Heather's Home | Near Zero Energy Project

Heather's Home - Near Zero-Energy Project

Current Project: Heather’s Home
Builder: Ferrier Custom Homes, Don Ferrier (817)237-6262
Location: Near Lake Weatherford, TX
Jan. 2006

Our current project is an extra special project. Heather’s Home is a project with Builder Don Ferrier (Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX area) and it’s mission is to build a near zero-energy, yet affordable home for his daughter Heather. This home is so special, it was selected into the Building America Program, which only accepts homes that meet a high standard for energy efficiency and green building. To be accepted into the Building American program is quite an honor.

The home is 2,028 SF and was designed by Gary Olp Architects. and is a smaller version of his own home. By combing passive solar, a super efficient HVAC system and SIP panels, Heather’s Home is expected to cost around $40/month in utilities.

The walls are 4.5” SIPS and the roof panels are 8 ¼” thick. All of the panels were pre-cut here in our shop and were installed in about 3 days. The design is quite unique. You’ll notice the roof panels are cut to form a curve, without actually being curved themselves.

The Builder, Don Ferrier of Ferrier Custom Homes has been building with SIPS for almost 15 years. Don sits on the Board of Directors for the Structural Insulated Panel Association and is very active in the industry.

See Photos below:

  • Right front view of Heather’s Home.
  • Front 8 ¼” Roof panel being set with Crane.
  • Roof panels are screwed into walls with 10” Screws.
  • 2nd floor wall panels are set as one large piece.
  • This builder assembled panels on the ground first.
  • A curved roof effect was created with small panels.
  • A rear view showing the “curved” roof effect.