Vienna Zero Energy 2024

NET ZERO, DURABLE, HEALTHY, COMFORTABLE & AGING IN PLACE

The Vienna Zero Energy House exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable residential design—offering a replicable, high-performance model rooted in climate responsiveness, affordability, and long-term livability.

Conceived as a modest, all-electric, net-zero home, the design integrates passive building strategies to drastically reduce energy use while maximizing occupant health, comfort, durability, and accessibility. The project demonstrates that exceptional building performance can be achieved through thoughtful design decisions while maintaining a practical approach for future residential construction.

Located in a suburban Virginia neighborhood, the home generates enough on-site solar electricity to meet its annual energy demand, including electric vehicle charging, while sending surplus energy back to the grid at times—directly benefiting the homeowners through utility savings and net metering.

The house is designed and certified to meet rigorous performance standards, including Phius ZERO, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, ENERGY STAR®, and Indoor airPLUS. These standards inherently support occupant well-being by prioritizing balanced natural daylighting, continuous filtered fresh air with energy recovery, exceptional thermal comfort, reduced energy demand, and high-efficiency water heating with on-demand recirculation.

Through rigorous third-party verification, community engagement, and measured performance, the Vienna Zero Energy House not only addresses the urgent need for carbon reduction but also expands the understanding of what sustainable, equitable, resilient housing can be—today and into the future.

Awards:
AIA VA Merit for Residential Design Award