Kennett Square LEED for Homes Silver
Kennett Square LEED for Homes Silver
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
The first LEED for Homes Silver Certified house in Chester County, Pa., was inspired by regional barns and the surrounding meadow. Designed to be close to Net Zero, the architecture features cisterns, solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and passive ventilation.
Hugh Lofting was responsible for the 4,500-square-foot home’s construction management / general contracting, including its timber frame structure that forms the roof system for the living room and kitchen. In order to achieve a super-insulated building envelope, the house features hybrid construction of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Douglas Fir timber framing that rests upon a Superior Wall precast concrete foundation. Wood was salvaged from the region, including red oak reclaimed from the site.
Built almost entirely off-site, little waste was generated during construction. The team focused on reducing the home’s environmental impact by sourcing local materials and those with high recycled content, minimizing site disturbance, installing energy and water efficient systems and appliances, adding native plant landscaping. Innovative green building techniques include a sedum-planted roof and rain gardens for on-site stormwater recharge.
Architect: Matthew Moger, RA
Contractor: Hugh Lofting Timber Framing & High Performance Building
Certification: LEED for Homes Silver Certified and Energy Star Certified (HERS rating of 51)
