Evolutionary Home Builders built this 4,798-square-foot home in River Forest, Illinois, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home is certified to ENERGY STAR and EPA’s Indoor airPLUS. It also meets the requirements of the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building certification, emerald level, and Passive House Institute U.S., but has not yet received these certifications.
A durable engineered wood siding covers the exterior of the ultra-efficient home. Proper site grading carries water away from the foundation, which is also protected by a liquid-applied waterproofing membrane and continuous thermal blanket composed of two 2-inch layers of XPS rigid foam on the exterior of the wall, under the slab, and between the slab and footing.
High-efficiency air source heat pumps (SEER 14.1, HSPF 9.6) provide heating and cooling to the first and second floors of the two-story home.
ENERGY STAR appliances and EPA WaterSense-rated fixtures provide energy and water savings.
An energy-efficient heat pump water heater provides domestic hot water.
A whole-house fresh air system consisting of an energy recovery ventilator continuously provides fresh, filtered air to bedrooms and living areas and exhausts air from the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry.
Ultra-efficient windows feature triple-glazing, an insulating argon gas between the panes, and an invisible metallic coating that lets in visible light while retaining heat during the winter.
The liquid-applied membrane weather resistant barrier also serves as a seamless window flashing.

The Adaptation Home

Geneva, IL

4,798 sqft

6 Beds

5.0 Baths

2 Floors Above Grade

Custom

Cold

Humid

Without PV

30HERS

$85Average Monthly Energy Bill

$700Annual Energy Cost Savings

$30,50030 Year Savings

Evolutionary Home Builders LLC

Profile

ZERO

2015

Winner

Housing Innovation Award

Learn More

Key Features

All-electric home Cold-climate heat pump Energy / Heat recovery ventilator Heat pump water heater High-performance wall with continuous insulation Triple-pane windows ACH 50 < 2.5 or CFM50/SF of enclosure ≤ 0.25 Hot Water Recirculation Pump

Additional Details

Basement

Read the Case Study

(PDF Download)

Testimonials

Home owner (or occupant) Testimony

We fell in love with River Forest because it’s so beautiful. But we wanted a home that would be smart and be energy efficient and blend in with the beautiful neighborhood. We wanted to take energy efficiency to the next level, and not only have a smart home, but also have a home that would be healthy, safe, and nontoxic for our children.

Testimony Citation

Homeowner

Additional Media

Finished Elevations

Finished Interiors

Under Construction

The liquid-applied membrane weather resistant barrier also serves as a seamless window flashing.

Other Images

A dropped ceiling of drywall was installed about one foot below the plywood that is installed under the roof rafters. This provides space for ducting and wiring without making extras holes in the ceiling plane that could leak heated air into the attic if not properly sealed.