Cozy and Cool with Energy-Storing EnergyBlocks–Green Tour Site 2

 

Site #2 – 3995 Lower Village Rd

Builder:  SunTerra Homes, Inc.

Designer: Jim Chauncey

Owner: David Wadsworth and Jessica Maye

Preliminary Energy Performance Score (EPS): 35

4 Bedroom, 4 Baths, 2857 Sq Ft

The sun and natural thermal dynamics are utilized in this home to reach a pinnacle in not only energy conservation but also comfort. This home features an open, modern multi-level floor plan with high ceilings and beautiful decorative masonry can be found in each room.

Local builder  SunTerra Homes Inc. has developed the SunTerra EnergyBlock, a new exterior wall system that naturally stores and releases heat energy. Studies by Oregon State University have shown that this system reduces the heating and cooling load on a residence by 29% compared to standard wood framing. Owners of these homes have said that the relatively constant temperature inside their homes is very noticeable due to our local variability in temperatures throughout the year.  With the benefit of high mass thermal storage of SunTerra EnergyBlocks, passive solar heating (meaning just the heat from the sun) can account for 70% of annual heating and maintain pleasant interior comfort.

SunTerra EnergyBlock is an 8″ x 8″ x 16″ concrete masonry unit (CMU) and they are assembled by a mason/contractor.  These thick walls of concrete, steel, and insulation provide for an extra quiet house.

SunTerra EnergyBlock has a patent in the United States and Canada. At this time, it is only
available in the Northwest region of the states. The company is presently looking for investment
to take this product to all of the North American region.