Trailside Net Zero

At the apex of a quiet cul de sac, with the Brunswick Commons trail meandering just footsteps from the backyard, an active retired couple wanted to build their forever home. They wanted the most efficient house they could build with at least 100% of the energy coming from their rooftop solar array. Even with a wall of pine trees directly to the south Michael Maines was able to design a house that, with high attention to detailing, we were able to make a net positive energy home. The 48 solar panels on the roof will make more than enough to power everything in the home and the extra will be credited toward the couple’s camp in northern Maine. Our diligent focus on air sealing paid off with a blower door shell test of .12 ACH50 (for comparison, passive house requires below .60 ACH50). With 12 inch thick double stud walls packed tight with recycled cellulose insulation, and heated and cooled with heat pumps, this house will stay comfortable all year round.