I think the idea of the Pretty Good House, or PGH is to have a general list to use as a guide while making the design and build choices that every project has to make. It is a higher bar to set for the every day builder that does not require certification.
Here is a basic list of things for a Pretty Good House. These are based on two Building Science Discussion Groups for homes in Maine and posts from Mike Maines blog on GBA. (and I am sure I have missed some things)
These are things we talk about everyday with people who visit our showroom.
Let us know what you think!
General:
Use locally sourced materials and labor
Use local suppliers 🙂
Commission and test performance after completion
Supply an Owners Manual for the house
Make things durable
Reduce construction waste and recycle materials
Use materials that have low embodied energy
Site Considerations:
Use an in-fill site if possible
Face the sun in an appropriate way for your location
Plan for food cultivation in a home garden
Design:
Keep the conditioned living space relatively small per occupant (maybe 600 s.f. for the first and 300-400 s.f. per additional occupant)
Keep the structure less complex
Design around mechanicals (plan for duct work, keep plumbing runs short)
Build around a service core for plumbing, wiring and ductwork
Use an Energy Model
Design should be Performance based (how about a design load of less than 12 btu’s per s.f.)
Foundations:
If basement – R-10-20 below slab, R-20+ walls
If slab only – use appropriate insulation levels and techniques (R-40 below, R-50 perimeter)
Air-Seal perimeter
Building Envelope:
Walls – R-40 with thermal break
Ceiling – R-60 with thermal break
Airtight – 1.5 ACH 50 or better (air seal)
Aim for whole wall system values (IECC 2012 Code)
NO fiberglass insulation
Air-seal electrical outlets in exterior walls (or avoid them altogether)
Avoid recessed light cans in ceiling (or at least air-seal them)
Use a rain screen wall detail
Windows:
Whole window U-value below .20
High solar heat (SHGC) on south windows (.55 or better)
Use fewer operable windows
Air-seal around all rough openings
Mechanicals:
Avoid using fossil fuels
Use HRV or ERV with programmable controls
Use the right type of heating system for the design load
Install active solar hot water and / or electric or (solar ready at least)
Insulate hot water pipes
Use low-flow fixtures
Interior Finishes:
Use non-formaldehyde plywoods, glues and products
Use low or No VOC finishes and paints
Use Non-Toxic materials
Focus on Indoor Air Quality!