Lynden Powerhouse is a highly efficient, net-positive home featuring an additional ADU and a stick-framed garage/shop. It earned multiple certifications, including DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH), ENERGY STAR, Indoor AirPlus, and Built Green 5-star.
Designed to provide both full-time and temporary housing for up to four separate family groups, the home's complexity required attention to climate control and ventilation. To meet these needs, three HERO 250H-EC fresh air appliances with heat recovery and additional HEPA filtration and a Chiltrix CX50 air-to-water heat pump were installed.
This setup divides the home into three independently conditioned zones: the downstairs living area, the upstairs space, and the ADU. Separating these zones ensures each space can adapt fresh air circulation based on its unique CO2 levels and temperature. This design also offers a critical advantage - if someone is sick, they can quarantine safely within their zone without compromising the health of others.
Additional energy efficiency measures include hydronic radiant floor heating, balanced kitchen exhaust featuring Fantech’s modular makeup air systems for supply air and kitchen exhaust systems, ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, triple-pane windows, and Aerobarrier air sealing.
One of the homeowners, a tech professional, leveraged his expertise to develop innovative automation systems for ventilation and hot water management. Motion sensors and CO2 monitors help reduce energy and water waste.
For example, the fresh air appliances pause operation if no motion is detected for 24 hours, conserving energy.
Custom algorithms also adjust the HRV air velocity to balance CO2 extraction with heat retention. Near plumbing fixtures, motion detectors trigger hot water circulators only when needed, ensuring hot water is available instantly while minimizing water and energy waste.
The home features a 17.01 kW solar array paired with six 48V 100AH LFP batteries for backup storage. This oversized system ensures disaster resilience, allowing the house to operate off-grid for extended periods. Additionally, it supports three EV charging ports—two for residents and one for guests.
The oversized solar system not only eliminates the owner’s energy bill, providing long-term financial stability, but it can also power the air conditioning units of four neighboring homes, reducing peak energy demand. This helps alleviate strain on the grid during extreme weather events and contributes to phasing out petroleum-powered peaker plants, further lowering the street’s carbon footprint.
This story was adapted from an article by TC Legends Homes. Read the original at TC Legends Homes.