1. Designing the Zero Energy House NetZEB Concepts
A1 Sofeh Work Shop for SABA Seminar
21/02/1392
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

2. Who We Are
Eyvan Sofeh Co.
Internationl Design, Construction & Development
We Do:
Engineering
Procurement
Construction
Management
Financing
Images:
Built projects
Recently created ads for green design
Pictures of people working in our office
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

3. What IS NetZEB?
Goal : House is designed to produce as much energy (Renewable) as it consumes on yearly basis.
The power grid is our storage system. The surplus of energy produced in low peak time is to be transferred to the Grid
Reduction on Energy Consumption is the first priority. This purpose can be achieved through Passive Energy Home Design
Images:
Diagrams from E-QUEST simulation output.
Image of an electric meter and power lines.
Maybe the animation that shows how net metering works.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

4. Our Motivation
To prove that a NetZEB, market-viable speculative house is possible.
Cost competitive
Beautiful
Sustainable
Because energy independence and health Natural Environment is important.
Because Energy Resources are limited and should be saved as well for next generations
Because reduces Energy bills amount for home owners
Images:
Pictures of oil tankers
Pictures of soldiers in Iraq
Pictures of clear cut forests
Pictures of polluted water
Images of Hyatt House and Bent
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

5. Tel: (311)663 9087, Fax:(311)663 9088, www.a1sofeh.com
How to achieve NetZEB
Highly Insulated, Tightly Sealed Envelope
High Efficiency Mechanical System
High-Efficiency Appliances
Taking Advantage of Free renewable Energies for Heat, Cool, and Electricity
Images:
Foam being sprayed in cavity
Pictures of insulated ducts and water furnace units
Energy Star logo and images of appliances that have it.
Cartoon of passive solar design
Cartoon of natural ventilation
Images of solar panels (PV and solar thermal).
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN,
Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

6. Beyond NetZEB
Water efficiency
Sustainable materials
LEED-H Platinum Rating
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Homes.
Levels (high to low)
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Certified
EnergyStar Home
Public Outreach and Education
Market Viability
Images:
AquaPro system
Schematic of our water system highlighting recirculation loop.
USGBC logo and LEED-H Platinum plaque.
Our construction sign, brochure and newsletter.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

7. Design Process
Integrated Design Team
Architect
Owner
Builder
Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing Engineer (MEP)
Structural Engineer
Civil Engineer
Landscape Architect
LEED Consultant/Green-Rater
Sustainability from Day-1
Staying focused on goals
Accepting trade-offs
Energy vs. water vs. materials
Sustainability vs. cost
Up-front vs. recurring costs
Exploit synergy, know when to stop
Image of the team (do we have one of the meeting where we all met at first?)
Logos of the various companies.
LEED-H checklist.
Diagram of wall section, mechanical system, windows, etc. trying to show elements of the design that can be traded off.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

8. The Architectural Design (Example)
Comfort
Aesthetics
Efficiency
Sustainability
Cost
Context
Images of neighborhood
Interior images of sketch up model
Daylighting images of interior
Low-VOC label on a can of paint
Images of woods, flooring, tiles, etc. (samples?)
Wall section showing the insulation
Images of Loewen Windows
Exterior images from Sketchup model
Elevations showing the siding, the gabled roof.
Living room & Dining room viewed from Kitchen
First floor
Front of house with entry and pergola.
Kitchen viewed from Dining Room
Second floor
Solar array
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

9. Site Selection (Example)29 T2 32
Infill vs. Virgin Territory
Public Amenities
Transportation
Aerial and ground images of farmland adjacent to development
Map showing our vicinity and the site itself.
Diagram on map of area showing access to bus lines, parks, etc.
Photos of adjacent park.
Map with house on it showing how we sited the building for solar income and what ramifications were to rest of site plan.
1/4 mi
1/2 mi
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

10. Site Selection (Example)
Infill vs. Virgin Territory
Public Amenities
Transportation
Community Services
Greenspace
CLUBHOUSE
PARK
Aerial and ground images of farmland adjacent to development
Map showing our vicinity and the site itself.
Diagram on map of area showing access to bus lines, parks, etc.
Photos of adjacent park.
Map with house on it showing how we sited the building for solar income and what ramifications were to rest of site plan.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

11. Site Selection (Example)
Infill vs. Virgin Territory
Public Amenities
Transportation
Greenspace
Community Services
House Orientation for optimum solar income:
Passive solar design
Solar hot-water and Electricity.
Aerial and ground images of farmland adjacent to development
Map showing our vicinity and the site itself.
Diagram on map of area showing access to bus lines, parks, etc.
Photos of adjacent park.
Map with house on it showing how we sited the building for solar income and what ramifications were to rest of site plan.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

12. Envelope – Insulation
The cheapest energy to buy is the energy you don’t use.
Continuous Air-Barrier, sealed at all openings and edges.
Basement walls : R-20 (R-13 by code)
Slab : R-10
Wall : R-33 (R-19 by code)
Roof : R-50 (R-30 by code)
High-reflectivity roofing to reduce heat island
Images of our wall sections / building sections:
Roof
Wall
Basement Wall
Slab
WRB around building, including foam.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

13. Envelope – Windows
Windows/Doors
U-factor = 0.32 (R3)
Solar Heat Gain Coeff. (SHGC) = 0.28
Diagram of double-pane window operation
Diagram of solar angle exclusion and limits on east/west facing
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

14. Envelope – Windows
Windows/Doors
U-factor = 0.32 (R3)
Solar Heat Gain Coeff. (SHGC) = 0.28
Limit East and West facing Glass
At least 50% more glass on North and South than on East and West.
Shade South-facing Windows and Doors
exclude heat in summer, admit it in winter
Diagram of double-pane window operation
Diagram of solar angle exclusion and limits on east/west facing
SOUTH
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

15. Envelope – Windows
Limit East and West facing Glass
At least 50% more glass on North and South than on East and West.
EAST
WEST
NORTH
SOUTH
Diagram of double-pane window operation
Diagram of solar angle exclusion and limits on east/west facing
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

16. Passive Mechanical Systems – Nature’s Services
Natural ventilation during swing months
Operable windows
Cross-ventilation
Timed or Humidistat controlled fans in bathrooms.
Awnings and trees reduce cooling requirements in summer.
South orientation allows for some passive heating in winter.
Diagram of cross ventilation in Hyatt House
Diagram of exhaust from upstairs bath
Image or diagram of transoms on exterior, interior doors.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

17. Active Mechanical Systems – Heating & Cooling
BASEMENT
ZONE 1
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
ZONE 4
Geothermal – Ground Source Heat Pump
Energy Recover Ventilator
Sealed duct work, all INSIDE the Envelope.
Mechanical Ventilation – “seal tight, ventilate right” – 0.35 air changes per hour.
House zoned to allow upstairs and basement to be ‘shut down’ when not in use. Master bedroom is also a separate zone for day-night differential control.
Diagram of GSHP w/ ground and air temperatures shown
ERV operation diagram
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

18. Appliances
EnergyStar Appliances
Refrigerator
Convection ovens
Induction cooktop
Dishwasher
Clothes Washer (no dryer is energy efficient – consider clothesline instead)
Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and LED Lights, EnergyStar Ceiling Fans.
Gas fireplace w/ Electronic Ignition
EnergyStar logo and label
Diagram of convection oven concept
Diagram of induction cooktop concept
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

19. Power Generation (Example)
9.5 kW Photovoltaic array
Goal: 100% of annual electricity needs
49 panels on the roof
Two inverters in the basement
Grid tied : power grid is our storage system
Solar Hot Water system
Goal: 85% of hot water needs
2 flat panel panels on roof (tubes another option)
120 gallon pre-heat tank in basement
SketchUp image of PV array
Photo of inverters
SketchUp image of SHW array (will need to modify model)
Photo of panels
Photo of tank or cutaway.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

20. Energy Balance
Achieving Zero Energy is the goal, but don’t have to go that far to save money and the environment.
High efficiency envelope, HVAC and appliances cuts demand to manageable level.
Cut usage first before buying more PV panels.
Knowing when to stop – the better it is, the harder it is to improve.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

21. Water Efficiency
No irrigation system required. Plants are drought tolerant.
Low-flow fixtures
1.75 gpm shower head
1.5 gpm lavatory faucets
1.1 gallon per flush toilets
Clothes Washer – Water Factor ≤ 5.5
Recirculation pump – water recirculated to tank until desired temperature is reached.
Fixture-by-fixture graywater reuse – had to delete because of county permit trouble.
Still considering rainwater harvesting s
Motion Sensor
Hot
UMP
sink
tub
shower
Image of drought resistant plants
Image of Delta Grail Faucet
Image of Whirlpool Duet Washer
Diagram of recirc pump concept
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

22. Finish Materials – Sustainability
LEED Recognizes following materials as ‘environmentally preferred’:
FSC Certified (Forrest Stewardship Council)
Recycled (including rubber)
Reclaimed
Local
Rapidly Renewable (bamboo, linoleum)
Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).
No urea-formaldehyde
No exotic woods
Durability – more about how and where materials are installed than materials themselves.
Image of EcoTimber
Image of chipboard
Map w/ 500 mile radius from DC on it.
Image of paint w/ low-VOC rating
Images of Marmoleum, rubber flooring
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

23. Finish Materials on the Example Project
No added urea- formaldehyde in anything
Low VOC paints, sealants, adhesives.
Hard-floors instead of Carpet
FSC / reclaimed / local Hardwoods
Engineered wood
Linoleum
Rubber
Cabinets
FSC / reclaimed / local woods
Framing FSC framing or trim
Window / Door framing – hard to get.
SketchUp Interior Image
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

24. Landscaping (Example)
Keeping rainwater on-site
Nearly 100% Pervious surfaces.
Light colored surfaces to reduce heat island effect
Rainwater harvesting
Green Roof (OPTION)
Landscape Plan
Image of some native, drought tolerant plants
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

25. Landscaping (Example)
Shading the House (but not the panels)
Saving potable water
100% Drought tolerant
High-efficiency irrigation system
Native Species Only
Protecting house
No materials that attract termites within 2 ft. of house.
Minimize site disturbance, add plantings to eliminate erosion.
Landscape Plan
Image of some native, drought tolerant plants
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

26. Cost Advantages of Green Building (Example)
Basically prepaying your energy bills for next 25 years.
It’s (relatively) inflation-proof
It’s deductible
Comfort
Sustainable materials are healthier for you and your family to live with.
Tight, energy-efficient construction is more comfortable to live in (when properly designed).
Grants and Tax Rebates in Europe , USA and Canada
Additional Discounts on Energy Efficient appliances (from Manufacturers), Not in Iran
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

27. ROI on Green Building (Example)
One Example
$11,900 added cost
$1000 added mortgage payments per YEAR
$1,900 utility savings per year
About $900 / year ROI
Example project for NetZEB
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

28. LEED and other standards
Administered by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Considered by many to be the de-facto standard for green home construction
LEED-H is administered by approved network of Green Raters.
Other standards exist
EnergyStar (U.S. EPA)
NAHB (National Association of Home Builders).
Others?
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

29. Summary – the Fundamentals
Site selection
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Sustainable materials
Recycled
Reclaimed
Local
Certified
Demolition and construction waste management.
SketchUp image of house exterior.
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,

30. Summary
Have to decide what’s important to you. Setting priorities and limits.
Synergy and Holistic design – Look for opportunities to achieve multiple goals with one solution.
Explore LEED but be open to other options too.
You want something that you will love and which will enrich the community. This is why Architects are especially important.
The Zero Energy House Project embodies all these principles and is at frontier of market-rate speculative house construction.
SketchUp image of house exterior (aerial?)
Making Progress
Webcam image
April 13, 2009
8:21 AM
A1 Sofeh Co. Isfahan, IRAN, Tel: (311) , Fax:(311) ,