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Mutual Housing at Spring Lake

    • Mutual Housing built this 62-unit multifamily affordable housing development near Sacramento, California, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
    • In addition to DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, the high-efficiency construction meets the requirements of the LEED for Homes Platinum, Build It Green, and Enterprise Green Communities programs.
    • Mutual Housing installed a variety of durable siding materials including fiber cement, stucco, and brick veneer over the energy-saving advanced framing with 2-by-6 walls.
    • Deep overhangs and entry porches, a radiant barrier in the attic, and advanced window technology coatings on the glass help to minimize solar heat gain in the apartments.
    • Solar electric panels were installed on the roofs of the apartment buildings, community buildings, and carports. The 209-kW DC solar electric system should offset 97% of the estimated annual electricity use saving each of the families at Spring Lake more than $900 per year.
    • ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators and dishwashers add to electricity and water savings in the apartments.
    • The energy used for lighting is reduced with high-efficiency linear fluorescent light fixtures in the kitchens and advanced solid-state lighting technology using LED bulbs in other fixtures. ENERGY STAR ceiling fans provide cooling through air movement to help reduce the need for air conditioning.
    • Water-saving plumbing fixtures reduce wasted water and energy used for hot water.
    • To minimize air leakage through electrical boxes, the boxes were either wrapped with fire-resistant "putty pads" (required at fire-rated walls) or wire penetrations were foamed and the boxes were caulked to the drywall.
    • A radiant barrier foil lining on the roof deck sheathing reflects heat to minimize attic solar heat gain while 18-inch-high raised heel trusses allow a full R-49 of blown cellulose insulation to be installed all the way to the roof edge of the townhomes.

      Mutual Housing at Spring Lake

      Project Address

      Sacramento, CA

      Conditioned Square Footage
      64,604 sqft
      Home Type
      Multifamily
      Climate Zone Temperature
      Hot
      Climate Zone Humidity
      Dry

      Without PV

      Average Monthly Energy Bill
      $10Average Monthly Energy Bill
      30 Year Savings
      $40,00030 Year Savings

      Mutual Housing California

      ZERO

      HIA Year
      HIA Status
      Winner
      HIA Category
      Housing Innovation Award

      Learn More

      Key Features

      Key Features
      Air-to-water heat pump All-electric home Heat pump water heater Photovoltaics Raised-heel trusses Hot Water Recirculation Pump

      Additional Details

      Additional Details
      Two 3-story apt. bldgs; Four 2-story bldgs 62 units

      Read the Case Study

      Testimonials

      Video Testimonial
      Home owner (or occupant) Testimony
      Before moving into Mutual Housing at Spring Lake, my family and I lived in a two-bedroom apartment …that had troubles… with heat, the plumbing, and battling with cockroaches. It was hard dealing with our children’s medical issues … and coming to an apartment that we dreaded living in. But things took a 180 when we moved into Mutual Housing at Spring Lake. We now live in a new four-bedroom apartment and we love it! The day we moved in, my 7-year-old son ran inside yelling 'I love my house, I love my house!' What was most important to me was that I had a decent home in order to handle the medical attention that my children need. But we got more than decent; we got perfection. Even though we have some struggles, at least now we are happy and proud to be living at Mutual Housing at Spring Lake.
      Testimony Citation
      Homeowner

      Additional Media

      Finished Elevations

        Finished Interiors

          Under Construction

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            Other Images

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              Floor Plan