Robbins Residence
Morningview, KY

DESIGN COMMENTS & CONSTRUCTION

In 1997 when they bought this 1986 split-level house, Robbins especially liked the home's unobstructed backyard view to the south. A passive solar addition was added in 1998, including a great room and study extending south from the existing dining room and was placed on the 1998 solar home tour. Being the 2nd lowest of the home's now 4 levels, the addition's solar-heated air and air heated by the new very efficient fireplace naturally rises into the 2 upper floors of living space.

The addition's 125 sf of south windows are fixed quadpanes, the 2 inner panes being HeatMirror 88 film to block UV. These units have twice the R-value of low-E-argon glass. When it was -6F during the 98-9 winter, there was no condensation on these windows, even though they are 16 feet from a heat register and indoor relative humidity was over 40%! No condensation means that when the sun comes out, the house gets solar heat more quickly than if the sun has to evaporate moisture off the glass first. The few addition windows facing east and west are tripane HeatMirror or low-E-argon glass operable units with low-air-leakage ratings. All windows are below big overhangs.

• The addition walls were insulated to the mid-20s.
• The tile-covered slab, used for storing solar heat, has 3" extruded polystyrene along its edge and 2" beneath.
• All addition and existing ceilings were insulated to R-50 after all drywall and top-plate penetrations were sealed.
• Insulation and sealants were also applied in the existing crawlspace and utility room. Caulk and weatherstripping were applied or replaced around existing windows and doors.
• The inefficient electric furnace and AC was replaced with a high-efficiency heatpump.
• The single setpoint thermostat was replaced with a programmable setback model.
• Over 20 light fixtures were retrofitted with compact fluorescent bulbs.
• A new very efficient refrigerator, a more efficient oven and a water-stingy dishwasher were also bought for the kitchen.
• Over 60 trees from 2' to 13' tall have so far been planted on the property, most to the north and west of the house.
  

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