Conversation with Sean Conta

We all know that the right way to build a high performance, low carbon home starts in the design phase, right? Early and careful planning, research, estimating and coordinating with trades during design is the way to achieve the project goals. But wait, what if we land a project that has already been designed and permitted? And what if, for example, the plans are missing any sort of HVAC or water heating information and essentially just meet code? Can we still do high performance? This session will dive into a specific project in Seattle where the 2 person Targa Homes team was presented with just this scenario. Hear how we achieved a high performance, ZERH certified home and ADU through air tightness, robust assemblies, great windows, careful HVAC design and installation, and lower embodied carbon material choices.

Learning Objectives:
1. Choosing and executing high performance wall, roof, and floor assemblies that aren't on the plans

2. Designing and fitting an HVAC system in an existing structural layout

3. Convincing your client to care about upgraded windows

4. Finding what your "non-negotiables" are as you budget and build a project