Photovoltaic Systems

Archive for July, 2011

This is the Vancouver Airport Home, or the Hotchkiss Residence, located along the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington.  It was designed by Rick Berry of Scott Edwards Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand for retired couple in need of a single-level, one-bedroom abode.  The owners have lived on the site for 40 years and the existing structure was recycled prior to building this one.

The single-family home was sited to optimize a southern view towards the Columbia River.  A nine-foot, cantilevered overhang shades the interior and provides an outdoor refuge from the rain and other elements.  Floor to ceiling windows strengthen the view and outdoor connection.

To conserve resources, Vancouver Airport Home has a passive solar design, high efficiency windows, advanced framing and insulation, heat recovery ventilation, and efficient appliances and fixtures.  All wood and concrete was sourced locally.

The 2,000 square-foot structure includes advanced framing with 1″ of spray foam and 4.5″ of blown-in insulation, 6.3″ of Johns Manville rigid roof insulation, a light-colored TPO roof membrane, Cascadia fiberglass windows (operable at low and high openings), and a CMU chimney with insulation and a thermal break.

There are Energy Star appliances, energy-efficient lights, and low-flow toilets.  In addition to the HRV, the home has 90%-efficient electric hot water heating and 90%-efficient gas radiant floor heating.

Like several other Hammer & Hand projects we’ve seen, this one is contemporary yet warm and thoughtfully executed.  In case you’re wondering about the name, the “airport” reference comes from its proximity to the airport.

[+] More info on the Vancouver Airport Home.

Credits: Hammer & Hand.

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As it turns out, with near real-time feedback, most electricity consumers will take action to reduce energy usage, according to information released by CenterPoint Energy.  CenterPoint conducted a pilot program with 300 Texas customers using a simple in-home display (IHD) wirelessly connected to a smart meter.  Consumers used the IHD to obtain electricity usage data and a forecast of monthly usage and costs, spurring them to turn off lights, adjust the indoor temperature, and switch to energy-saving light bulbs.

More specifically, CenterPoint Energy found the following:

• 83% of pilot responders reported turning off unused lights
• 51% of pilot responders reported adjusting the temperature on their thermostat
• 93% of pilot responders were satisfied with their IHD
• 97% of pilot responders reported they will continue using the IHD

The Install ??

91% found that setting up the IHD was “easy” or “very easy.”

Improvement Actions ??

34% switched to better light bulbs; 15% installed a programmable thermostat.

Planned Actions ??

40% will purchase Energy Star appliances based on IHD feedback.

Going Forward ??

84% will “definitely” keep using the IHD.

[PDF] In-Home Display Pilot Results, July 26, 2011.

Credits: CenterPoint Energy. 

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Kraftplex and Wellboard are two wood-based products made by Well Ausstellungssystem Gmbh.  They’re intended for flat-panel applications, furniture design, and more, and they’re both made from 100% cellulose.  That means there is no formaldehyde added in adhesives or binders (although there is some naturally occurring formaldehyde in wood).  The difference between the two is that Kraftplex is a flat sheet of the material, and Wellboard comes in a few different corrugated profiles.

The panels are formed using heat and pressure to compress them in to finished form.  Wellboard and Kraftplex can be used for many applications that would otherwise use metal panels or plastic sheets, including wall panels, bar counter facing, and furniture and cabinetry.

You may recall another corrugated product, Corelam, which we wrote about recently. We’re not obsessed with corrugated materials, though we do find them appealing, and a prevalence of corrugated materials available for designers means we aren’t alone.

While Corelam emphasizes its strength, Wellboard is bendable enough that it can be used as a tambour for rolling-door cabinetry and for freestanding displays, using a clip to gather together the folds of corrugations to make a self-supporting standing partition.

Wellboard has also partnered with the company Okalux to develop a 3-D printing system that allows patterns to be printed on the corrugated material without distortion. Kraftplex is very well suited to being mold formed with 3-dimensional textures, similar to (or sometimes even better than) stamped metal. Both materials are also well suited for laser cutting, as well as more conventional fabrication with standard tools.

Wellboard and Kraftplex are produced in Germany and principally distributed in Europe. The material can be ordered from their online store. Wellboard pricing is roughly 30-45 Euros per square meter depending on the profile (about $4 to 6 per square foot). It may be possible to order for delivery to the US, although we haven’t thoroughly investigated that possibility.

[+] More info on Wellboard wavy composite board.
[+] More info on Kraftplex wooden sheeting.

Photo credits: well.de.

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Starting in August, Geberit will ship the first tank and carrier system designed to fit in a standard 2″ x 4″ wall.  The new innovation makes it easier to add a space-saving, wall-hung toilet to a renovation or new construction.  It supports up to 880 pounds and seats between 15″ and 19″ of height.

The new product fits where the 2×6 carrier is too big.  It has a dual-flush valve for 0.8 and 1.6 gpf.

John Fitzgerald, vice president of marketing for Geberit North America, said, “Since the introduction of the 2×4 model, we’ve received positive feedback from architects and designers who are using the in-wall carrier in more projects than ever before,” according to a recent press release.

The tank and carrier, model number 111.728.00.1, can be paired with the WaterSense-certified Toto Aquia, as well as several other wall-hung toilet models from Blu Bathworks, Duravit, Lacava, Laufen, Mirabelle, Neo-Metro, Porcher, Roca, and Villeroy & Boch.  It has an MSRP of $570.

[$] Concealed Toilet Carrier Frame with Dual-Flush Tank (Amazon – $456).

Credits: Geberit. 

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