Building a home that stands up to severe weather and flooding is one thing. Designing a net zero energy custom home that your clients will love is another.

The owners of this Delaware home needed a structure that could provide protection from the storms and flooding that frequently plague the Chesapeake Bay area. They also wanted a design to suit their taste and lifestyle.

Samson Design worked with the homeowners to come up with a plan for a storm-resilient home that could save them money on monthly energy costs for the life cycle of the home. By specifying ICF walls for the construction, along with solar panels and a heat pump, architects planned energy-efficiency into every aspect of this home’s design.

The homeowners also wanted a home with serious curb appeal, and Samson Design made sure to elevate the home’s look with attractive detail.

Curb Appeal and Flood Protection in One Design

Samson Design specified Fox Blocks ICF for the walls, floor system and garage. An ICF flooring system can be a challenge to work with; contractors with Excel Builders overlaid the floor plans and mechanicals ahead of time to ensure any through penetrations were handled properly.

By working with contractors and builders familiar with the benefits that ICF construction offers, this Delaware family wound up with an energy-efficient home able to withstand the flood- and storm-ridden climate of the Chesapeake Bay area. ICF structures can take on winds up to 250 mph and offer additional protection from flying debris and flooding.

The First Net Zero Home on the Block

A heat pump, solar panels and Fox Blocks walls mean this homeowner averages an electric bill of near zero every month.

The design and construction of this home was ahead of the upcoming NZR (Net Zero Ready) building codes that are now being adopted. These proud homeowners were able to boast being the first Net Zero home in the local community.

Looking for energy-efficient solutions and storm-resistant design that homeowners will love? Talk with us about ICF solutions for your next custom home project.