Zero Cottage - Interior/Workshop

Built: 2013

This project is an investigation of compact, sustainable urban development and a contemporary approach to living and working. Contrary to the name, Zero Cottage actually generates net positive 30% more energy than it uses. At just 712 square feet of living space over a 430 square foot workshop, every inch of the structure has been optimized for flexibility and efficiency. A 3 kW photovoltaic solar array cantilevers off the narrow roof structure and serves as a rain screen for the exterior metal side stair below. The Passive House construction combines a robust combination of exterior wall membrane layering, including continuous exterior foam insulation and triple-glazed windows. Heat generated from day-to-day use (by people, appliances, and computers) warms fresh air ventilated into the home. Likewise, the tight building envelope minimizes exterior heat gain on warmer days. With a 92% efficient heat-recovery ventilating (HRV) system, and an air-change-per-hour rating of 0.5, the house does not need conventional heating.