High-Performance Prefab ADU
A PV array and high-performance envelope are defining features of this house from Unity Homes.
When these homeowners, who lived primarily in New York’s Hudson Valley, started finding it hard to manage a short-term rental they owned in Mystic, Conn., they had a 790-sq.-ft. prefab ADU built behind the rental. They now live affordably year-round in the scenic seaport town they love.
As a prefabricated, sustainable home-building company, Unity Homes appealed to the couple for their high-performance home designs. Unity’s Tempo package includes both the high-performance building envelope as well as a selection of simple curated finishes and fixtures, which saves time and achieves a cohesive look. The homeowners chose options from Unity’s standard offerings for their engineered flooring, kitchen cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and siding, and also had the flexibility to select some of their own fixtures such as light pendants and a custom bathroom vanity.
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The clients kept their costs down by building on a flat site that didn’t require extensive excavation work, utilizing a slab-on-grade foundation, and choosing finishes that were beautiful but moderately priced. The homeowners plan to install a PV array on the existing garage that has a south-facing roof for optimal solar gain. Their actual electrical use will depend on variables such as plug loads and HVAC settings, but they’re expecting their PV system will produce sufficient power to serve the minimal utility needs of their all-electric home.
Architect/builder Unity Homes, unityhomes.com
Location Mystic, Conn.
Photos Mark Bealer, Studio 66, ©CertainTeed
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It would be wonderful if these posts included a cost breakdown, even considering material and labor price fluctuations. Some real world numbers from FHB would help counter the absurd "$100 a square foot passive house!" type of articles coming from other outlets.
Any article about housing needs cost
That sounds awesome! I love how they're using a PV array and high-performance envelope to make the house super efficient.
Prefab ADUs are such a smart idea, especially with these kinds of features. It's great to see companies focusing on sustainable and efficient housing options.