NET ZERO VICTORIAN
Symbi Homes and The Journal of Light Construction Presents
The Queen of Zero
A New High Performance Queen Anne Victorian Home — National Capitol Region
Designed by architect Michael Romero, construction will soon be completed on this brand new, ground-up net zero Queen Anne Victorian-style custom single-family home in a historic neighborhood of Prince George’s County, MD, just outside Washington DC. Queen of Zero’s aesthetic pays homage to the ornate and stately Victorian era of the late 19th Century, while incorporating technologically advanced materials and building science techniques including Tesla solar shingles, energy-efficient heat pumps, and an exterior shell of structurally insulated panels (SIPS). Pursuing Zero Energy Ready Homes certification with the US Department of Energy, this project is an exemplary model for building high quality, resilient, and durable homes 85-95% more efficient than the typical new build.
Project Updates
Why Aren’t More Homes Built This Way?
In Nicole's most recent article for the Journal of Light Construction, she asks: why aren't more homes built with SIPs? And what will it take for panel construction to go mainstream? At Symbi Homes, we[...]
High Performance from the Ground Up
Basement slab insulation for a net-zero home Building a sustainable home aspiring to “net zero” performance, a home that produces as much energy as it consumes each year, begins with a meticulous plan for[...]
Getting Mechanicals Right in a Tight House
As we finalize details for the Queen of Zero's high-performance mechanical plan, I offer some lessons learned on the complexities of the design process in our latest JLC Case Study 2024 article. Stay tuned for[...]
Code-Built vs. Zero Energy Ready
Curious about what it takes to go from conventional new build to Zero Energy Ready? Check out my latest JLC article on our Queen of Zero project (construction has begun!) Thank you to Smita[...]
Queen of Zero: Paying Homage to a Bygone Era
In this article, Nicole Tysvaer delves into the "Queen of Zero" case study design elements. She discusses the aesthetic of a Victorian home, detailing the ins and outs of rebuilding a home inspired by the[...]
Queen of Zero: A JLC Case Study Home
The goal is to bring back a Queen Anne Victorian home destroyed by fire to a net-zero standard of high performance. Proposed Front (East) Elevation Originally posted at JCL Online How far would[...]
History of the Queen of Zero Project
Purchased by long-time PG County residents in 2009, the original 1901 Victorian tragically burned down in July 2020. Although none of the existing structure is salvageable, the homeowner says it was “never a question” of whether he would rebuild on his premium lot in this historic community, designing a near exact replica of the burnt structure. “I saw this new build as an opportunity,” explains the homeowner, “the house I owned was built to last the previous 100 years. I want to build a house that will last the next 100 years.”
Nicole Tysvaer of Symbi Homes was recruited as the Director of Sustainability for the project in early 2022. Tysvaer spearheaded the effort to adapt the Victorian design to a modern standard of efficiency, comfort and resilience that will achieve net zero performance, producing as much energy as it consumes each year. Regarding her contribution, the homeowner has boasted that he “can’t say enough about how instrumental [Tysvaer] has been in helping work through the conceptualization and prepare for the execution of the net-zero energy aspects of the project.”
Tysvaer and architect Michael Romero are part of Queen of Zero’s all=star team of veteran high performance building professionals that includes: Site Supervisor Matt Kulp of DAKS Builders, Green Rater Kelly Gillespie of Kelly Green Energy Raters, and Interior Designer Daniel Santaella of UNIK Creative Studio.
JLC Case Study 2024
Queen of Zero has been selected by the Journal of Light Construction (JLC) as a focal case study of their online and print publication through Summer 2024. Under the direction of JLC Chief Editor Clayton DeKorne, Tysvaer has joined the magazine’s editorial staff and will produce a regular column on Queen of Zero’s progress, as well as weekly social media posts. Stay tuned for more information about manufacturer sponsorships of the project that will showcase innovation, sustainability and the highest quality of residential design and construction materials.
About Symbi Homes
Award-winning Symbi Homes designs and builds net zero homes. Past Symbi projects were featured as demonstration homes for Custom Builder in 2021 and ProRemodeler Magazine in 2022. As a leader in sustainable single-family home design and construction, Symbi Homes works to educate homeowners and building professionals on the key components and benefits of building high-performance homes. Check out our blog posts and Instagram videos.
For More Information
Contact Symbi Homes CEO Nicole Tysvaer at (202) 450-8272, nicole@symbihomes.com.
Sponsors
Symbi Homes is grateful for the support of our exceptional Queen of Zero sponsors who are helping lead the way in sustainable homebuilding:
