Prickly Pear Sanctuary is what the top of the program looks like: GreenStar Platinum, HERS Index of 7, all-electric, and expected to produce as much energy annually as it consumes through ground-mounted solar panels and passive solar orientation.
The R-Value Homes and Image Design team sweated the details that never make the listing photos. A frost-protected shallow foundation kept excavation — and site disruption — to a minimum. The envelope tests at 0.8 air changes per hour, tight enough that a heat-recovery ventilator with CO2-controlled operation supplies fresh air only when occupancy actually demands it, locking allergens out.
Durability is engineered in: concrete exterior walls, premium flashing details, and generous roof overhangs that keep water off the structure — moisture management as a first-class design driver.
At a glance
- GreenStar Platinum with a HERS Index of 7; net-zero performance expected
- CO2-controlled heat-recovery ventilation in a 0.8 ACH50 envelope
- Frost-protected shallow foundation and deep overhangs for durability
Built by R-Value Homes (Jake Vierzen) · Design by Eric Hughes, Image Design
Your project could be next.
This project followed the same published checklist available to everyone. See where your home stands, or register with the GreenHome Institute.