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United States DOE and EPA (Department of Energy,
Environmental Protection Agency) have approved Rand Soellner
Architect as an Energy Star Partner. Rand Soellner
Architect not only meets, but exceeds the ratings and
procedures established by Energy Star for homes and
buildings. |
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Since
the early 1970s, Rand Soellner has been designing energy
efficient homes & structures. He was the Concept
Architect/ Master Planner for the new Florida Solar Energy
Center in Cocoa, Florida for the University of Central
Florida at Brevard. Some of his homes were designed so
that their roofs aligned with the sun, for installation of
solar collectors. |
In
Western North Carolina, many homeowners and mountain communities
prohibit the installation of such features due to their
aesthetic impact on their community, so other methods are used
to help clients control their energy consumption. Just
some of the techniques/materials and methods used by Rand
Soellner Architect for fine mountain homes include:
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- double-pane glass
in all exterior doors and windows.
- exterior water
resistive membrane under siding and rock walls.
- interior vapor
barriers under interior finishes at exterior walls.
- orientation of
windows and doors environmentally to minimize solar
intrusion in the Summer and maximize it in the Winter.
- specification of
special high-R spray-on insulation in ceilings and
another in walls to just about eliminate infiltration
(the passage of air from the exterior into the interior
of your home).
- detailing of
economical vapor barriers to substantially reduce
infiltration.
- specification of
high-quality sealants with high elasticity that will
last for years, to seal the cracks and crevices of your
home.
- specification of
weatherstripping on all doors & windows (including
garage doors).
- Energy Star
partner specification of materials and systems.
- specification of
high energy efficiencies of air-conditioning and heating
equipment from quality manufacturers such as Trane.
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VALUE-ENGINEERING THE BEST INSULATION
FOR YOUR PROJECT
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Rand
Soellner Architect specifies and recommends closed-cell
polyurethane foam insulation throughout your home/project if
possible, which is where your main heat loss/gain occurs.
If budget-adjusted solutions are necessary, we will adjust
materials and systems to suit your needs.
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Note in the
photo above how ductwork is located INSIDE the
air-conditioned/heated space of the structure. Mechanical
engineers will tell you that this is the most energy-efficient
location for your ducts, as they do not have to combat the
super-heated air within an attic. Common sense! Note
how every crack and crevice is completely filled with the
closed-cell foamed insulation, nearly eliminating air
infiltration, which is a huge thief of your energy dollar.
And soffit vented fiberglass attic insulation with a ridge vent
is the most common method of insulating attics in the USA, and
unfortunately, also the largest source of unwanted outdoor air
intrusion into your home. We are specialists at Value
Engineering, to help you allocate your budget so that the worst
of your heat loss/gain is protected by the best insulation for
this purpose.
ENERGY STARRand
Soellner Architect designs & specifications not only meet
Energy Star requirements, they exceed them. We have
reviewed every DOE/EPA document available regarding the Energy
Star program and have created and adapted our specifications and
details to not only meet, but exceed the indicated R
levels, efficiency levels and manner of installation:
- Specified
insulation levels meet or exceed indicated levels
- Details
indicate or exceed Energy Star levels, with special emphasis
on air-tightness.
- Electrical
specifications detail Energy Star performance levels and
where the high-efficiency fixtures are to be located.
- Mechanical/
HVAC specifications detail performance levels which meet or
exceed Energy Star levels, and describe the ductwork and
other devices, such as pre-conditioners to aide in positive
pressurization of your home to reduce or eliminate negative
pressure (which allows unwanted outside un-conditioned air
from uncontrolled entry into your home & building).
We also specify fresh air intakes as part of the
pre-conditioning machinery to result in controlled fresh air
into you home & building. We also specify use of
and commissioning of ductwork and Air Handling Units (AHUs)
to result in clean “lungs” for your home so that
you can breathe easier. We specify electrostatic AHU
filters to control dust and particulates 24 hours a day.
- Detail and
specify critical sealant locations with proper state of the
art sealants that last longer to control infiltration
(unwanted air migration).
- Countless
other items that we would be happy to discuss with you.
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| NAVIGATION:
click on the thumbnails below to go to
those subjects: |
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http://randarch.com
© Copyright 2004-2008 Rand
Soellner, All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Photo
background of historic timbers courtesy of:
Antique Cabins & Barns
(antiquecabinsandbarns.com)
00937
Visitors
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