Vision

My vision is to build a house (THE HAYFIELD HOUSE) that:

Uses no net-energy, as measured on an annual basis by a net-meter.
Uses only renewable energy (i.e. fossil fuels are not permitted).
Conserves the conservation values of the surrounding land.
Conforms to the building styles of the neighborhood.
Demonstrates that one doesn’t necessarily need to build a small house to reach zero net-energy (“ZNE”).
Demonstrates that a ZNE house can be architecturally attractive (versus being a simple, boxy structure).
Feels visually connected to the surrounding natural landscape.
Incorporates “sustainable design” such that the house will most likely be functionally and structurally sound for 100+ years.

NetZero-HayfieldHouse.com is created to help demystify the design, material selection, construction, and costs of building a zero net-energy, all-electric, single-family house that also preserves the conservation values of the land. Hopefully this blog will encourage others to join in a similar quest. Architects, builders, material suppliers, homeowners and others may benefit from the lessons learned (and suggestions offered) from the perspective of a homeowner who actively participated in and/or led every phase of this net-zero project.