GOLDEN, CO — The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has presented an Idaho Springs residence with a first-place Technology Award. Otto Van Geet, the homeowner, works at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Along with co-worker Paul Torcellini, Van Geet used computer simulations to design the house for the alpine climate. The cost-effective result was a house that uses passive and active solar technologies to provide more than 90% of the home’s energy needs. During 1999, the total cost to heat and power the home was $100. Even with today’s increasing energy prices, energy costs at the home are not expected to top $150.

“This design opens doors for other homebuilders to create energy-efficient, cost-effective, environmentally sensitive housing,” said Torcellini and Van Geet.

Among the design goals was to minimize the total heating and cooling loads and the hot water and appliance energy demands. The home is cooled through natural ventilation and heated by the sun, using passive solar design, active solar hot water and radiant floor and convection baseboard heating.

Fluorescent light fixtures and a low-energy refrigerator were part of the package. Propane is used as a seamless backup when solar is not available, and is also used for cooking and clothes drying.

The project also has low maintenance costs. The house features concrete walls finished with stucco, a metal roof and aluminum-clad windows, which reduce the need for painting and sealing. The construction cost for the house was typical for custom homes in the Denver area, but the energy and environmental savings are substantial.

The ASHRAE Technology Awards recognize outstanding achievements by members who have successfully applied innovative building design in the areas of occupant comfort, indoor air quality and energy conservation. Their designs incorporate ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality.