[Greenbuilding] Visible Flames (Fireplaces) in Tight Houses

[Jeff Buscher]

Alan,
I'd really like to know what they did too if you don't mind finding out
from the builder and telling all of us.
ᐧ

On Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 10:49 AM, Alan Abrams <alan at abramsdesignbuild.com>
wrote:

> Hi Eli-
>
> I'm not certain of the specific methods and products that were used to
> control the drier vent, and the fireplace flue and intake. So I'll reply to
> you off list, with contact information for the builder.
>
> -AA
>
> Alan Abrams
>
> *certified professional building designer, AIBDcertified passive house
> consultant, PHIUS*
> *certified passive house builder, PHIUS*
> cell     202-437-8583
> alan at abramsdesignbuild.com
> HELICON WORKS *Achitecture and Education*
> <http://www.heliconworks.com/index2.html>
>
> On Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 9:43 AM, <conservationarchitect at rockbridge.net>
> wrote:
>
>>   Alan
>>
>> How tight were the openings into this closed loop fireplace?  This may be
>> acceptable to my client.   .6ach at 50pa is impressive with these
>> handicaps.  What would your recommendation for interior cloths dryer be?
>>
>> As an alternative to the insulated chase, could you define a space up to
>> a triple wall chimney that has the specified clearance to combustible
>> material filled with non combustible insulation such as vermiculite.
>>
>> Thanks
>> Eli
>>
>>
>>  *From:* Alan Abrams <alan at abramsdesignbuild.com>
>> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 02, 2014 2:17 PM
>> *To:* Green Building <greenbuilding at lists.bioenergylists.org>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Greenbuilding] Visible Flames (Fireplaces) in Tight
>> Houses
>>
>>  in a recent project for other pyrophilic clients, (and despite all my
>> hand wringing to them) I spec'd a wood stove by Napoleon:
>> http://www.napoleonfireplaces.com/products/nz26-zero-clearance-and-masonry-fireplace/
>>
>> even with that gratuitous feature (and a conventional clothes drier) the
>> house came in below 0.6 ACH at 50 PA. One nice feature is that the stove
>> has provision to route air heated within its jacket to remote locations, so
>> the occupants don't collapse from heat prostration while it's in use. In
>> the subject case, hot air was ducted to a point adjacent to the heat pump
>> return (direct connect is prohibited by the mnfr)
>>
>> one thing to bear in mind is that the length of the flue, even with a
>> roof top damper, represents an ambient or near ambient condition. applying
>> insulation directly against the flue is prohibited, so an insulated chase
>> was provided instead.
>>
>> -AA
>>
>>
>>  Alan Abrams
>>
>> *certified professional building designer, AIBDcertified passive house
>> consultant, PHIUS*
>> *certified passive house builder, PHIUS*
>> cell     202-437-8583
>> alan at abramsdesignbuild.com
>> HELICON WORKS *Achitecture and Education*
>> <http://www.heliconworks.com/index2.html>
>>
>> On Tue, Dec 2, 2014 at 1:37 PM, <conservationarchitect at rockbridge.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>   I intend to build only high standard thermal envelopes.  I have a
>>> client that expresses interest in this except she wants a fireplace.  Ugh!
>>> I am looking for ways for her to see an open flame that will not compromise
>>> the benefit  of a high standard thermal envelope.  I have suggested an
>>> outdoor air fed wood stove with a glass door.  This could be installed to
>>> look like a traditional fireplace.
>>> She has expressed interest in unvented gas fireplace, Ugh again!  I
>>> certainly do not want CO being introduced by design into a tight thermal
>>> envelope.  Increasing ventilation rates would be required.  I am wondering
>>> if a vented gas fireplace that has outdoor air feed would be acceptable.  I
>>> am wondering if others on this list have managed clients with the
>>> expectation of seeing a flame in a tight thermal envelope.
>>>
>>>  I am beginning my career as a contractor.  My intention is to sale
>>> predesigned homes that incorporate the high standard thermal envelope with
>>> my details so my client and I know what the cost is up front.  To do this,
>>> I am limiting what I will offer.  This is one reason I am moving away from
>>> my previous custom design architect model where you must involve your
>>> client in all decisions to build there dream building.
>>> To achieve high energy performance buildings, multiple systems need to
>>> be complimentary.  This is why I want to sale a package that achieves
>>> this.  I am wanting to control these choices.  Sometimes that means turning
>>> down projects.
>>>
>>>  Eli
>>>
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>>
>>
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>
>
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