ZETA Communities Zero Energy Modular Home in Oakland, CA

ZETA Communities is a startup company that has a mission
of building energy efficient and/or net zero modular houses
at costs competitive with local construction. They recently
completed their first prototype, the live-work townhome: an
infill project located in a mixed industrial/artist/residential
urban neighborhood, within walking distance of a mass
transit station. The plan provides a ground floor work
studio, 2 bedrooms, light-filled great rooms, decks, and
sustainable landscaping, in addition to a one-car parking
garage.
BSC worked with ZETA and Daniel Smith & Associates
(DSA), the architects who were previously associated
with the project, and have extensive experience
in sustainable design and passive solar projects.
Energy analysis showed a 45% savings with respect
to the Benchmark when not including the photovoltaic
system; inclusion of the 5.4 kW PV system showed
a savings of 95%. The analysis also showed nearnet
zero performance, assuming Building America
operating conditions; prudent operation by a homeowner will likely result in net zero
performance.
The project has received a LEED-H Platinum rating, 217 Green Point Rating,
and EPA?s highest indoor air rating, Indoor airPLUS. The house is currently under
contract, and the owner is scheduled to take occupancy in March 2010.