WonderWindow

AFFORDABLE NET ZERO NOW:

Innovations Double Whole Wall Thermal Resistance at Less First Cost in DIY Kit

DOE/LBNL IMPEL+ Innovator Mark Isaacs’ Net Zero Energy designs for a $46,000 280-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and $66,000 576-square-foot and $70,000 672-square-foot one-bedroom homes (with storage lofts and 10x14 screened-in porch) can be built by do-it-yourselfers and Habitat chapters. The budgets cover materials sourced mainly from local big box home stores and subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete placement and finishing.

The homes integrate Isaacs’ R7 and R9 patented WonderWindows with continuously insulated 24-inch on-center 2x4 framing that doubles whole wall thermal resistance at less cost. A case study shows $3,600 in savings on a 728-square-foot home compared to conventional 2x4,16-inch on-center walls and PVC-framed windows. The ADUs have R20 whole wall thermal resistance, R44 roofs and R10 slab perimeter.

Rooftop solar panels produce more energy than the homes consume, yielding affordable net-zero energy performance. LED lighting, on-demand water heating, SEER 21 heat pumps, sensor-controlled fans, induction cooktops, convection ovens and Energy Star appliances make for gracious, comfortable, energy-efficient living.

Structurally efficient wood framing, fiber-cement siding, cellulose insulation, wood cabinets and butcherblock countertops constitute most of the carbon sequestering construction, with low embodied energy content.

WonderWindows are made in a Makers Workshop paying living wages to disadvantaged youth hosted by the Bay St Louis, Mississippi Boys and Girls Club. New locations in California and cold-climate states are of particular interest. ‘Local’ manufacturing saves over 1,000 miles of long-haul truck delivery transportation for every home built.

ADU packages include construction drawings, materials take-offs, costs and item numbers.