter Park Magazine, and Dwell.