The category winner for Single-family homes over 3,000 sq. ft. was Panelworks Plus, Inc. for the construction of the cutting edge test home Energy House III. Designed to educate homebuyers and building industry professionals, this Elk River Minnesota home is one of the most energy efficient homes ever built in Minnesota. The structure was built by Northwoods Custom Homes, with panel installation provided by Panel Setters Plus and Six Jís Construction.

Energy House III uses 6" SIP walls and 12" SIPs for the roof manufactured by Extreme Panel Technologies of Cottonwood, MN. Using creative design, all potentially leaky rim areas have been eliminated and cantilevered floor sections of the home are enclosed with 6" SIPs. Use of roof panels rather than a conventional truss roof system also created over 750 additional square footage of usable space. A blower door test confirms the tightness of this uniquely designed SIP envelope. The result of testing assured that the house qualifies as an Energy Star Five Star Plus home.

Many other energy efficient products were used, such as T-Mass integrally insulated foundation systems, high efficiency windows, steel roofing and siding, a geothermal heat pump and off peak electric radiant heat with earth storage.

Combined with the SIP envelope, these technologies yielded a HERS Score of 90.4, for an estimated annual energy savings of $1,277.00 as compared to a home built to code approved energy standards.

Energy House III also worked in close compliance with NAHB Green Building Guidelines, minimizing environmental impact and jobsite waste. The structure qualified as a Gold Level Green Building. Use of Low or No VOC products in paints, finishes and floor coverings combined with sealed ductwork in the HVAC system contributes to the ability of the home to provide and exceptional level of healthy indoor air quality. Energy House III will be used for two years as the general business office of the Suburban Northwest Builders Association. During that time period, the house will be available for meetings, educational tours and energy monitoring. SIPA would like to recognize the contributions and cooperation of the following members in the construction of Energy House III: Ainsworth Engineered Canada LP, Ashland Chemical, Extreme Panel Technologies, Jimmyís Strapjack, Northwoods Custom Homes, Panel Setters Plus, Panel System Builder, Premier Building Systems, Six J's Construction, Styrotech, TruFast, USP Connectors.

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