14 Mar 4 pre-fab, net-zero energy tiny(ish) homes from New England
If you’re looking to build a new home and want something small & energy efficient, you should look into a pre-fab, net-zero energy structure. It’s possible to use one as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or your primary home.
Let’s start with some basic terms:
Pre-fab is short for pre-fabricated which means that building pieces are made in a factory and then delivered. They are then put together at the building site.
A net-zero structure refers to a building in which the total amount of energy consumed by the structure is equal to or less than the amount of renewable energy generated on-site over a year. Ideally, the energy is created by sources that are naturally replenished, such as wind, rain, or solar. A net-zero building is one that consumes as little energy as possible while still providing all necessary services to its clients. Bonus, a net-zero building can also sell extra power and buy more electricity during peak demand periods. However, over the course of an entire year, this building will be net-zero because it cleanly produces as much energy as it consumes.
With that covered, we can talk about the different builders.
The builders listed here combine the benefits of net-zero construction with the price savings that come from economies of scale by pre-fabrication. The result is the ability to add a small, extremely energy-efficient home to your property for around the same cost as having it ‘stick built’ on-site. And with the long-term benefits of zero-energy, you could see gains in just a few years.
In no particular order, here’s four pre-fab, zero-energy builders in the Northeast:
Wilder, Vermont
Vermod designs and builds affordable, zero-energy modular homes that meet the highest standards of durability, energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality—with over 75 zero-energy modular homes around Vermont to date! Partnering with Efficiency Vermont’s Zero Energy Modular (ZEM) Program, they provide affordable housing for low- and moderate-income Vermonters with a special focus on replacing mobile/manufactured homes with ZEM. All their homes are built to suit the homebuyer’s budget and aesthetic preferences with basic pricing that includes a standard plan, mechanical & appliance package, and standard finishes. Additional costs are variable and based on customization. Their smallest design, Wally, is a one-level 560 sq ft. plan with 1 BR & 1 BA.
Belfast, Maine
Influenced by the coast and rural uplands of Maine, GO Logic’s work reflects those gifts and challenges: a rich natural environment, an austerely beautiful regional architecture, and the rigors of a northern climate. Influenced by European attitudes toward efficiency and durability, they strive for buildings that are at home in their geographical and cultural context. Every building exists in relationship with its neighbors and the environment. Their baseline for every project is the Passive House standard of energy performance and indoor air quality. They embrace that constraint—just as they embrace site, program, and budget—using it to inform and enrich their architecture. Their smallest design is a one-level 586 sq ft plan with 1 BR & 1 BA, plus a covered deck.
Portland, Maine
Through pre-fabrication, BrightBuilt® can help those who care about a well-designed home that provides durability, health, sustainability, performance, and beauty—as well as an easier path to ownership. In the few years since inception, they have provided excellent buildings to many aspiring homeowners who dared to dream with a mission of “Beautiful Sustainable Attainable”. Their smallest design, Side Kick Mini, is a one-level 420 sq ft plan with 1 BR & 1 BA.
Searsmont, Maine
Ecocor is dedicated to the construction of environmentally responsible Passive Houses (the highest standard of energy efficiency for a home). They believe that quality does not have to be a victim of cost, and that sustainability is no longer simply an option. Energy-efficient, comfortable, beautiful, quiet, and remarkably durable, these homes are truly among the best homes you could choose to build. Ecocor was created to help other people battling with the commonly perceived expense and complexity of Passive House construction. All of their construction details are certified Passive House components, certified through the Passive House Institute in Darmstsdt, Germany. Their foundation, wall, and roof designs—as well as all structural details—are currently patent pending under (DRH File No.: 9036.2.P01PCT01). They are working on an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design in two different sizes, the Ecocor Optima.
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