SOUTH BURLINGTON – The construction company and architect of a South Craftsbury Road home are among 13 firms honored for energy leadership at Efficiency Vermont’s annual Better Building by Design (BBD) conference, April 2 and 3.
Winners of a “Best of the Best” award for Residential New Construction in a Single Family Market Rate Project are David Koschak Design.of Craftsbury and Kinsey Construction of West Glover.
They collaborated on a Craftsbury home that achieves high energy efficiency with double-stud construction, triple-glazed casement windows and heating and cooling via heat pumps. The home includes a super-insulated poured concrete basement with additional insulation measures applied to below- and above-grade walls and in the ceiling and attic spaces. Multiple measures in the interior walls, air and weather-resistive barriers and exterior sheathing help manage moisture and promote longevity. The home is a model for designers seeking to provide comfort, air quality and durability while meeting the housing needs of Vermonters with average budgets, said Efficiency Vermont in the award announcement.
Koschak noted, “The interior layout was tailored to the family’s vision and focused on maximizing the connection to natural light and views towards the surrounding landscape. The result is a small efficient village home that feels open and expansive, while rooted both in the natural landscape and village character. This home is designed to meet Efficiency Vermont 3.0 standards.”
Efficiency Vermont’s annual event brings together design professionals, leaders in building construction, and experts in climate workforce trades. Thirteen “Best of the Best” awards were given out to builders, architects, designers, and HVAC and plumbing installers for their commitment to energy excellence.
Hosted at the DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington, the event was devoted to the theme of “2030 on the Horizon: Assessing Vermont’s Vision Versus Reality.” Attendees gathered to discuss the latest in efficiency practices and technologies, build new relationships and professional connections, and share insights and experiences through nearly 50 sessions and workshops. In all, over four dozen vendors packed the sold-out exhibit hall with new products and systems that can help Vermont homes and businesses achieve their energy goals.
With volatility around prices, energy policies, and workforce availability, Efficiency Vermont Managing Director Peter Walke told the crowd he remains optimistic about Vermont’s path to 2030. “Politics and policies may change, but what doesn’t change is how we deliver for our customers,” Walke said. “Investments in efficiency offer stability and affordability when so much else is uncertain.”
