Blower Door Test

As the project is completed, the home undergoes various tests including the blower door test. This procedure measures the amount of air infiltration (or exfiltration) by volume at a given pressure over a period of time. This data is fed into computer programs that help extrapolate the home's overall performance. This test is part of the LEED program's verification process whose purpose is to ensure energy saving measures have been successfully implemented.

Landscaping

The landscaping package has been installed. Designed by landscape architect Janie Cantin, the plan takes into consideration native, drought tolerant plants and the local and regional climate as well as the micro-climates around the home. This creates sustainable landscaping that requires less irrigation and contributes to LEED points.

Driveway Installation

Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical trim outs are being finalized in the house. Meanwhile, the driveway is excavated and layers of gravel and sand have been compacted to accept the open grid pavers. Open pavers provide a way for water to penetrate what would normally be a solid impermeable surface. This allows more stormwater to infiltrate on site and also reduces the heat island effect, both contributing to LEED points.

Begining Cabinetry Installation

Base and top cabinets have been installed in kitchen and countertops are being templated. The flat maple panel cabinets have been finished with a water based material. This vastly reduces VOC emission in the home.

Interior Paint

Interior paint has been applied. The paint material conforms to LEED definition of low VOC material. This makes a safer work environment and a healthier house to live in.

Tile Installation

Ceramic tile is being installed in bathrooms, foyer, and laundry area. Installing materials that are water resistant in wet locations contributes to one LEED point.

Interior Trim

Interior trim is being installed.

Drywall Is Hung and Finished

Drywall has been hung and finished with a smooth texture.

Spray-In Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation has been sprayed in the wall cavities and along the roof line.  This completes the thermal barrier and fills cracks and gaps completely.  The cellulose material is made from recycled newsprint and other recycled fibers.

Mid-Construction Site Tour

GreenBuildIt held a site tour with the title "Affordable Meets Green".  We showcased the green elements of the home as well as the design process and the LEED-H rating system.  The event was catered by the Boot Restaurant and was attended by well over 100 interested people.

Spray Foam Insulation

A two part urethane foam has been sprayed at key locations to add thermal protection and to seal the envelope.  The application has been made to the wood "band" in the crawl space and the "band" between the first and second floors.  Also, the under side of the roof and all of the soffit areas have been sprayed to completely seal off all air leakage to the outside.

HVAC Rough In

A 16 SEER variable speed split system elecrtic heat pump has been installed.  This is a high efficiency system whose controls monitor outside air temperature and bring in free heating or cooling when possible.  The mechanical ventilation is also necessary to bring fresh air into the ultra-tight building envelope.

Electrical Rough In

The 200 amp electrical system has been installed and all circuits wired.  We have also installed conduit that links the attic space to the crawl space and then to the main electrical panel.  This will allow photovoltaic cells and/or solar hot water systems to be installed on the roof at a later date with little disruption.  The house is in essence "solar ready" and can accept technologies that may become more affordable in the future.

Plumbing Rough In

A manifold plumbing system has been installed.  All hot water supply lines have been completely insulated.

Signage Installed

Siding is complete and signage has been installed.

Windows, Doors, Roof and Siding

The roof, windows, and doors have been installed and the siding is going up.  The roof color is as light as possible to reduce the home's heat island effect.  The windows and doors incorporate Low-E glass and argon gas to increase envelope performance.  The detail picture shows flexible DuPont flashing membrane installed to avoid seaming at corners.

Roof Framing

The roof has been framed and sheathed.  The final miscellaneous framing items are being completed.

Second Floor Framing

The walls on the second floor have been framed.

Second Floor Sheathing

The deck of the second floor has been sheathed as well as the exterior walls of the first floor.  The bottom plates of the second floor walls have been installed.  Don Porter (GreenBuildIt team member) inspects the work.

Framing/Insulation Efficiencies

Two stud corners are used to minimize material use and to enable insulation to reach more surface area of the exterior wall.

First Floor Framing

Walls are being erected on the first floor.  All home dimensions are increments of 4' so that material waste and framing labor are be minimized.  The framing crew decreed that this is the least material waste that they have ever seen on a project.

Foundation Envelope Sealing

As the foundation framing members are assembled, all joints and connections are caulked to prevent air leakage.

Foundation Framing

The "box" is constructed of continuous TJI beams @ 24" on center.  This design facet has made assembly a breeze.  After days of rain we have completed the "box" and passed inspection.  We are now ready to lay the subfloor and begin framing the walls.

Foundation Waterproofing

The exterior of the block foundation wall is waterproofed with a white coating.  This is required when constructing a home with a conditioned crawl space.

Foundation Insulation

Thermax insulation board has been installed on the inside of the block foundation.  The board is a rigid foam that has reflective aluminum on both sides.   The block for the foundation is being completed and backfilled.

Utility Excavation

The trench for the water supply main and sanitary main has been excavated.  Many layers of the previous fire-damaged house can be seen including old utilities and foundation elements.

Continuous CMU Foundation

The CMU foundation is almost complete.  Notice that there are no vents because this will be a conditioned crawl space.

Site Stewardship

"No Disturbance" zones installed around existing trees to prevent damage and soil compaction.

Footing Excavation

Footings have been excavated and grading stakes installed.  Nick Shawyer (project designer and GreenBuildIt team member) inspects the work.

Surveyor Stakes Foundation

Snow!  The site is marked for digging the footings.

Site Preparation

Erosion control measures and temporary power are installed.

Existing Site

The existing site has 75' of street frontage and is 100' deep.  There was an existing house here that was destroyed by a fire.

Building Permit

We have finalized plans and pulled the building permit.  Mobilization and site construction/preparation is begining.  Here is a copy of the floor plan.

Project Design

Collaboration between GreenBuildIt team members and sub contractors has been occurring for months.  Here is a picture from a design charrette held at The Boot restaurant in Norfolk's Ghent area.