HVAC design

Among the first of its kind, this small residential development in Marin County features six modest strawbale homes ranging from 1200-1500 sq.ft. on a 10.6 acre parcel wth 9 acres preserved as open space. It's the culmination of 45 years of uncertainty for the land and seems to be an ideal end result for property neighbors as well as the county. Beyond Efficiency was retained to design mechanical and plumbing systems that are appropriate for the super-efficient low-load homes.

Given the oceanside location of Esalen, high levels of insulation, and passive solar orientation, these units have very low heating demands and aren't expected to have cooling concerns. To align with the client's goals for low first cost and systems simplicity, we designed the mechanical systems to include electric resistance baseboard radiators paired with through-the-wall (ductless) heat recovery ventilators (HRVs).

Construction was completed in the fall of 2017.

At an elevation of 8750' and winter design temperature of -16 degrees F, the historic mountain mining town of Telluride, Colorado can be cold! Beyond Efficiency was brought on board for its cold-climate expertise and provided buiding envelope advising and detailing, mechanical engineering, and guidance in surpassing Telluride's energy efficiency requirements for the new single-family home. The project was completed in the fall of 2016.

Having outgrown their converted Victorian house, Beckstoffer Vineyard was in need of a proper office building for their staff and vineyard field managers. Their new office building will provide the Old West aesthetic they love while being super-efficient. With a Cool Roof, deeply shaded windows and continuous exterior insulation, the building will require very little energy to heat or cool. Beyond Efficiency provided envelope systems advising, energy modeling, and HVAC design services for the project.