March 03, 2010 | Burlington, Vermont

 

South Farm Homes a “net zero” community, in Hinesburg, Vermont, received the Best of the Best Award at the Better Buildings by Design Conference sponsored by Efficiency Vermont for the third year in a row. This year the award was given for the 5th house to be built in the development, a super green home that has the potential to actually produce as much energy as it uses throughout the course of the year, and does not burn fossil fuel.

Some of the green features of the house include: Solar orientation for collecting passive solar heat, photovoltaic solar roof panels, ground water source heat pumps, super efficient exterior walls insulated with cellulose made from recycled newspaper, and triple glazed windows. The development also minimizes sprawl through cluster development, preserves working farm and forestland, and is connected to the local village via bike path.

The project is a collaboration between Rolf Kielman, AIA and Lee Grutchfield AIA of TruexCullins Architects in Burlington VT, and Reiss Building & Renovation in Hinesburg, Vermont.

TruexCullins is a Burlington based architecture and interior design firm providing clients with the expertise and creativity of five distinct design studios: education, workplace, home, resort and interiors for over 40 years.

Photo credit: Susan Teare