Equinox House
Equinox House is a house for Deb and Ty Newell to enjoy for many years. As is true of many other baby boomers, they are empty nesters who desire a simple, easy to live in home where they can enjoy many years together. They desired a home that is “small” when they are the only ones at home, but can comfortably accommodate visits from family and friends. At the same time, it is a demonstration project to provide an example to others that affordable sustainable living can be attained now.
Newell Instruments, an engineering research, development, and design firm located in Urbana, Illinois, used their engineering expertise to create the novel features incorporated into Equinox House. While the solar energy collection system that provides all of the energy for Equinox House is a primary aspect of its design, many other aspects of Equinox House are equally significant for a sustainable lifestyle. Rainwater harvesting diminishes reliance on water unsustainably removed from aquifers. A rain garden delays the flow of storm water into city sewers, helping minimize community expenditures on storm water management while reducing flooding risks in our neighbors’ homes. A barrier free, single story floorplan is used to reduce the risk of injury to an increasingly elderly population whose health cost will be an additional burden to our children. A filtered, fresh air ventilation system flushes stale air from the house, maintaining a healthy indoor environment with low levels of carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and radon. An advanced technology comfort conditioning system (called a CERV, pronounced “serve”, Conditioning Energy Recovery Ventilator) developed by Newell Instruments provides the capability to monitor and control temperature and humidity levels in the house at all times. The most energy efficient and highest quality appliances and lighting systems have been chosen to increase comfort beyond that achieved in today’s homes. The superinsulated, supersealed walls and roof are also super strong and durable, ensuring that many generations will live in comfort. Gardens, watered only by rainfall, feature plants native to our prairie environment. Sundials sculpted into the front and back yards, high efficiency light emitting diode (LED) lighting throughout the house, continuously filtered fresh air distributed throughout the house, indoor rainwater plumbing system, and many other items are included in the Features and Technology section.
Interested in a conventional look with Equinox comfort and performance? No problem! Check out our design for The Minnesotan, a two story, 2000 sq ft, net-zero home for northern climates.
