A home so smart it creates its own energy
What would you say if I told you it was possible to own a home and kiss goodbye your monthly gas or electric bill? Probably not very realistic. Unless of course you’re living by candlelight. Newcomer Acrehomes is looking to re-invent the concept of energy efficient, sustainable homes with a new line of zero energy homes that create all their own power.
Harnessing solar power
I have seen homes that are outfitted with solar panels and often times the savings are offset by the lack of aesthetic beauty. Not that it matters but transparency is always nice. Acrehomes uses a unique home template that incorporates the solar panels seamlessly within the structure.
Not exactly a prefab but also using some aspects of a kit, Acrehomes offers two unique designs that can be applied to three different sizes and price ranges. Their team of architects and designers create the plans, and then partner with qualified local builders in your area to construct the home.
Acre then provides the builders with the necessary training, and delivers a kit of all the components required to build the home. Some components are pre-assembled, and the rest is designed to go together very quickly on site. It’s a unique way of cutting costs without cutting corners that results in a site-built home that can be constructed in half the time.
Keeps the heat in
Acrehomes are reportedly 90% more efficient than standard construction to begin with, and they make up the remainder with a small solar panel (PV) array.
According to their website, the airtight building shell prevents air and heat from leaking in or out. High-efficiency doors, windows and appliances, take advantage of natural (passive) heating from the sun, and utilize unique materials and heating/ cooling solutions.
All lighting is automated, dimmable LED, allowing for precise lighting levels and unmatched efficiency. Because the home is so efficient, the heating and cooling system can be very small and extremely efficient. Once the foundation of the house is set it takes about three months to construct a new home.
Spend money to save money
Acre is a venture-backed startup. This allows the company to address architecture and construction from an entirely new perspective. Driven by a powerful design philosophy within the context of technology and scalable growth, Acrehomes wants to replace today’s out-of-date houses with innovative, attainable, high-quality homes that are better for people and the planet. A lofty goal but one that seems to be in synch with like-minded home buyers that have a eye of saving energy and resources.
#acrehomes
Nearly three decades living and working all over the world as a radio and television broadcast journalist in the United States Air Force, Staff Writer, Gary Picariello is now retired from the military and is focused on his writing career.
