For the third year, the US Department of Energy has chosen TC Legend Homes for one of its Housing Innovation Awards in the “Custom for Buyer” category. Check out the photos of the award-winning zero-energy project.

Key Features

  • Walls: R-29, 6″ SIP taped at all interior and exterior joints, fiber cement siding.
  • Roof: R-42, 10″ SIP taped at all interior and exterior joints. Ice-and-water shield, asphalt shingles.
  • Attic: None.
  • Foundation: R-23 ICF stem walls, R-20 rigid foam under slab.
  • Windows: Triple-pane, vinyl-framed, low-e windows, U=0.21.
  • Air Sealing: 0.60 ACH 50
  • Ventilation: Timered exhaust fans.
  • HVAC: Evacuated tube solar hot water and 4.5 COP air-to-water heat pump for in-floor radiant hydronic heat.
  • Hot Water: Air-to-water heat pump, 4.5 COP.
  • Lighting: 100% LED
  • Appliances: ENERGY STAR refrigerator, clothes washer, range hood; induction cooktop.
  • Solar: 9.5-kW PV, evacuated tube solar hot water.
  • Water Conservation: Low-flow fixtures; centrally located water heater.
  • Other: Low-VOC paints and finishes. Electric car charging station.

Project Data

  • Layout: 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath, 2 fl, 2,463 ft2
  • Climate: IECC 4C, marine
  • Completed: May 2016
  • Category: custom for buyer

Modeled Performance Data

  • HERS Index: without PV 44, with PV -2
  • Projected Annual Energy Costs: without PV $1,053, with PV $25
  • Projected Annual Energy Cost Savings: (vs home built to 2012 IECC) without PV $811, with PV $1,889
  • Annual Energy Savings: without PV 9,453 kWh, with PV 20,993 kWh

Download the US Department of Energy poster.

 

Related Posts

Introducing Legend Homes – Your Net Zero Home Builder

Introducing Legend Homes – Your Net Zero Home Builder

Written By: Nicole Miller March 30, 2026 Big news! We’re dropping the "TC". TC Legend Homes is now Legend Homes! Same company, same team, just a new name.   When the company first started back in 2006, it was just Ted Clifton Jr. running the show (hence the "TC"),...

What is Middle Housing?

What is Middle Housing?

Written By: Jake Evans February 13, 2026 Middle housing types are duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes etc, townhomes & row houses, cottage clusters and courtyard buildings. The name 'Middle Housing' was coined in 2010 by architect Daniel Parolek who identified that...

Build a Net Zero House in Bellingham

Build a Net Zero House in Bellingham

Bellingham has a moderate climate and rooftop solar panels can supply the energy required to heat a home in winter & cool that home in summer.  1. Bellingham has a moderate climate With an average of 3.5 hours of sunshine a day, Bellingham is an ideal place...