It's still very much in the early stages of design, but I've started to document the design and construction of an eco-modern house I'm building in Toronto. We don't have much to show yet, other than a few drawings and cool cardboard model... but I think she's moving along nicely.

Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

http://www.360winnett.com

Jeremy Bell,

You might want to check out window sashes made with fiberglass.  Although more costly, fiberglass expands and contracts at about the same rate as the glass pane, thus more stable over a wide temperature range.

In your website, you also mentioned considering copper versus Pex plumbing.  Be aware that Pex is available in different percentages of cross-linking.  See Pex-a (highest %), Pex-b, and Pex-c.  See uponor-usa.com for Pex-a.

Hi Alton,

Thanks for the suggestions!

Our architect did mentioned a fiberglass option as well, but I don't believe its been quoted yet... I got the impression it would be completely out of our price range, but I'll be sure to inquire with them today to see what our options are.

As for the PEX, I'm not quite sure I understand what the differences are in the cross-linking. I'm assuming the higher % is the better product, but I don't get why?

And back to Google I go...

Jeremy Bell,

Several companies make fiberglass windows.  I have used and liked Marvin.  See www.marvin.com for Marvin Integrity Windows and Doors. 

 

PEX-a, PEX-b, and PEX-c refers to the way the polyethylene was made.  The more crosslinking the better.  I also like the way the plumbing connections are made.  Very neat.

 

Beauty, thanks for the input!

We've actually contact Marvin for a window quote and now that I've gone back and looked more closely at it, it appears we'd be getting a "Pultruded fibreglass sash & frame"... so I think we're in good shape.

Alton - is Uponor/Wirsbo the only Pex A manufacturer around? They are the only one I've been able to find, and they are certainly the 'gold standard' of Pex. Most plumbers won't work with any pex but Wirsbo. The connections are cool. I always thought the designations A,B,C referenced the construction technique to cross-link the polyethylene - but are you saying that Pex A actually has a higher amount/percentage of crosslinking than B or C?

As far as windows - I agree, if you can do fiberglass, they seem to be the way to go. I've been in contact with Thermotec and Fibertec out of Canada. Their triple-pane Argon filled fiberglass windows blow away everything else available in North America in terms of performance. I actually got a personal call from a gentleman from Fibertec, we had a nice long conversation, and he followed it up with an email to maintain contact. He clarified several things for me, and I was quite impressed with that level of effort. I hope very much to be able to afford to put their windows in my house project. (my house won't have 54 windows though! :-) I believe both these manufacturers are making a superior window to the Marvin windows. Another window that doesn't get much press, but is a VERY nice window is H-Windows out of Ashland, Wisconsin. I've seen them at local home shows and those windows (aluminum clad) are built VERY well, with well thought out drainage planes and thermal breaks. They are built like tanks. They have a triple pane option. I believe this window as well will be superior to the Marvin fiberglass line - they are VERY well engineered. Gorgeous windows too.

My thoughts on an all-wood window? Sure, the architect would love you to have them - they look pretty. But, you are going to have to live with them. Wood exterior windows are quite simply labor intensive. If you love ongoing exterior maintenance, then go with the wood. Personally, I don't care for vinyl. My ranking is 1)Fiberglass 2) aluminum clad wood 3) vinyl 4) all wood

Pex over copper - yep, I agree, I'd suggest the standard manifold system. You'll have more pipe, but less labor to install, and all your connections are in one spot.

Cool site/blog you have going on - good luck with your project, looks like you are well on your way!

Richntiff,

 

Uponor is the only system that I have found that uses PEX-a.  The letters (a, b, & c) refer to the method of manufacture and not the grade.  Uponor PEX plumbing system - Engel or peroxide method (PEX-a) tubing uses memory instead of rings for fittings.  PEX-a has more cross-linking than PEX-b and PEX-c which makes it stronger.  This system can incorporate potable water and fire sprinklers in same system - no stale water in lines.  Other systems try to avoid fittings inside of walls.

 

Marvin Integrity pultruded fiberglass windows are quite advanced compared to what the typical spec builder in the Southeast uses.  I have not used Thermotec or Fibertec.

 

I am finished with wood windows.  Too many problems.

That's what I thought - I haven't been able to find anyone but Uponor/Wirsbo. Their connection method is far and away the best as well - the copper and stainless connectors other Pex uses bring to mind the polybutyl pipe failures the occurred with the PB systems.

I would agree - the Marvin Integrity windows are definitely advanced compared to any typical 'spec builder' or 'production builder' line of windows. Most homes - I don't care if they are spec or what, use windows that look pretty but don't last or perform.

I do know the Thermotec and Fibertec are more expensive than a typical high end window, what I don't know is just how much more. By most accounts, Thermotec is ridiculously expensive, and Fibertec is expensive, but not so much as Thermotec.

Thanks richntiff - It's looking like we're going Marvin Integrity for the windows - we got a variety of quotes, and they were by far the best value (I believe they were 26% less than Thermotec). I'd love to use some of the other solutions, but we simply cannot afford it!

As for the PEX, we haven't gotten to a point where we've needed to price out the PEX yet. I'm torn on the standard manifold vs hybrid at the moment, and costs will definitely be the deciding factor. Regardless, I'll definitely look into Uponor as a potential supplier.

Thanks for the tip!

wow - 26% more! Did you get a quote from Fibertec as well? I'd be curious to know where they come in at. I think you will do very well with the Marvins - I hope I didn't come across as slamming them. They are better than most other windows out there (as far as I've been able to discern anyways :-)

Good luck - sounds like you are having fun!

Ok, so we've decided upon the Marvin Integrity windows. We've needed to adjust our elevations a bit to accommodate their standard sizes, but I think we've stayed true to the original esthetic intent. It also appears as if we've gotten approval from the city, and we're just finishing up the construction drawings before we apply for our building permits. Demolition is tentatively scheduled for July 21st.

Things are about to get really crazy really soon.

Jeremybell,

If you want to add to your eco-modern home, check out www.ecoquestintl.com/dlsmith.  You will find green products from laundry purification to whole home energy management.  I love these products and I am sure you will love them too.

 

Please tell us your not using these blocks???

Hahaha.... no, no. That just happened to be the only decent photo I could find. I'll write something in more detail when we make a final decision, but we're currently evaluating a few suppliers—either Nudura or Amvic.

HEHE ........ ok scared me for a second. ya any of the top 5 blocks and a good installer and you will be just fine.

Just a quick update - We've submitted our plans for our building permit, however we're now investigating the usage of ICFs (nudura) to the roof. Price-wise, it appears to be very similar to traditional stick framing + spray foam throughout. It'll probably be a little more, but we're investigating how much more. We're also moving out of the house tomorrow, and we've tentatively scheduled a demolition date of August 4th (although I'm expecting that'll change if we decide to proceed with ICFs to the roof).

crosslinking --- think of 5 bead necklaces laying side by side. Not all the beads in oe necklace are connected to the beads in the next one. The fewer the connections between strands the more flexible the compound. The more cross-linking the stronger, more rigid the whole unit becomes. An accurate, simple but not completely proper description.

Does anyone know if the connections (couplers, manifolds etc) can be radio frequency welded or is the old fashioned clamp still the way to go?

Further question - or can the connections be glued? I know the typical epoxy is quite toxic (one of the reasons I fear a landscape covered in windturbines) but am hoping maybe there are foodgrade epoxy binders.

@ jeremybell

sort of a side topic but dont forget to post a simple sign stating the fact that you are using Pex tubing. Why? Becasue it just might save you the headache of having your insulation ripped out when copper thieves rifle the sight for copper plumbing.

To end on a positive note I wish you all the best in your endeavour.

Drewski,

I believe that Uponor systems uses the memory of the cross-linked pex-A tubes instead of clamps or glue.

Well, the house came down on Monday. It's nothing but a hole at the moment...

For those interested, I cut together a quick video of the house coming down: http://www.360winnett.com/videos/demolition/

We're hoping to have the footings poured next week, and the foundation walls should be going up soon after.