I have read many posts on this website and gained much insight about ICF's and different HVAC system combinations. 
I will be building an approximately 15,000 sq ft house in the Northwestern Ohio area.   The basement will be about 4000 sq ft of finished space, 5000 sq ft 1st floor, 1500 sq 2nd floor, a 5000 sq ft indoor basketball court (attached to house with 22 ft tall ceilings) and an outdoor pool.
Who would like to help me tackle this question?  What would be the most efficient HVAC system to use?
Here's a little more info:
1) Homeowner would like to use ICF's for the whole structure.  
            Although at this point, stick framing is still a viable option. 
2) Homeowner woud like to use geothermal system with hot water producing capabilities
3)  Family info: 2 adults, 2 young children, 2 dogs
4)  Lots of land

I believe that the homeowner will trusts my judgment and listens to many of my opinions.  With that said, I am not sure what is the best way to heat and cool this house.  If anyone, has experience with very large ICF houses/ geothermal systems, etc... your help would be greatly appreciated.  I definitely want to promote green building with this homeowner, although green building is not his first priority.  He wants an ICF house with geo because he feels that he will get a large ROI.

Thanks for your help and I love the info on this website,

Brian

A miscalculation on a house that size could make or break your reputation. You need to employ the services of an experienced HVAC designer and they are few and far between in today's modern construction techniques.

The only one I can think of off hand is Richard Rue @ EnergyWise Structures. I would start there and proceed with the information you provide him. Realize that a complete set of architectural drawings will be needed prior to any additional design which I don't think you have yet judging by your post.

One thing I can suggest is zoning, I personally believe zoning should be mandatory in any house no matter what size to properly control the comfort level of the structure and it's various components.

Using ICF's for the walls would be a great way to build.  However, if the walls are quite tall or the budget is tight, then consider using metal SIPS instead.  If the roof is quite complicated and the ceilings are flat, then consider using metal SIPS for the ceilings instead of the roof.

To be more energy efficient, use thicker SIPs for the walls or furr out the inside face of a nominal 3" thick metal skin polyurethane SIP for a chase for the wiring and then use closed cell spray foam to fill in the chase after the wiring is in place.

Spray foam can also be used on top of the SIPs that form a flat ceiling.  Just be sure to place a tent over each recessed light in the ceiling so that the spray foam does not contact the recessed light fixture.  This system has worked well for me.

Geothermal would be a great way to heat and cool this home.  Zoning would be very important along with a multi-speed compressor and blower.

If there is a need to have large clear spans in the basement or main floor, then feel free to ask follow up questions through this forum or you can contact me directly.  I donate a lot of time to people that try to save energy and use new ways to build.

gioberg11,

Definately follow Chris advice and contact Richard Rue. He will help provide you with all the information that you need. Richard is a very nice guy and extremely knowledgable on energy performance and making sure that the technologies incorporated into a house (ICF and hvac) operate in harmony.

He can be reached at 972.540.5365.

Best of luck (and nice project)!

Thanks for the info everyone.  I will keep you updated and probably will be asking a few more questions.

 

I finished a house not long ago that was ICF and the homeowner was going through the same issues you are having. We used Geo Thermal. I would highly recomend it. Call Water Furnace They will set you up with someone close to you.  Whoever they set you up with will know what they are doing as far as the zoning and tonnage.

Hope that helps a little   

For the custom house that I am intend to build, I am meeting with a company that specializes in HVAC systems for energy effeciency such as Geothermal, to discuss hiring them to design my system. ICFs create such a tight house that it is very important that someone with a background and experience in HVAC systems specify the design, zoning, etc.

The company I am meeting with today actally, is located in Memphis TN. The website is:
http://engineeredcomfort.net.p4.hostingprod.com/

I am also considering a Geothermal systems that can supply hot water for my HVAC system and with a 30% rebate available, why not.

www.gtitle.com may be of help

Brian,

I concur with those below that have referred you to EnergyWise.  I worked as a customer of theirs for some time (and am an Energy Consultant & Contractor), and am now part of that group.  For anyone building with a super efficient thermal envelope (ICF, SIPS, Spray Foam) EnergyWise really shines because they have the experience of 40,000 of these types of buildings under their belt.

Best of luck! Call or email me if I can help.

Scott V.
[email protected]

How did your meeting with Engineered Comfort go?  I have met them recently and they seem to have a good group and solid game plan.  If EnergyWise can supplement or answer any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Scott V.
[email protected]