As we inch closer to finalizing our Loveland project, we start to see the real character of the house shinning through in the interior details.
Take a look at some of the new additions.
From custom fabricated metal throughout the home, to the unique rustic vanities and stained Knotty Alder doors, everything is coming togethe and making this home a one-of-a-kind gem!!
When we think of solar installations, we generally think of those big black panels that dot the roofs of homes, buildings and sometimes the roadside. But what about windows?
When Robert Clarke from Alpen HPP LLC (our window supplier), called us up and asked if we would be interested in meeting the VP Sales Rep from Solaria about a new BIPV (Building-Integrative Photovoltaic) technology they were working on for residential homes, we said yes! Solaria has been talking with Alpen to produce highly efficient windows with a solar grid in them. Not only would you/potential customers be getting a high performance window, but also one that is going to generate energy for your home. The windows have already been installed in larger commercial buildings, one specifically in Japan, you can find the link to the article below. Currently their BIPV glass panels, used in conjunction with standard glass windows are taking the idea of being “green” and “sustainable” to a new level. The panels not only collect solar energy, they provide glare control, thermal performance and effective daylighting (Solaria).
The idea of combining solar windows on a home, while also getting the benefit of daylighting, thermal control and glare reduction desired in a window is exciting. The fact that these cells are unobtrusive to the view is a huge positive. We are looking forward to seeing how Solaria and Alpen continue to work out the details of making these panels for residential installations.
Here’s Jason, holding up the sample pane Scott Hoover brought over (the image has been edited to show the outline of the cells better. Had this image not been manipulated, you the reader would have thought Jason was just standing there with his arm up for fun-not something he is particularly known for)
Link to Solaria’s BIPV System in Japan: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY AND SOLARIA ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER ADVANCED BIPV SOLUTIONS TO THE ASIAN MARKET
Link to Alpen Windows: http://thinkalpen.com/
As 2015 wraps up we have been looking back on a year of innovative projects, great clients, and plenty of excitement at Harrington Construction. The past 12 months have been highlighted by remarkable performance results of newly occupied homes, and the opportunity to meet the challenge of new builds with their own demanding criteria. Here are few of the accomplishments that make us proud while creating expectation and momentum going into 2016.
In late 2014 we completed a Passive House build in Fort Collins. Since the day that the client moved in, we have eagerly anticipated real world feedback on energy consumption. Based on the energy modeling completed in the design of the home we knew it would perform well. After a year of use we got the numbers. Here is how the performance checked out:
Home: 2700 Square foot – Passive House
Total annual energy consumption: 3504 kwh (no on site energy generation)
Average Monthly Utility Cost: $29.96
Ultimately, the total energy consumption of the homeowner (Heating, cooking, computers, etc.) came in below the Passive House requirement for just heating and cooling. When compared to the Passive House requirement that does include total consumption the homeowner is 8x under the allowable usage.
The most unique build of our year was in Nederland, Colorado. The home draws design inspiration from the historic mining structures that are scattered throughout the mountains of Colorado. Dramatic height, large beetle kill timbers, and the Cor-Ten steel roofing are a few of the stand out features of the home. However, we shared the client’s desire that these details did not come at the expense of energy performance or comfort. We knew we had met that goal when we heard from the homeowner at the end of November. Simply put, the heat had not kicked on yet. Nederland sits at an elevation of 8200 feet. The fall is short and the winter is harsh. The strategic insulation, meticulous air sealing, and passive solar design is keeping their home warm, while the continuous Energy Recovery Ventilation system is keeping the air fresh.
Most everyone agrees that there is appeal to a home that costs little operate and sets a high standard for year round comfort. It is easy to assume that homes that can accomplish this kind of performance must come with an extreme cost premium. That is why we met the challenge of our project in Berthoud, Colorado with such enthusiasm. The home features triple glazed windows, a super insulated and air sealed wall assembly, and a fully ducted Energy Recovery Ventilation system. Finishes include solid slab granite counters, solid alder cabinets, and full tile shower surrounds. All of this performance and high level of finish was built for $124 per Square foot. We were thrilled to deliver a project at this price point.
2016 is set up to be an outstanding year at Harrington Construction. We are currently getting underway on multiple fantastic builds that feature architecturally driven designs with a commitment to energy performance. We are excited to continue to push ourselves to deliver custom homes that are truly at the pinnacle of Performance, Comfort, and Value.
Happy New Year from Quinn and the rest of the Harrington Construction Team.
I’ll post the link to our website, in the Contacts section you can find an email. If you are interested in building a home, or want more info, email us!
This site is still under construction (like most everything we do, haha) so be patient as more content is added!!
Eric and I went out to Fort Lupton Colorado today for USGBC Colorado’s tour of “Travelers Rest” a new home designed by Halcyon Design (Kelly Deitman) and built by Mainstream Corporation (Cody and Lisa Farmer.) It was everything a Passive House aspires to be. The home was energy efficient, well daylit, and comfortable. Interestingly, the homes design detoured from many Passive Houses designed to meet the strict criterion of PHIUS. Frankly, many Passive Houses often resemble giant cubes. Most of these homes surface areas are optimized to minimize heat loss through walls and the glazing’s are carefully designed for solar radiation. This home was different; it was a beautiful, well lit, and rustically styled Colorado ranch. I’m not sure anyone would suspect it was a Passiv Haus. The only sense one would have of this, is it’s extreme quiet that lends itself to prairie solitude and the high level of comfort that comes from the homes lack of drafts.
While we are wrapping up our first home that meets the Passive House model, I left “Travelers Rest” feeling uplifted and excited to be part of a new construction era. One where we have a high level of respect for our limited resources and the sense of excitement from seeing beautiful craftsmanship.
J.
Hello from Fort Collins, CO and welcome to our blog! We write about Passive House construction, our area of focus. We are taking a sustainable and regenerative approach to home building, and hoping to influence the residential construction world to rethink building practices and start considering our natural environment in all steps of the building process. We hope you will follow along with us on this exciting journey!
Harrington Construction LLC 