2025 Award of merit - materials/methods innovation

elemental haven

Freeport, Maine • Completed January 2025

Project Team:

  • General Contractor: Steve Konstantino 

  • Design: Steve & Valerie Konstantino 

  • Drafting & Engineering: Chris Gormley 

  • Insulation, Energy Rating and Zehnder Installation: Jon Riley, Casco Bay Insulation 

  • Siding, Trim, and Interior finish carpentry: Nate Howe, Howe Building Company 

  • Cabinetry/Kitchen: Balance Design Studio, Catherine Weiland 

  • Concrete-free slab install: Brian Plowman, Plowman Builders 

  • Membranes, tapes, window install: Darius Salko, Rabbit Run Builders 

  • Heat Pumps: Scott Libby, Royal River Heat Pumps 

  • Roofing: Mitchell Beck, CO Beck Roofing 

  • Porch Timberframe: Brett Hellstedt, Maine Post & Beam 

  • Steel Staircase: Luke Winne, Modern Edge Metal 

Project Description:

Single family home with ADU over garage on a tight lot in a 14-lot subdivision. All-Electric, net-zero design with 10.9 kw rooftop solar and car charging. Minimized tree clearing to maintain natural surroundings. Zero-VOC components and finishes. Concrete-free slab. Thermally modified siding. Passive House–level air-sealing and ventilation. Designed for comfort, health, warmth and energy efficiency in a family-oriented neighborhood.

Project Metrics:

  • Bedrooms / Bathrooms: 3 BR / 2.5 BA + Efficiency ADU

  • Conditioned Living Space: 2,400 sq ft house + 600 sq ft ADU

  • Airtightness: 0.48 ACH50

  • R-Values: 4’ Frost wall (R-20 EPS) Concrete-free slab (R-25) with oak floors Double-stud wall with dense-pack cellulose construction (R-40) Raised heel truss roof with loose-fill cellulose (R-60)

  • Schuco triple-pane windows and doors

  • SIGA tapes and membranes

  • Exterior attic access (no ceiling hatch)

  • Standing seam metal roof with matching rakes and fascia

  • Thermory thermally modified siding and trim

  • Mitsubishi heat pumps, radiant tile warming in baths

  • Zehnder ERV

  • Induction cooktop stove

  • GE ventless heat pump washer/dryer

  • EV car charger

Highlights from the Judges:

“More homes need to be designed and built with the forethought and intention that was put into this beautiful home. The focus on reducing concrete with the concrete-free slab on grade and the innovation and leading edge thinking that was needed to pull it off is commendable. Everything was done right on this project from operational to embodied carbon to how it fits its site and the care with which it was constructed. The great air tightness numbers paired with the great systems will keep this house durable for generations to come. The large windows in the stairwell are stunning!”
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