Design Architect

Built in 1916, the 1,500 square foot Concord Four Square retrofit features an upgraded mechanical system as well as a super-insulated and airtight enclosure. Closed cell spray foam insulation installed to the interior of the foundation wall and the underside of the roof deck increases the home’s airtightness while providing a component of the high performance thermal enclosure. Cavity insulation, rigid foam insulation on the walls, roof and under the new basement slab and high performance windows complete the thermal enclosure.

Located on several acres of land, the house was designed as a simple, energy-efficient and comfortable home that offers single-story living. The house features three bedrooms, two and a half baths, an open living, dining and kitchen area, full basement as well as an attached garage. The large sliding doors on the south and west walls offer beautiful views of the woods surrounding the house as well as the pond located at the front of the property.

The Farmhouse retrofit is a combination of the renovation of an existing farmhouse and the new construction of a single-story, three bedroom and full bath accessible unit connected to the rear of the farmhouse. Both old and new constructions alike are equipped with high performance enclosures and high efficiency mechanical systems. Many specific window installation, eave and porch details were created and implemented in order to integrate the restoration of the home’s original aesthetic with the application of four inches of rigid insulation to both the walls and the roof.

Project Team: Catholic Charities Operation Helping Hands, Building Science Corporation, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Portland Community College, Sustainable Architecture LLC and many volunteers

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Description: 1,944 ft² 4 bedroom, two bath, one-story single family home

Completion Date: May 2010