Bioclimatic Design
The New Norris House is foremost:
a) Compact (1008 sf)
b) Well-insulated (R-29.5 walls, R-42 roof, R-24 crawlspace)
c) Airtight (0.04 natural air changes/hour blower door test; 1.75 @50Pa)
Siting and orientation are constrained by the historic pattern of street and houses and the small site. Knoxville summers are hot and humid and winters cool. Still, passive solar design and ventilation in the New Norris House maintain interior temperatures in the comfort zone much of the year. Apertures are composed for cross ventilation and useful solar gain while overhangs and plantings mitigate unwanted solar gain. High, open spaces and a concealed loft shutter promote stack ventilation and further extend the comfort zone. Summer diurnal temperature differentials permit night flushing and reduce daytime mechanical cooling if humidity is managed (through ceiling and mini-split fans and an ERV). Use of the mud room/hallway as an airlock is encouraged during extreme months.
A solar hot water panel, invisible from the street, provides hot water. A small tankless electric heater boosts stored water temperature when needed. The intent is a simple, affordable home that reduces energy use 50% from the average household.