A net zero modern farmhouse

- 10KW Photovoltaic System

- Super-Insulated building envelope

- Airtight Construction

- High Efficiency Geothermal heating and cooling system

- Extensive use of reclaimed materials

A classic coastal gambrel

- Net Zero (HERS Rating -2)

- Super insulated building envelope

- 12KW Photovoltaic system

- Variable Speed geothermal HVAC.

- Extensive reuse of materials from the existing home built in 1952

This home started its life as a one story ranch built in 1952, and through thoughtful design by the project architect, Joseph Bergin, it was transformed into a classic coastal gambrel. The home owners sought a design that would fit in with its coastal setting, but also wanted the latest in energy efficient construction. Behind its cedar shingles and swooping eaves, you would never know that they were covering a super-insulated building envelope. That super insulated, air-tight building envelope coupled with a 12KW Photovoltaic system and geothermal heating and cooling system allowed this home to achieve Net Zero Energy Use, with a final HERS rating of -2. Besides its energy efficient features, this home also made extensive use of materials from the existing home which include the original foundation, front patio, garage masonry walls, fireplace, and beautiful eyebrow window. This home is a perfect example of blending old with new and bringing it to the forefront of energy efficiency.

Energy efficient modern prairie home

- HERS Rating: TBD

- PV System: 13.4 KW

- Geothermal heating/ cooling system

- Super-insulated building envelope

- Triple pane windows

These clients came to Lehto Design/ Build with a house they had designed by local Hartford architect James Vance and Associates. Lehto Design/ Build was able to work hand and hand with him on certain different details to not only maximize the homes efficiency, but to also improve its buildabilty. The clients were very interested in reducing their carbon footprint, and desired to build their home to attain net zero energy use. They have always been interested in energy efficiency having installed a geothermal heating and cooling system as well as solar thermal hot water system on the current house. However, starting from a clean slate they wanted to go one step further and implement the latest in energy efficient building practices to build a home that achieved net zero energy use.

A shingle style home with a view

- 10KW PV System

- Super-insulated building envelope

- Airtight construction details

- Triple pane windows

- Solar thermal space heating and domestic hot water

This shingle style home sits high on top of a hill with south easterly views extending for miles into Rhode Island. The goal for this project was to build a home that had virtually no compromises when it came to the owners desired architectural elements, which include vaulted ceilings, a wide open floor plan, and large windows to take in the view. While they weren’t willing to compromise on their desired architectural elements, they also didn’t want to make any compromises when it came to the homes efficiency. By incorporating a super insulated building shell, air tight construction details, efficient mechanicals, and a modestly sized PV system, we are projecting that this home will meet net zero energy use when its complete.

A craftsman home on the family farm

- HERS Rating: 0

- 8.5kw PV system

- Airtight construction details: (.38ACH50)

- Energy Recovery Ventilation system

- Custom built great room beams with locally sourced material

Built on the family farm that has been in the family for generations, the clients wanted to build something that was truly special. Not only did the house have to be beautiful, but it was essential that the home be efficient. The clients loved a design by Brian Echolz of I Design Group. After reviewing the plans, the team at Lehto Design/ Build was able to modify them to incorporate the homes 12” thick super-insulated walls. We also did made some minor changes to the homes surface to volume ratio and its solar orientation. The designer incorporated our suggestions to create a home that was not only efficient, but also aesthetically pleasing and cost effective.

A classic cape with a modern twist

- HERS Rating: 4

- Super Insulated Building Shell

- Airtight construction Details (.57 ACH50)

- High efficiency, triple pane windows

- 9.8 KW PV system

These clients were looking for a high performance home wrapped up in a classic un-assuming package. After going over a few different design ideas, the clients really liked the look of an all time New England favorite: the Cape. Lehto Design/ Build worked with the client and was able to come up with a plan that not only had all the the features they desired, but one that also maximized the homes efficiency, while at the same time making sure it was cost effective.