Jefferson Heights Affordable Green

These two houses were built as part of the Jefferson Heights development spearheaded by Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE). The project was targeted as an affordable sustainable initiative to cultivate creative growth in the downtown Main Street district. With support from the Lyndhurst Foundation, all houses in the entire neighborhood were designed and developed to be certified through the Earthcraft House program administered by the Southface Institute.

Performance Metrics

·    Zero Energy Ready

·    1609 SF.  Conditioned Space

·    3 BR / 2 Bath

·    Foundation Wall: 12” Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Block  (AAC) R-12

·    Frame Walls: 2x4 w/ Cellulose Insulation R-14

·    Roof: Vented radiant barrier assembly w/ Open Cell Spray Foam. R-30

·    Windows and Doors: U-Factor 0.32

·    Conditioned Crawlspace and Attic

·    2.5 Ton, 2 Zone Ducted HVAC

·    Drain Back Solar Hot Water System

·    HERS Index : 63 

·    Energy Cost: Average $60 - $90 / Month

·    Operational Carbon Reduction: 8 ton/yr

Our contribution to the neighborhood development was a pair of 1106 SF, 3 Bedroom/2 Bath homes that won our local award for the "Greenest Home in the City". Through the innovative use of traditional materials coupled with a green roof and solar hot water system, we created a cost effective, energy efficient, livable home with an average electric bill between $60 to $80 per month.

The kitchen cabinets, cooktop, and beautiful copper hood were donated by another client of ours who happened to be in the middle of a major kitchen renovation. This provided a quality kitchen while making the house that much more affordable. The tile backsplash were bargain tiles locally sourced.

Corn crop growing on the green roof, with the solar hot water panel shown on the 2nd house next door.

Craftsman detailing using standard dimensional lumber, and a strategically planted Japanese Maple tree to mitigate the eastern solar gain.

Living Room and Kitchen showing the concrete counter which was cast and polished on site. All cabinetry was repurposed from simultaneous renovation of another project.