Cambridge Net-Zero

This single-family home in Cambridge, MN, is designed for a retired couple, one of whom is blind. The collaborative design focuses on accessibility, aging-in-place, and low-vision needs, featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in a single-story layout.

Site and Design Features: Located on a cul-de-sac with excellent southern exposure, the home maximizes passive solar gain. The construction includes a slab-on-grade foundation, super-insulated double-stud walls, and cellulose insulation, achieving air-tightness below 0.5 ACH50.

Sustainability and Efficiency: The home is heated and cooled by an air-source heat pump and equipped with a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) for air and humidity control. Triple-glazed windows and deep eaves provide passive solar heat gain and summer shading. A large photovoltaic array ensures net-zero energy usage, while durable, low-maintenance exterior materials complete the design.