DOE Tour of Zero: Dominica Way by Amaris Homes
Photos
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Amaris Homes built this 3,716-square-foot home in Apple Valley, Minnesota, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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To water the lawn, rainwater is collected in a 2,000-gallon underground cistern.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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The builder took advantage of the rear-facing slope with a daylight basement design that provides more living space on a smaller footprint.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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Careful site grading and downspouts direct storm water runoff away from the home.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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Covered porches and deep overhangs provide protection from summer heat gain and winter storms for this cold-climate home.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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All paints, coatings, and adhesives are certified as no- or low-VOC emitting.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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The home’s high-efficiency ENERGY STAR refrigerator and dishwasher and advanced technology LED lighting contribute to energy and water savings throughout the home.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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The vaulted ceilings are insulated with 2 inches of closed–cell spray foam plus blown cellulose for a thick blanket of thermal protection to help keep this loft space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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The high-efficiency comfort system includes a 98% efficient gas furnace and a high-efficiency air-source heat pump. A heat recovery ventilator provides fresh air to the home.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
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The concrete basement walls and floor are wrapped in a thermal blanket of R-10 rigid foam insulation.
Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes
"This is the first home I've lived in that hasn't cost me an arm and a leg to heat during the winter. … Our lives are healthier.”
"I've been living in the frosty Midwest for over 35 years, and this is the first home I've lived in that hasn't cost me an arm and a leg to heat during the winter. With our 12-kW rooftop PV system we generate far more electricity than we use. Our lives are healthier owing to the great effort the builders have gone to to eliminate or minimize harmful materials during construction."
-- Homeowner
