The Design

Exterior shell eliminates ice dams, reduces rot and heat loss
A key feature of the Vermont Healthy Home is the exterior shell of the home, which is substantially different in concept from current standard construction practices. The shell has been designed to eliminate ice damming, moisture penetration of exterior walls leading to rot, and air movement through insulation leading to heat loss and potential frozen pipes. This has been accomplished by several design features:

  • Use of cellulose insulation.
  • Increased levels of insulation.
  • Elimination of "thermal bridging".
  • Effective ventilation of walls and roofs.

    Design optimized for your health
    To eliminate major sources of indoor air pollution in living spaces, and to optimize the indoor air quality and health of occupants, the Vermont Healthy Home addresses these key issues:

  • Materials selection to reduce toxicity.
  • Automatic heat recovery ventilation.
  • Hot water heating system.
  • Central vacuum system.

    Comfort in heating
    The heating system has been designed to provide optimum comfort, maintain energy savings, and minimal maintenance. The high levels of insulation reduce the demand for heat to a minimum and also mean that exterior walls are warmer and provide improved comfort. Glazing facing south and materials selected for heat retention on the inside maximize the use of passive solar heating, as well as providing sunny places in the home for comfort. The heating system includes the following features.

  • Passive solar heating
  • Radiant heat.
  • Highest efficiency heat source.
  • Active solar heating option.

    Smart systems
    Smart electrical and electronic systems are designed into the home. These include design and specification for energy efficient lighting and appliances, control, design for future improvements in the information revolution, and future photovoltaic systems. They include:

  • Energy efficient lighting.
  • High efficiency durable appliances.
  • Control and monitoring systems.
  • Future solar electric systems.
  • Adaptation for future electronic and information systems.

    Siting flexibility
    Flexible garage and breezeway components allow for an attractive entry and permit the Vermont Healthy Home to adapt to different sites.



    This arrangement of Vermont Healthy Home components accommodates a lot to the south or west of the road, with the view to the south.



    This is how Vermont Healthy Home would adapt to a narrow lot where the view is to the south but the site is to the east or north of the road.

    Interior layout
    The interior layout is oriented towards outdoor activity areas at the rear of the home. Large glass areas and French doors visually and functionally connect the inside of the Vermont Healthy Home to the environment outside. Most glass is designed to be oriented to the south so that this glass will also help to absorb solar energy. The kitchen and dining area are located to receive morning sunlight. The library option, if selected, is located to get afternoon sun. If south is on the entry side, the Vermont Healthy Home has been designed to allow for additional glass on the entry side, if desired by the owner. Because the house overall and the glazing in particular are so well insulated, the orientation is less critical for conserving energy than in typical homes. The interior spaces flow from living room to hall to dining room to kitchen. The transitions between spaces have been designed to provide separation of spaces, but with views and connections between spaces.

    Options and additions
    The Vermont Healthy Home allows you to build in phases. You will be supplied with plans for future additions or options, so you can decide when and how to modify your home without any additional information.



    This is the basic core of
    the Vermont Healthy Home.



    The next stage adds a garage
    and the breezeway.



    The third stage shows the optional library, screened porch, and greenhouse space. There are also optional dormers upstairs.


    Materials/Specifications
    All materials specified have been researched and assessed based on the criteria indicated below to balance differing concerns. There are no perfect materials. All material selections involve trade offs. The Vermont Healthy Home has been designed for the average person. For someone who is severely chemically sensitive, materials should be specified beyond those of the typical Vermont Healthy Home, to fit individual needs. The following are the criteria used in evaluating materials in the Vermont Healthy Home:

  • Durability.
  • Use of local resources.
  • Toxicity assessment.
  • Recycled and recyclable products.
  • Reduction in energy used to produce materials.
  • Cost.