Green Extreme Homes, in partnership with Carl Franklin Homes, provided a gut-rehab to this 1953 suburban home in Garland, Texas. This became the nation's first renovated home certified to the U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program.
The 60-year-old home outperforms most brand new homes, achieving a Home Energy Rating System score of 59, well below the typical new home HERS score of 100, along with $6,000 per year of expected annual energy cost savings compared to a new home built to the 2009 energy code.
Professionally installed, high-efficiency windows contribute significant energy savings.
Original hardwood oak flooring was one of the few things retained from the interior of the existing home.
An army of volunteers worked with Carl Franklin Homes and Green Extreme to renovate the 1,270-square-foot home, which went to a disabled veteran.
A balanced fresh air system provides filtered fresh air throughout the home. The outgoing exhaust air, and incoming fresh air, exchange heat for energy savings and improved comfort.
The original hardwood oak flooring was one of the few things retained from the interior of the renovated home.
An ultra-efficient enclosure is created by installing R-39 closed-cell spray foam at the ceiling and under the floor (5.5 inches), and R-22 closed-cell foam inside the existing wall framing (3.5 inches). This thermal blanket contributes to enhanced quiet and comfort as well as a whole-house draft barrier.
All of the appliances and plumbing are replaced with water-saving fixtures and high-efficiency appliances, including an ENERGY STAR-labeled clothes washer, dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
After gutting the walls, a sprayer applies sealant to large cracks and seams and then fills the 2-by-4 walls with spray foam.

First DOE Zero Energy Ready Retrofit

Lewisville, TX

1,270 sqft

3 Beds

1.0 Bath

1 Floor Above Grade

Affordable

Hot

Humid

With PV

59HERS (PV)

$40Average Monthly Energy Bill (PV)

$600Annual Energy Cost Savings (PV)

$25,00030 Year Savings (PV)

Carl Franklin Homes, L.C.

Profile | Website

ZERO

2014

Winner

Housing Innovation Award

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Key Features

All-electric home Energy / Heat recovery ventilator

Read the Case Study

(PDF Download)

Testimonials

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Home owner (or occupant) Testimony

It’s amazing. I’ve seen it from day 1. I couldn’t even imagine what they were going to do to this home. When I got into it, it blew me away. I still cry for joy. It’s like a dream come true. I can’t wait to see the energy I’m going to save on this home knowing the way it’s been redone.

Testimony Citation

Homeowner Bonnie

Additional Media

Finished Elevations

Finished Interiors

Under Construction

An army of volunteers worked with Carl Franklin Homes and Green Extreme to renovate the 1,270-square-foot home, which went to a disabled veteran.
The original hardwood oak flooring was one of the few things retained from the interior of the renovated home.
An ultra-efficient enclosure is created by installing R-39 closed-cell spray foam at the ceiling and under the floor (5.5 inches), and R-22 closed-cell foam inside the existing wall framing (3.5 inches). This thermal blanket contributes to enhanced quiet and comfort as well as a whole-house draft barrier.
After gutting the walls, a sprayer applies sealant to large cracks and seams and then fills the 2-by-4 walls with spray foam.

Other Images

A balanced fresh air system provides filtered fresh air throughout the home. The outgoing exhaust air, and incoming fresh air, exchange heat for energy savings and improved comfort.
All of the appliances and plumbing are replaced with water-saving fixtures and high-efficiency appliances, including an ENERGY STAR-labeled clothes washer, dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
Additional project photo