O’Neil Net-Zero Homes

These two ecologically-inspired homes are the fulfillment of developer Jackie O’Neil’s vision to create an affordable, environmentally sound and aesthetically appealing alternative to the “McMansions” that dominate the Philadelphia housing market. At the same time, it gave she and her twin sister a sustainable living homestead of sorts.  Through a series of studies, including energy and daylight modeling, the team was able to design homes that work hand-in-glove with the site – capturing free lighting, heat, ventilation and rainwater to reduce resource consumption while increasing comfort, health, and beauty. Special attention was paid to using local materials, many of which were milled on-site by local craftspeople. Since occupancy, the homes have been generating more power than they use and the owners receive a utility check rebate each month!

In addition to being verified Net-Zero Energy, the homes were also part of USGBC’s LEED for Homes pilot program in 2006 and were the 11th and 12th certified in the world!