High Performance
- Affordable Cost
Questions and
Answers about the House Plans
- How were energy measures
selected?
We show
energy measures that, taken together, are the best value for
the consumer. We wanted high comfort and safety levels combined
with the lowest possible annual operating cost and construction
cost. To keep construction costs affordable, we wanted measures
that easily meet current codes and standards and are readily
understood by most builders. We select measures that return solid
savings to consumers.
What if my lot is different
from what you show? What if my lot has no solar access?
One of
the best features of high-performance housing is that it performs
well no matter where your building site is located. While south
solar orientation and access can provide 15 percent of the space
heat, overall performance isn't changed that much if solar access
isn't possible.
What happens if I want to change the floor plan?
This
plan is quite flexible in regard to floor plan with one caution:
we'd recommend leaving the mechanical room and ventilation system
ductwork where they are unless you are willing to get additional
technical support for this changed system design.
What about a different heating system?
Our plans
show all-electric heating systems consisting of electric radiant
cove heaters and an electric fireplace. Overall, the house performs
as a system. If any system changes are made, care must be taken
to ensure compatible choices are selected. Using gas, oil or
propane for space and water heating is possible, but only sealed
combustion heating units must be used with this type of construction.
We do not recommend using wood stoves or wood-burning fireplaces
to heat these homes.
What happens if I want
a wood-burning fireplace?
All of
our designs have electric fireplaces that are warm and inviting,
and can be operated by by remote control in addition to the thermostat.
If you prefer a gas-fired fireplace for some reason, one could
be used but only if it is of the SEALED COMBUSTION type. Any
other type of combustion device is inappropriate for these homes.
If you want to replace the home's heater with a sealed combustion
gas fireplace, choose a model that is designed as a space heater,
not a decorative appliance. This option adds both ambiance and
additional costs.
Will this work outside
the areas shown on the map?
We don't
recommend building homes from these plans outside the shaded
areas shown on the map in this brochure. The measures are selected
for climates with 7000 heating degree days or more, and other
measures will prove better values in other climate zones.
What do you recommend
for flooring?
We have
opted to show sheet vinyl and wood laminate as the flooring choice
with the best consumer value for larger families. These also
are a good value in the case of owner-builders and volunteer
labor.
What if your floorplans
are not what I want, but I want the energy-efficiency features?
The Network
only develops plans for affordable housing. However, many people
have used our plans to educate their local professionals before
starting on a larger design. For larger, more affluent housing,
check with your local housing professionals for assistance.
How will this house
rate in energy programs?
This
is a five-star home, with maximum energy savings.
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- Each Plan in the Cold Climate Series Includes:
- Site/Lot Layout
- Floor Plan
- Footing and Foundation Plan
& Details
- Floor Framing Plan
- Window and Door Schedule
& Details
- Complete Wall Section
- Room-by-room Finish Schedule
- Ceiling Blocking Plan
- Elevations (four sides)
- Kitchen Elevations, Large-scale
Kitchen Plan with Cabinet Layout and List
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- Heat Recovery Ventilation
System - Plenum Plan and Ductwork Layout
- Heat Recovery Ventilation
System - Whole House Cutaway View
- Heating, Ventilating and
Water Heating Appliances Information & Details
- Electrical Plan and Electrical
Equipment Schedule
- Step-by-step Construction
Sequence, with companion exploded diagram
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- The houseplans include 25 easy-to-handle
11x17 sheets of complete details. These plans are based on detailed
field research from the award-winning Montana Superinsulation
Project and on the previous experience of a critically acclaimed
and highly successful series of house plans for low-cost, high
performance homes.
These
earlier plans were referenced by Ned Nisson who wrote in The
Superinsulated Home Book, "Their houseplans are considered
the best available."
Do you have more questions
about our house plans? We'd be happy to answer them. Send e-mail
to info@nahn.com.
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- Would you like to order houseplans?
Visit our order form page.
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