project: english residence

Located on Pilgrim Lake, Orleans,  MA, the English Residence is certified LEED-Gold under the USGBC’s LEED for Homes program and has achieved Energy Star Certification. This project has attained a HERS Index rating of 39.

Read about the energy-efficient and green aspects of this project as featured in USA Today.

Preparation has been made for two future Thermo Dynamics Solar thermal collectors, which is designed to handle 50-70% of the domestic hot water needs.

13 solar electric (photovoltaic) panels, installed by our partner, Clean Energy Design, produce 2.54KW of power, which will produce 1/3 of the annual demand through a net-metering setup with the utility provider. A significant portion of this system’s cost will be offset by State and Federal tax credits and rebates. Visit www.dsireusa.org for more information.

• Impact resistant, Low E windows, sliders and doors, supplied by Shepley Wood Products.


• Horizontal CVG red cedar siding and trim, Hardie® panels and Homeslicker® rainscreen/breather was supplied by Specialty Builders Supply.


• Rubber membrane roofing system, metal wall caps, scuppers and downspouts and various metal flashings were supplied and/or installed by our partner, Cazeault Roofing.


• Decking material, supplied by F.D. Sterritt Lumber Co., was FSC ‘Garapa Mahogany’.

Since this project fell under the new, 7th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code, and due to it’s proximity to the water, it was subject to engineered analysis and design for construction located with a 110mph wind zone and a Wind Borne Debris Zone. As a result, non-typical framing methods trumped efficiency and several possible LEED points were not attainable. Nonetheless, detailed framing plans combining pre-cut engineered wood framing, FSC framing lumber, and pre-manufactured open-web floor trusses, minimized construction waste while incorporating recycled wood material into the project. All framing materials were purchased through our partner, Shepley Wood Products.

Reinforced 10” thick foundation walls were installed with a rubberized foundation waterproofing on the exterior. On the interior, 3” closed cell insulation was applied to the entire surface providing the required R-value for the conditioned basement and crawl space areas. Long embedded anchors extend through the floor and anchor the ends of designed shear walls, which prevent lateral displacement in the absence of adequate plywood sheathing.

This site was previously developed and fell within the jurisdiction of local Conservation Commission. The project included tearing down a portion of the existing structure and replacing with a new, 3 bedroom home, which was reattached to the remaining portion. A new Title V septic system was also installed. Adhering to a tight limit of work, the LEED requirement for 40% undisturbed area of existing buildable land was achieved.