The siding is being installed on 48 Alice Holway Drive! 50 Alice Holway Drive is sequenced a couple weeks behind so we will anticipate that siding to begin after windows go up. There are a lot of details that go into the envelope of the buildings to make sure they perform well in both cold and warm weather. Below are the details for these control layers. As we install, we have third party commissioning, Efficiency VT reviews the designs, and VIA our architect also reviews the installation process. Having all these professional checks helps us make sure the buildings will be as high performing as we had them designed to be. More thorough descriptions can be found on our info page: www.homemattershere.org/alice-holway-drive-info-page/
Roof Assembly: The roof is designed for high thermal performance, with R-60 insulation. It’s paired with controlled ventilation and a continuous interior vapor control layer. Together, these features minimize heat transfer, reduce moisture problems, and achieve excellent energy efficiency
Exterior Wall Assembly: The walls combine continuous insulation, a high-quality air barrier, and insulated 2×6 stud cavities, giving them a total R-value of 36. This setup cuts down on thermal bridging (where heat transfers through structural elements) and air leakage, creating a durable and efficient enclosure that performs better than the minimum code requirements.
Slab on Grade Assembly: The slab foundation includes continuous insulation beneath it and a vapor barrier. This helps prevent heat loss into the ground and keeps indoor temperatures more stable. Choosing a slab instead of a full basement also means using less concrete overall, which lowers the project’s carbon footprint.
Overall Performance: Taken together, these assemblies form a building envelope that is airtight, well-insulated, and designed for long-term durability. The result is lower energy use, greater comfort for residents, and a structure that will hold up well over time.
These buildings will also make use of solar panels and ground source heat pumps, which are most effective when paired with a high‑performance enclosure. Because the roof, walls, and slab assemblies are designed to minimize heat transfer and air leakage, the energy produced on site and the efficient heating and cooling drawn from the ground can be used to their fullest potential. The Energy Recovery Ventilation system adds another layer of efficiency by tempering fresh air according to the season, further reducing demand.
The envelope reduces the amount of energy the building requires, while the solar panels, heat pumps, and energy‑recovering ventilation supply and conserve that energy in clean, efficient ways. Together, they create a building that not only meets code requirements but also contributes meaningfully to residents’ comfort and Vermont’s broader sustainability and climate goals.
These apartments are NOT yet leased. Applications will open in spring and anyone is welcome to apply. There are several income eligibility thresholds to designed to meet households with low and moderate incomes of the area.