25 Haystack Woods Rd, Norfolk, CT 06058

HAYSTACK WOODS A community of 10 affordable homes near the town center designed for low total cost of ownership through net zero energy design. Solar energy production matches anticipated year-round energy needs. The Haystack Woods homes are reserved for first time home buyers, with five homes still available. If you want to learn more, you can view a recorded info session that outlines eligibility requirements, details about the homes and answered questions on the Foundation for Norfolk Living website. norfolkliving.org/haystack-woods-net-zero-homes THE SITE • Walking distance to the town center • Homes are next to the 300 acre Haystack Mountain State Park • Homes are sited to encourage a sense of community with loop roads and shared solar carports THE HOUSES Based on a prototype net zero house that tied for 1st place in the CT Net Zero Energy Challenge in 2015, these houses have a high performing shell that limits heating and cooling loads, enabling very efficient air-source heat pumps to maintain a consistent year-round temperature. Features include: • A robust shell that is low maintenance, very energy efficient, and relatively inexpensive to construct • Careful selection and pairing of products, systems and construction techniques, reducing the initial cost of construction compared to standard wood frame construction • A simple mechanical system • Durable materials to reduce on-going maintenance costs HAYSTACK WOODS FEATURES • Total Cost of Ownership as a guiding design principle • Net Zero – The first net zero community with battery back up power in the state. • Durable and Low Maintenance materials and systems minimize maintenance costs. Simple HVAC systems, concrete walls, no leaking drafty basements, and no clogged rain gutters mean these houses are easier to operate. • Disaster Resistant and Resilient – These homes will stand up to fire and high winds better than “standard construction”, protecting the health and safety of the occupants over the long-term. During power failures, these homes will remain comfortable in the summer and resistant to frozen pipes in the winter. • Site Features o Single family homes allowing for physical distancing o Within a small vibrant community, outside of dense city populations o Opportunity for exercise – walking, biking, running and hiking • Spatial/Functional Provisions for Covid-like Situations o Work and study at home o Separate bathrooms for isolation/quarantine • Utilities Incorporated o Photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity and achieve net zero o High quality internet for home office – fiber optic ready o Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) brings in fresh air to the home for improved indoor air quality.