ORNL tests four homes in new Oak Ridge subdivision for energy efficiency

In the Cross Creek Subdivision of Oak Ridge, there is somewhat of a "Stepford" feel.

 "The neighbors call these homes the robo homes," Oak Ridge National Laboratory Building Researcher Jeff Christian says. "The lights on all four houses go on exactly at the same time, we've got the oven going on, we have showers being simulated exactly the same way."

No families actually live in the them, unless you count the scientific machines that will be camping out in the homes for the next two years. The energy management systems actually help turn on the lights and appliances.

"We have about 300 sensors scattered about the building and every minute we're measuring all of these sensors," Christian says. "It comes back to our data acquisition system and gets recorded."

The goal for Christian and his team is to develop affordable zero energy houses. His project started in Loudon County 10 years ago, with five energy efficient Habitat homes. Now, TVA along with Knoxville based developer Schaad Companies, are carrying the project to the next level.

"This is cutting edge on that pursuit," Christian says.

The robot homes are so unique they have attracted the attention of DIY's film crew.

"When you look at these properties right here this is the future," DIY host Kevin O'Connor says. "This is the best laboratory."

As host of "This New House," O'Connor has learned a lot about houses.

"These houses are very different than the houses we typically see, but they look the same and that's the big achievement," he says. "People are going to be familiar with the style, they're going to be familiar with what's on the inside." "The magic about them is what's in the walls, in the basement and in the roof," O'Connor says.

Three key elements put the homes on the cutting edge of energy efficiency.

First:

"Optimum value framing using 2x6 24 inch centers, getting all the wood out of the wall that you don't need and putting insulation in," Christian says.  

Then, there's structural insulated panels. Third, is a phase change material that mixes with the insulation to help minimize heat gain and heat loss.

"Compared to what is traditionally built in the East Tennessee area we are able to cost effectively with today's incentives attain 40 to 50 percent energy savings," Christian says.  

The test homes will be monitored over a two year period. In the meantime, Christian hopes to create an entire development of energy efficient homes just like them. The test homes will be featured on the new season of DIY's "This New House" sometime this summer.