Indoor Air Quality was the first priority for TerraCourt at Montgomery Farms in Allen
Lee Hall of Sustainable Structures of Texas says YES it can. Hall claims that too many people put emphasis on building a tight structure without giving thought to the effect that can have on indoor air quality.
Indoor environmental quality was a focused concern in the construction of TERRAcourt which includes a whole-house ventilation system and was finished using only low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and adhesives. Putting air quality as the primary concern demanded a consistent, durable quality of construction, and energy efficiency became a bi-product of the measures taken. As a result, the home became the first LEED Gold certified home in Collin County and received the EPA’s Indoor airPlus designation, a new and rare distinction in the market.
Striving to attain these ultimate ratings while building a comfortable and desirable home that didn’t break the bank to build, Hall opted not to use special technology or unusual materials. He said the home’s advanced framing techniques were key to the home’s energy performance rating; it scored a 49 HERS (Home Energy Rating System) which is 43% more efficient than the Energy Star requirement of 85, and a tightness coefficient of .08 which is 76% tighter than the industry norm. Using less wood more efficiently is not only more environmentally friendly, but also negates thermal bypass. Best of all, the reduced cost on using less wood for framing can then offset some of the additional insulative measures needed to attain premium energy efficiency ratings.
Hall used a combination of polysealing, spray foam and cellulose applications for the home. Other sustainable features of the home include a 2000 gallon bioswale for rainwater collection.
TerraCourt is located at Montgomery Farm(R) in Allen, which is garnering a national reputation as a model of 21st Century smart growth, green building and environmentally-conscious neighborhood design.
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