Mount Pleasant Net Zero Energy Demonstration Home
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Founded in 1990, the Tri-County Housing Development Corporation arose out of a need for affordable housing and redevelopment for moderate to low income residents of South Central Pennsylvania. The nonprofit organization embarked on a project in 2007 to transform abandoned and blighted South Allison Hill area properties into high quality, affordable homes. Mount Pleasant Homes, currently in the second phase of construction, are set to aid the revitalization of an otherwise neglected Harrisburg neighborhood.
Tri-County collaborated with 7group to develop a Net Zero Energy demonstration home as part of the 25 energy efficient home community in Mount Pleasant, which will serve as an example for communities everywhere. 7group facilitated design charrettes with the project team, assessed site issues and consulted on integrative design strategies. To achieve the net zero energy goals for the home, 7group also consulted with the project team on energy strategies and developed the project’s energy model.
The two-story, three bedroom home is designed to meet LEED standards and employs numerous energy efficiency plans starting with maximum rated wall and ceiling insulation, and energy efficient casement windows to create a strong thermal envelope. A key part of the design was to incorporate passive solar heating and cooling strategies, utilizing the building’s north-south orientation and retractable awnings on windows to regulate sunlight. Geothermal heat pumps and a 5.2 kW photovoltaic array reduce and offset the home’s electric consumption, which was designed to be a net zero energy house. At the ribbon cutting ceremony for the first of the energy efficient Mount Pleasant Homes, including this Net Zero Energy demonstration home, Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed stated “Today we dedicate not just a new home in the City but a new type of home that dramatically cuts the cost of homeownership and becomes a model to be replicated everywhere.”
The Mount Pleasant Homes are made available to families living at or below 115% of the area’s median income as part of Tri-County HDC’s mission to revitalize Harrisburg neighborhoods both economically and socially.
With an open floor plan and an overlooking second floor balcony, the project team utilized the southern side daylight exposure to create a two story sun space in the living area.
Energy Star appliances, energy efficient compact light fixtures and a programmable thermostat were installed to further reduce occupant energy consumption.
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Location
Harrisburg, PA, USA
Project Owner
Tri-County HDC, Ltd.
Architect
Timothy Allen
Building Size
1,675 sf
Completed
October 2009
Cost
$180,000
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