The Net-Zero Studio was a 2 year project for interdisciplinary Weber State University (WSU) students to design and construct a 498 square foot craftsman, open loft, home that features; kitchen, dining, living, bedroom, and bathroom spaces. The project utilizes "Sustainability Through Size" and green building techniques to promote sustainability and green building. Students from Architectural Design Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Construction Management, and Interior Design partnered to research, design, and construct the project using the latest green building methods and materials. Students implemented best practices from green building certifications such as LEED For Homes, National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, Resnet (HERS), and Passive House Standards into the tiny studio.
The main goal of the project was to create a living laboratory for ongoing energy analysis and research for WSU students and the community. Students will be able to use the studio as a case study to analyze best practices in the green building movement. Future plans include a a full bathroom with a recycling shower, composting toilet, stack-able washer/dryer, solar array to offset 100% of the electrical usage as well as a rainwater collection system to irrigate a nearby garden along with a grey water recycling system.
The secondary goal was to show that the techniques incorporated are doable for the everyday homeowner. We wanted to show that it is affordable and there is opportunity to use re-purposed materials. The budget for the entire project was $25,000 and although it was slightly over budget, we are very pleased that we were able to implement the three "R's" of sustainability; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We successfully Reduced the impact on the site and environment by using locally sourced green materials, we Reused 70-75% of the shed that was previously on the site along with using cabinetry and the exterior door that was donated by the local Habitat for Humanity Restore, and we Recycled 95% of all construction waste. The primary home used all burnable wood waste to heat their home over the winter it was under construction and all remaining waste was able to be managed with the city provided can for the primary home on site.
The main goal of the project was to create a living laboratory for ongoing energy analysis and research for WSU students and the community. Students will be able to use the studio as a case study to analyze best practices in the green building movement. Future plans include a a full bathroom with a recycling shower, composting toilet, stack-able washer/dryer, solar array to offset 100% of the electrical usage as well as a rainwater collection system to irrigate a nearby garden along with a grey water recycling system.
The secondary goal was to show that the techniques incorporated are doable for the everyday homeowner. We wanted to show that it is affordable and there is opportunity to use re-purposed materials. The budget for the entire project was $25,000 and although it was slightly over budget, we are very pleased that we were able to implement the three "R's" of sustainability; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We successfully Reduced the impact on the site and environment by using locally sourced green materials, we Reused 70-75% of the shed that was previously on the site along with using cabinetry and the exterior door that was donated by the local Habitat for Humanity Restore, and we Recycled 95% of all construction waste. The primary home used all burnable wood waste to heat their home over the winter it was under construction and all remaining waste was able to be managed with the city provided can for the primary home on site.