PROJECT UPDATE: Habitat for Humanity Montana Passive House

The final blower door test wrapped up this week at the first Passive House in Montana. Economical YARO PVCU PH window frames with SGG LUX glazing were supplied to help the project meet its heating demand and air-tightness goals. The result is a extremely high performing building set in a common suburban typology.  From the exterior, the only hints are the tilt-in windows and lack of a chimney.  Christopher Gonzales, Architect, CPHC succeeded in proving that passive house projects can match the typical American residential design aesthetic. More significant is how the project was built. Habitat for Humanity of Gallatin Valley took a giant step by supporting the project and proving that passive houses can be built with standard techniques and volunteer labor.  The construction process served as a learning experience for the team and a rigorous test of their methodology and attentiveness to detail.

The final successful blower test ensured that the supplied YARO windows are air-tight.  Finite observations were made during the test using thermal imaging to pin point the air leaks. The few windows that were slightly out of tolerance could be easily adjusted to meet the requirements.

This project serves as a proud example for future projects in Montana to follow and we look forward to engaging in the community as it grows.  We at YARO extend our highest congratulations and praise to Christopher for his boldness in taking the first steps. 

PROJECT UPDATE: R-951 Residence Brooklyn, NY

Masonry is a very common material in passive house construction throughout Europe but often proves to be more costly than steel or timber when used in the United States.  At 951 Pacific in Brooklyn NY that conception is being challenged.  The project taking shape features multi-story ICF wall assemblies and YARO PVCU Energy+ Windows with SGG ULTRA Glazing and a cool grey exterior foil finish. 

PROJECT UPDATE: 255 Columbia St. Brooklyn, NY

Construction is progressing steadily at 255 Columbia and the first YARO Aluminum Clad Wood Windows are starting to appear on the facade of this urban passive house.  In collaboration with Loadingdock5, YARO created a diverse glazing package with complimenting energy efficient installation details.  The supplied glazing includes unique corner mulled units and expansive lift/slide balcony doors.  The ground floor lobby features YARO PH aluminum entry doors to meet the rigorous demands of daily use.  Its uncommon to find wood windows in a project of this scale.  The uncompromising aesthetics coupled with Passive House performance made YARO Alu-clad Wood a perfect fit.

Steel framing can make thermal efficiency difficult to achieve. The installation details utilized EIFS to over-insulate the installation cavity, greatly reducing heat loss through the steel stud framing.  YARO provided design guidance to the architect throughout the envelope detailing phase and created THERM calculations for critical areas to ensure the project goals were met.

PROJECT UPDATE:Single Family Residence, Park Place Somerville, MA

Park Place, a set on Flickr.

Single Family House in Somerville MA designed and built to Passive House Standards by Placetailor.

Yaro aluminum clad wood units with red powder coated exterior and natural spruce interior.

Unit Types Include:
Windows: Tilt/Turn, Top Hung, Fixed
Entry Doors
French Patio Door

Performance Specs:
Uf: 0.18 Btu/(h·ft²·°F)
Ug: 0.105 (R-10) Btu/(h·ft²·°F)
SHGC: 0.50
VT: 0.71

You can learn more about the project here.Park Passivhaus

Tilt/Turn Window Operation

The Tilt/Turn Operation of Yaro Windows is intuitive and easy.  A tilt/turn window combines the functionality of a casement and a hopper unit into one system.  The result is a full ventilating window that also swings to the interior for easy cleaning or emergency egress.

The tilt/turn hardware is all controlled by rotating the handle. 
Here is a breakdown:


TURN-

From the locked position (handle pointed down and window closed) simply rotate the handle up a few clicks till it is horizontal (90 degrees to the frame) and then gently pull.  The sash will lightly swing inward, like a typical door. The balance of the sash on the 3D hinges ensures that the inward swing will be light and fluid, no matter how large the unit is. To close the window, swing the sash shut and rotate the handle downward to the locked position.





TILT-
From the locked position rotate the handle up several clicks (180 degrees) till the handle is pointed up and completely vertical, then gently pull. The sash will tilt inward approximately 4.4 inches, opening at the top and the sides for ventilation. To close the window, push the sash shut and rotate the handle downward to the locked position.









With this hybrid functionality, Yaro windows are a perfect solution for projects needing robust and easy to use natural ventilation.