Low-Impact Luxury
GreenBuilder, June 2013
An energy consultant and a HERS Index certifier helped this custom home in New Canaan, Conn., achieve both luxury and efficiency.
NATE AND ETTA KANTOR wanted to live in a truly green home. To achieve their goals, the couple wanted to work with a contractor who shared their vision of green living and energy efficiency, their concern for the environment, and their rigorous attention to detail as they undertook major renovation to their 5,000-square-foot Adirondack style cabin. They turned to Chris and Mike Trolle of BPC Green Builders to build the home, which was designed by architect Jim Edgcomb.
RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index certifier Steven Winter Associates provided the energy modeling and consulted with the couple to help them narrow their viable options for the thermal envelope, HVAC and fixtures. Comprehensive inspections helped identify construction techniques that could be enhanced, and final testing using the HERS index confirmed the value of third-party oversight.
Reprinted with the permission.
