PROJECT.

Moothart Residence

A new look for an old home

This low-carbon deep energy retrofit brings a contemporary aesthetic—and state-of-the-art performance—to a 150-year-old home.

Problem

The homeowner wanted to show how existing buildings can be a solution to the climate crisis. The existing home was uninsulated brick with an uninsulated attic and a conventional forced-air furnace—in short, an energy hog. The project included a new kitchen, a new bathroom, and a finished attic in addition to the efficiency upgrades. However, the home did not require a complete gut renovation, and the homeowner wanted to limit the interior work required to achieve the vision.

Solution

A low-carbon blanket

We wrapped the home’s exterior with an air barrier, continuous insulation, new high-performance windows, and new cladding. Sun shading was added to east and west façades. Materials choices were optimized to minimize the embodied carbon impact of materials while also providing a durable, low-maintenance exterior. The exterior wrap minimized interior work while also keeping the thermal mass of the brick walls on the inside.

Contemporary detailing

The design’s details celebrate contemporary interventions in a historic building. The exterior cladding is held away from the corners, expressing the applied, skin-like nature of the new material. Existing brick walls were exposed in several locations on the interior, its rough texture juxtaposed with clean lines and smooth finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms.

A healthy, all-electric home

Building mechanical systems were electrified; an induction stovetop provides efficient electric cooking; and an EV charger electrifies transportation. An energy recovery ventilator provides filtered fresh air. These strategies not only reduce the home’s carbon emissions—they also create a healthier home free of combustion-related pollutants. A rooftop solar array supplies an estimated 76% of the home’s energy needs.

The Impact

LEED Platinum, Net Zero Energy


86%
reduction in energy use from LEED baseline home

7.6kW
of on-site solar

58%
reduction in water use

79%
reduction in air leakage from pre-retrofit conditions

Sol had a vision that made all the sense in the world to me, and the team at Sol brought the real-world experience that made the project happen. Sanyog Rathod and Carl Sterner collaborated with the general contractor early in the process and adapted the design to address practical concerns before they became problems. Did it work? Let's just say the house went on to win the 2023 USGBC Regional Leadership Award in the Homes category. For me, this was more than just a renovation -- it was a life achievement.

– Casey Moothart

Recognition

Winner of the 2023 USGBC Regional Leadership Award - Homes Category

2023 Cincinnati Design Awards - Mention Award - Building Architecture: Small Scale

Using Passive House Principles to Retrofit an 1895 House

Air-Tight Window Details for a 150-Year-Old Home