Introduction

The ROSE Construction Method™  (RCM) was developed to produce projects with a timeless architectural design, while incorporating standardized engineering protocols that result in cost effective and affordable zero net energy construction.  What works “best” changes with geographic location, site constraints, budget, and evolving building technologies.  By incorporating leading edge building products; state of the art building science practices; and creative architectural designs; each project is customized to meet the specific needs and desires of the owner.  Unlike more radical design approaches to zero net energy homes, RCM homes are intended to fit within the architectural context of their surroundings, while still attaining the highest performance levels of energy efficiency, comfort, and health.

 

What is ROSE?

Renewable energy production
Owner (occupant) driven spatial design
Sustainable building practices
Energy efficient construction

This approach features the use of Renewable energy (solar, geothermal, wind, micro-hydro) systems to help achieve zero net or near zero net energy performance, the extent of which will be dictated by each owner’s budget, lifestyle, and site constraints/opportunities.  The needs of the Owner, as both occupant and financier, will dictate the final spatial layout and architectural style of each project. The Architect and Builder will incorporateSustainable and green design practices throughout every facet of the project.  The High Performance design will fundamentally incorporate Energy efficiency throughout the building’s envelope, equipment,  operating systems, and appliances while still providing superior indoor air quality, comfort, and lighting levels.

This approach is simple in that you can work with any size project, any site, any style, any location, and design the most appropriate super-insulated shell based upon the previous information.  After the shell is defined,  then add the technologies most appropriate to achieve a performance level commensurate with the owner's budget and the owner's HERS target range of approximately 50-60 with no active renewables, down to zero (0) with one or more renewables. The final project solar orientation, shell decisions, and related commitments achieving high R values and low air leakage, define how much renewable energy is needed to reach the targeted HERS index.

You can design and build a healthy, high performance shell with the least amount of fossil fuel or purchased electricity possible without active renewable technologies.....................all the way down to building a completed zero net energy project day one.  Additionally, you can design and build the higher HERS project now with the ability to add technology later to get to net zero (zero net energy ready) or to travel further down the performance curve then (near zero net energy).

This is a  planned approach, but not a "prescriptive" trap. In all situations, it requires the collaboration and co-operation of the owner, designer and builder to make it happen.  Keep in mind that the cost of achieving high energy performance and a healthy living environment can be dwarfed by the cost of achieving high end finishes, so it is paramount to understand both and to prioritize each as it pertains to meeting a budget and project end goals.