Skip to main content
    • PepperTree Homes built this 3,750-square-foot home in Waitsfield, Vermont, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
    • The home's triple-pane windows have special low-emissivity coatings on three layers to help block heat transmission, keeping heat out of the house on sunny summer days and in on winter days.
    • The home is lit using advanced technology LED lighting for increased energy savings.
    • For increased energy savings, the home has an ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator, dishwasher, and clothes washer.
    • This home uses low- or no-VOC paints and finishes, which contributes to healthier indoor air quality.
    • For increased water savings, all of the home's water fixtures and faucets are low-flow.
    • Two heat recovery ventilators provide fresh, filtered air throughout the home. The HRVs incorporate heat exchangers that transfer heat from the warmer air stream to the cooler air stream, helping to keep warmth in the home in the winter and out of the home in the summer.
    • This home's finished, conditioned basement provides extra living and storage space for the homeowners.
    • The home's hot water is provided by a solar hot water system. If the solar water heater cannot keep up with the home's hot water needs, hot water is provided using a tankless hot water heater fueled by propane.
    • Additional project photo

      The Pepper Tree Company dba Pepper Tree Homes

      Mad River Glen House

      Project Address

      Fayston, VT

      Conditioned Square Footage
      3,750 sqft
      Number of Bedrooms
      4 Beds
      Number of Bathrooms
      5.0 Baths
      Number of Floors Above Grade
      1 Floor Above Grade
      Home Type
      Custom
      Climate Zone Temperature
      Cold
      Climate Zone Humidity
      Humid

      With PV

      HERS Index with PV
      41HERS (PV)
      Average Monthly Energy Bill PV
      $60Average Monthly Energy Bill (PV)
      Annual Energy Cost Savings with PV
      $4,000Annual Energy Cost Savings (PV)
      30 Year Savings with PV
      $175,00030 Year Savings (PV)

      ZERO

      HIA Year
      HIA Status
      Winner
      HIA Category
      Housing Innovation Award

      Learn More

      Key Features

      Key Features
      All-electric home Energy / Heat recovery ventilator Electric Vehicle Charger Installed or Wired for Charger Insulated concrete form (ICF) walls and/or foundation Structural insulated panel (SIP) walls or walls and roof Triple-pane windows Unvented insulated attic ACH 50 < 2.5 or CFM50/SF of enclosure ≤ 0.25

      Additional Details

      Additional Details
      Basement

      Read the Case Study

      See the Poster

      Testimonials

      Video Testimonial
      Home owner (or occupant) Testimony
      I simply show people what is possible, and let my customers make the responsible decisions. He [the homeowner] always selected the most cutting-edge option, bringing this house to a level probably never seen before. With almost 83% of the total annual heat requirement coming from passive solar gains, and most of the remainder being supplied by the solar hot water system ... this is a true zero-energy home, with an annual energy cost of -$51.
      Testimony Citation
      Ted Clifton, designer, Zero Energy Home Plans

      Additional Media

      Finished Interiors

        Other Images

        •

          Floor Plan

            Download Home as PDF