This is what sustainability looks like in a custom home.
Half Tide Rock runs on a smart, electric system with air source heat pumps and radiant floors for comfort, and solar PV to help power it all.
No gas or oil heat, just thoughtful design and long-term, energy-efficient performance.
Architect: Hutker Architects @hutkerarchitects
Builder: Lars Olsen Fine Homebuilding @lvofhb
HVAC: South Shore Heating & Cooling
Photo: Peter Vanderwarker @terrificshots
At TE2, our best systems often go unseen.
The snowmelt system we designed doesn’t change the character of the Eliot Hotel, but it transforms operations out back. Clear access deliveries means the hotel runs smoothly, turning a winter time bottleneck into a reliable asset for hotel staff.
Structural Engineer: Rene Mugnier Associates, Inc.
HVAC Contractor: New England Cooling Towers, Inc.
Water filtration systems should always include a bypass.
With the bypass valves closed or opened correctly, you can service filters or softeners without shutting off water to the entire house. It's a easy detail that makes maintenance so much easier.
Architect: @nicholaeffarchitects
Mechanical: @t.jheating@te2engineering
#plumbingdesign #waterfiltration #buildingperformance #buildingscience
What the heck is this?
This system pressurizer might not look like much, but it plays an important role. It maintains system pressure while limiting how much water could enter the system during a leak. Instead of unlimited water from an automatic fill valve, only the volume in the tank is available. It's a simple way to reduce risk and maintain the correct fluid mixture in hydronic systems.
Architect: @nicholaeffarchitects
Mechanical: @t.jheating@te2engineering
#hydronics #buildingperformance #buildingscience #mechanicalengineering #hvacdesign #highperformancehomes
Radiant heat under historic wood floors, modern HVAC beside stained glass, and a comfort with efficiency design philosophy throughout…Ames Chapel is ready for its next century of service.
Architect/Preservation Planner: Spencer Preservation Group @spencerpreservationgroup
General Contractor: Wilcox Corporation
Ventilation plays a starring role at Whale Fall. Inline fans and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) bring in fresh, filtered air while recovering energy from exhaust streams all day long. This is how a home breathes, without wasting energy.
Architect: Hutker Architects @hutkerarchitects
GC: Johnson Vineyard Builders, LLC.
Plumbing: Walter Smith Plumbing and Heating, Inc. @wsph_mv
HVAC: BTU Control, Inc. @btucontrol
Photo: Eric Roth @ericrothphoto
Most homes in cold climates struggle with dry winter air.
This steam humidifier generates steam inside a canister and injects it directly into the ductwork, where the air handler distributes that moisture throughout the house and makes a big difference in comfort. The condensate drains back to the unit and out to the drain, keeping everything controlled and clean.
Architect: @nicholaeffarchitects
GC: @kennethvonaandsonconstruction
Mechanical: @t.jheating
Electrical: @jj_galvin_electrical@te2engineering
#hvacdesign #buildingperformance #buildingscience #humidification #mechanicalengineering #highperformancehomes
Radiant floor heating works a bit like a Ferris wheel.
Warm water leaves the manifold, circulates through the floor loops, gives up its heat, and returns to be reheated again. In this system the water is only about 110°F but it comfortably heats the entire home. When properly designed, low temperature hydronic systems can be incredibly efficient and comfortable.
Architect: @nicholaeffarchitects
GC: @kennethvonaandsonconstruction
Mechanical: @t.jheating
Electrical: @jj_galvin_electrical@te2engineering
#radiantfloorheating #hydronics #buildingperformance #buildingscience #hvacdesign
Sometimes the most meaningful sustainability upgrades happen out on the grounds. At this correctional facility, solar hot water integration reduces annual fossil fuel use by half while keeping kitchens, laundry, and showers running all day long. That makes a big impact for a building that needs reliability.
Solar installer: Shift Energy
These controls manage the heating and cooling systems throughout the house.
Different radiant zones run at different temperatures depending on the flooring type, all controlled with outdoor reset so the system adjusts automatically as outdoor temperatures change. Weather-compensated controls like this help hydronic systems run really efficiently.
@te2engineering
#radiantheating #hydronics #buildingperformance #buildingscience #hvacdesign
Geothermal drilling rigs may look intimidating, but they’re the first step in delivering one of the most efficient HVAC systems available today. At this Essex renovation, the rig set the stage for a system that will provide reliable, even radiant and more than 50% savings.
Architect: SpaceCraft Architecture
General Contractor: Silva Brothers
Plumbing/HVAC Contractor: Bilo Plumbing and Heating @biloplumbing198
Drilling Contractor: Skillings and Sons, Inc. @skillingswater
Mechanical rooms can get complicated fast.
This one combines boilers, radiant manifolds, pool heating equipment, ventilation, humidification, domestic hot water and more in one very organized space. Careful design, clear labeling, and excellent execution make these complex systems easier to operate and maintain.
@te2engineering
#mechanicalroom #buildingperformance #buildingscience #mechanicalengineering
