[Greenbuilding] Visible Flames (Fireplaces) in Tight Houses

Alan Abrams alan at abramsdesignbuild.com
Wed Dec 3 11:16:50 CST 2014


Jeff--will do
-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 11:38 AM, Jeff Buscher <jeff.buscher at gmail.com>
wrote:

> 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.
>>
> 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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>
>
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