The eighth annual Vermont’s Greenest Building awards has recognized a home in Benson for achieving the highest standard of demonstrated building energy performance for residential buildings and documentation of green building strategies including health, transportation, water and affordability. “It is wonderful to recognize the innovation, talent and creativity building professionals are bringing to their projects,” said Jenna Antonino DiMare, VGBN executive director. “I am proud of the outstanding work our Vermont green building community is doing to push the market towards more sustainable building practices.”
The Terwilliger-Kincaid residence is sited on an 8-acre lot with sweeping Green Mountain views. The house takes advantage of the views and the changing sun path over the course of the year, while preserving open space for habitat and trails. The house was designed for flexibility, with a large first floor shared office and accessible bathroom that will allow for single-level living as needed. With slab-on-grade construction, generous storage was important, including a “bike room” separating house and garage. The open main living space is set towards the view, with the two-story private wing set back, providing a private outdoor space and also a covered entry protected from the north wind. Heated with a single heat pump, the net zero house exceeds Efficiency Vermont’s High-Performance Home standard.
