Simple City StudioSIMPLE
CITY
STUDIO
www.simplecitystudio.com
857.225.2779 / 206.375.5126
Maya & Brien Tal-Baker
FORM / SCALE / PERCEPTION
DESIGNING FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Just Big Enough
Green Housing for ALLSHIF T
PRIVATE
SPACES
ABOVE
PUBLIC
SPACES
BELOW
Push in for
covered entry
Push in for
South shading
35°
45°
Optimize
roof pitch for
solar panels
Rotate to
face South
Shift Homes are driven by simplicity. Their forms emerge from small strategic moves that respond
to climate, site and the inhabitants. The burden of excess is eliminated by smaller, smarter, more
space efficient design, reducing environmental impact and making room to interact with our
environments in rejuvenating ways. Living small is the most sustainable way to live. The homes are
built from natural, non-toxic, non-petroleum based components, making them more healthy and
beautiful. These Homes help shift the mentality towards small living, which goes hand in hand with
energy efficiency and sustainability.
Burt’s Pit Road, and Florence are characterized by smaller, modest homes. With a mix of styles from
the single story Cape, the deck houses, to the Craftsman, and some modern and contemporary.
Shift Homes take on classic forms, but are detailed and clad in a contemporary, minimalist style.
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity’s mission of opportunity, inclusiveness and innovation is an
inspiration for the movement of small living. Good sustainable design is not out of reach, and must
be available to all. Shift Homes are designed with Habitat’s approach in mind. The Design is accessible
and easily replicated but still flexible, so it can stay contextual to its location and fitting to its user.
It implements many money-saving design strategies to make the homes as affordable as possible,
while still making a Net-Positive energy building. Details and building methods are kept simple and
straightforward so homes can be constructed with the help of unskilled or low-skilled volunteer
labor. Implementing Passive House strategies helps keep the homeowners warm and healthy with
reduced mechanical systems, making the buildings and inhabitants more independent.
25' - 0"18' - 0"REF.
WATER
HEATER
MOBILE
PANTRY
UP
COAT
CLOSET
MUD
ROOM
ENTRY
ISLAND WITH
STORAGE
ELECTRIC PANELUNIT 3
1000 SF
KITCHEN
DINING LIVING
COVERED DECK COVERED DECKSTACKED
WASHER
DRYER
28' - 0"20' - 0"DN
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
MASTER
BEDROOM
BATH
CLOSET CLOSET
CLOSETCLOSETERV IN ATTIC OVER BATHROOM
UNIT 3 FIRST FLOOR PLAN
1/4" = 1'-0"
UNIT 3 SECOND FLOOR PLAN
1/4" = 1'-0"
2X8 / 4X8 FLOOR JOIST
1 3/4" x 9 1/2" LVL FLOOR JOIST
REVEAL
INTELLO
PLUS
2X6 & 2X4 DOUBLE
STUD WALL,
24" O.C. ON A
DOUBLE 12"
PLYWOOD PLATE
DENSE PACK
CELLULOSE
NETTING
2X2 HORIZONTAL
STRAPPING FOR
SERVICE CAVITY
5/8" DRYWALL
PLASTER / PAINT
1X10 VERTICAL
SHIPLAP SIDING
1X3 VERTICAL
STRAPPING
1X3 HORIZONTAL
STRAPPING
1/2" ZIP BOARD
5% SLOPE (6"/10')
AWAY FROM
FOUNDATION
ROXUL
COMFORTBOARD
4" CONC. SLAB
PERLITE BAGS
6" GRAVEL
0' - 3"0' - 4"1' - 0"0' - 6"ROOF ASSEMBLY:(R-VALUE = 76)
ASPHALT SHINGLES / STANDING SEAM
METAL ROOFING
5/8" ZIP SHEATHING, TAPED AT SEAMS AND
NAIL HOLES
20" ENGINEERED PARALLEL CORD ROOF
TRUSS, FILLED W/ DENSE PACK CELLULOSE
NETTING
INTELLO PLUS -VAPOR RETARDER
MEMBRANE, TAPED AT SEAMS
1X3 STRAPPING
5/8" DRYWALL W/ PLASTER / PAINT
WALL ASSEMBLY: (R-VALUE = 46)
1X12 PINE SHIPLAP VERTICAL SIDING / 1X4
PINE HORIZONTAL SIDING
1X3 HORIZONTAL STRAPPING, 16 O.C.
1X3 VERTICAL STRAPPING, 24 O.C.
1/2" ZIP SHEATHING, TAPED AT SEAMS
AND NAIL HOLES
2X6 (OUT) & 2X4 (IN) DOUBLE STUD WALL,
24" O.C. ON A 12" PLYWOOD PLATE
FILLED W/ DENSE PACK CELLULOSE
NETTING
2X2 HORIZONTAL STRAPPING FOR
SERVICE CAVITY
5/8" DRYWALL W/ PLASTER / PAINT
FLOORS ASSEMBLY:
2X8 T&G PLANK FLOORING
4X8 FLOOR JOISTS / 1 3/4" x 9 1/2" LVL
FLOOR JOIST
IN BATHROOMS:
TILE OVER MORTAR
1/2" CEMENT BOARD / WATERPROOF
MEMBRANE
(2) LAYERS OF 3/4" PLYWOOD
SUBFLOOR
2X8 FLOOR JOISTS
5/8" DRYWALL W/ PLASTER / PAINT
FOUNDATION ASSEMBLY:(R-VALUE = 30)
FINISH CONCRETE FLOOR W/ SMOOTH HARD
TROWEL AND SEALED W/ A NON-TOXIC
PENETRATING SEALER
4" CONCRETE SLAB ON GRADE W/ WIRE MESH
HEAVY DUTY VAPOR BARRIER -REINFORCED 6
ML POLY
12" PERLITE INSULATION UNDER SLAB
6" GRAVEL
8" STEPPED STEM WALL REINFORCED W/ REBAR
WITH 3" ROXUL INSULATION AT INSIDE OF WALL
ANCHOR BOLT
TRIPLE PANE
FIBERGLASS
WINDOWS
LOSS FILL
IN VOIDS
TYPICAL WALL
SECTION DETAIL
1" = 1'-0"
UNIT 3 EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
1/8” = 1’-0”
SOUTH EAST
LOFT
BEDROOMBEDROOM
TOILETLIVING
12
12
SOLAR PANELSUNIT 3 BUILDING SECTION
1/8" = 1'-0"
• Centralized utilities
Running less plumbing piping
and ventilation air ducts
saves time and money.
• Cellulose insulation
Most affordable and
sustainable insulation option,
and can be blown-in by the
builder.
• Vaulted ceiling with loft
Extra usable space above that
requires little extra work.
• Recycled materials
Recycled wood, siding,
flooring, finishes and more
can be used to save money.
• Building up
Saving on the cost of the
foundation and roof by
building two stories.
• No basement or garage
Building only the necessary
amenities.
• Energy efficiency
Building a well performing
house saves money for the
regular operating cost, and
keeps systems small and
affordable.
• Simple forms
Rectangular forms without
special features and a single
gable roof are easier, faster
and cheaper to build, but also
perform better.
• Keeping it small
Smart layouts and space
efficiency minimize
circulation and maximize the
most lived-in spaces, allowing
us to build smaller and save
on costs.
• Advanced framing
Faster build, uses less
wood and allows for more
insulation in the wall.
Windows can also be sized
to fit exactly between 24”
o.c. studs, to reduce framing
further.
• Standard components
Sizing the building to be built
with standard sized building
components and using
standard size windows and
doors.
MONEY-SAVING
DESIGN STRATEGIES
BUDGET
By implementing these design strategies, cost can be lowered to $150 per SF.
CONSTRUCTION COST UNIT 1: UNIT 2: UNIT 3:
(700 SF) (830 SF) (1000 SF)
Site work, excavation, water, sewer $9,000 $11,000 $15,000
Foundation, footings, insulation $10,000 $12,000 $10,000
Rough framing, trusses, sheathing $18,000 $23,000 $27,000
Insulation and air sealing $5,000 $6,000 $8,000
Roofing, siding $6,000 $8,000 $10,000
Windows, exterior doors $7,000 $8,000 $15,000
Electrical, plumbing $12,000 $14,000 $18,000
ERV, Solar hot water, Heat pump $8,000 $8,000 $10,000
Drywall, priming, paint $6,000 $8,000 $10,000
Finishes, Interior doors, lighting $10,000 $12,000 $14,000
Bathroom, kitchen $9,000 $10,000 $12,000
TOTALS: $100,000 $120,000 $150,000
SITE PLAN BURT’S PIT ROAD
N
UNIT 1 -
1 STORY
UNIT 2 -
1 STORY
UNIT 3 -
2 STORIES
20' - 0"26' - 0"20' - 0"6' - 0"10' - 0"10' - 0"38' - 0"10' - 0"8' - 0"
REF.
ENTRY
REF.
ENTRY
ERV
WATER
HEATER
MUDROOM
STACKED
WASHER
DRYER
ELECTRIC PANEL ELECTRIC PANEL
26' - 0"
UNIT 1
UNIT 2
10' - 0"
DESK
STORAGE
COAT CLOSET
WATER
HEATER
MUDROOM
STORAGE
COAT CLOSET
ERV
SHARED
BICYCLE
STORAGEDESK
COVERED FRONT DECK
830 SF
700 SF
BEDROOM
KITCHEN
DINING
LIVING
BATH BATH
BEDROOM BEDROOM
KITCHEN
LIVINGDINING
STACKED
WASHER
DRYER
N
PROPERTY LINEUNIT 1 & 2 FIRST FLOOR PLAN
1/4" = 1'-0"
EASTSOUTH
UNIT 1 & 2 EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
1/8” = 1’-0”
PASSIVE HOUSE PRINCIPLES
1. Super Insulated Building Envelope
The 12” double stud wall filled with dense pack
Cellulose will create a R-46 super insulated wall. The
slab will be insulated to R-30 and the roof to R-76.
2. Thermally broken wall assembly
Connections are detailed to minimize thermal bridges
to reduce heat loss through the building components.
3. Continuous Airtight Boundary
Careful air sealing will aim to achieve an airtightness of
0.6 ACH @ 50 Pa. This combined with the ERV creates
a draft free but very comfortable space with high air
quality.
4. Optimized Solar Gains and Shading
Optimized solar shading will allow low winter sun into
the space to keep the space warm, but prevent high
summer sun from overheating the rooms. With the
help of triple pane windows with high Solar Heat Gain
Coefficients and Low U-Values.
5. Energy Recovery Ventilation
The Energy Recovery Ventilator has a high 96%
efficiency, which means incoming fresh air is heated by
outgoing air to at least 50°F, even when the outside air
temperature is below zero. This allows for significant
energy savings.
6. Photovoltaic Renewable Energy
A grid-tied PV system on each unit will allow for
financial and carbon payback for the homeowner. Solar
hot water will significantly reduce the Domestic Hot
Water Load.
Super-insulation
Airtight Barrier
Thermal Break Photovoltaics +
Solar Hot Water
Optimized Solar
Gains & Shading
Energy
Recovery
Ventilation
• Heat Pump:
Mitsubishi / Fujitsu Minisplit, single head
• Enegy Recovery Ventilator:
Zehnder Comfo air 200 ERV / Venmar AVS k7 ERV
• Solar hot water heater:
Sunearth panels w/ HTP 50 gal. Tank
• Energy Star appliances
• Water saving 0.8 gal. Per flush toilets
• LED lighting
ENERGY EFFICIENT SYSTEMS
Units 1 & 2 Solar Array- LG 330
Total of 36 PV panels
+ 4 solar hot water panels
Unit 1 - 18 panels - 6 kw system
Unit 2 - 18 panels - 6 kw system
Unit 3 Solar Array- LG 330
Total of 15 PV panels - 5 kw system
+ 2 solar hot water panels
LOFT
BATH
BEDROOM
HALL
COVERED
ENTRY
6
12
S O UT H F A C IN G S O L A R P A N E L S
UNIT 1 BUILDING SECTION
1/8" = 1'-0"
6
12
S O U T H F A C ING S O L A R P A N E L S
LOFT
KITCHENDECK
UNIT 2 BUILDING SECTION
1/8" = 1'-0"UNIT 1UNIT 2PRIVATE
SPACES IN
BACK
CENTRAL
UTILITIES
Push in
corner to
fit lot line
Push in
corner to
fit lot line
Push in to
create covered
entry and porch
PUBLIC
SPACES
IN FRONT
35°
Rotate to
face South
ENERGY PERFORMANCE
HERS Rating: Unit 1: Unit 2: Unit 3:
(Home Energy Rating System)
HERS Index: -14 -8 -4
HERS Index without PV: 35 33 33
Annual Savings*: $2,986 $3,547 $3,859
Estimated Annual Energy Cost: $60 $60 $60
Net Annual Consumption: -2,093 kWh -1,606 kWh -792 kWh
Heating Design Load: 6 kBtu/hr 7 kBtu/hr 10 kBtu/hr
Cooling Design Load: 5 kBtu/hr 5 kBtu/hr 7 kBtu/hr
Annual CO2 Emissions: -5.4 Tons -5.1 Tons -4.4 Tons
Trees to Offset: -379 -357 -306
Mass Save rebate (2018): $2,943 $3,335 $4,634
* Relative to an average US home.
- 4
Unit 3- 8
Unit 2
- 14
Unit 1
Energy modeling by:
Adin Maynard
HHefficiency.com