High Performance Victorian

This new home was built on a large, open rear lot affording great privacy and a natural setting.  The compact traditional, four-square design puts all rooms on corners with windows on two walls which fills every room with natural light.  South-facing informal living spaces are bright and light all day throughout the winter.  3rd floor features a large open room with interesting geometry from hip-roof and dormers on all four sides.  A detached garage protects against exhaust gasses from garage entering the house.

Special Features

  • Fire sprinkler protection throughout home
  • Pre-wired for audio, video, and security
  • Central vacuum
  • Open plan layout
  • Formal dining room and Butler’s pantry
  • En suite master bedroom
  • Interesting 3rd floor open space for home office or Rec room
  • Air-massage tub in master bath
  • Direct vent gas fireplace with built-in’s to either side
  • Finished basement room with windows and walk-out door
  • Wrap-around front and side porches

Green Building Approaches

  • Rear of house faces solar south to capture winter heat
  • Ground-mounted solar PV is future option
  • Pre-cast concrete stud foundation reduces use of concrete and thermal bridging
  • Foundation stud cavities insulated with cotton/denim batts
  • Structural insulated panel (SIP) wall framing with 5-1/2” expanded polystyrene insulation
  • SIP wall construction eliminates thermal bridging and is easy to air seal
  • 2×12 rafter framing insulated with spray foam
  • Energy Star rated double-glazed windows
  • Insulated fiberglass exterior doors with simulated wood finish
  • Fiber cement shingle siding installed over polypropylene drainage plane
  • Efficient, direct vent, condensing oil-fired boiler
  • Hydro-air, forced-air heating and split-system cooling
  • Electronic air filter
  • Energy recovery ventilation
  • Extensive engineered wood framing materials: I-joist floor framing and LVL beams
  • FSC certified hard maple flooring
  • Low-VOC kitchen cabinets
  • Low VOC interior paints
  • Composite exterior decking and trim

Certifications
  • Energy Star Certified
Awards
  • 2004 HOBI award for Best Energy Efficient/Green Home in Connecticut
Project Year
2003
HERS Score
91.2
Type of Home
Four-square Victorian
City
Redding
State
Connecticut
County
Fairfield
Project Size
3,489sf