Hankin Group Completes Net Zero Apartments
The Exton, Pa., project is the state's first Phius ZERO certified multifamily property.
Hankin Group has opened Hamilton Passive House, a 32-unit net zero multifamily development in Exton, Pa. The development is a component of the larger Hamilton at Eagleview, a 156-unit eco-friendly apartment community.
Hamilton Passive House is Pennsylvania’s first Phius ZERO certified apartment property, according to Harkin. Phius ZERO is a standard for net zero energy design and the highest certification from Phius, which certifies passive house projects in North America. Passive houses are, generally, those that achieve ultra low or zero carbon emissions through insulation, air tightness, high-efficiency ventilation and other design and construction elements.
The building features R40 insulated walls, resulting in an estimated 40 percent reduction in heat flow compared to lower-performance R20 insulation, the developer noted. Another feature is rooftop solar PV array expected to generate 217,825 kWh annually and eliminate electricity bills for residents
There are also hybrid heat pump water heaters, delivering hot water more energy efficiently than standard electric heaters, and PVC and sustainable rice hull siding made from fully recycled and tree-free materials.
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The four-story building offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with sustainability features such as water-conserving bathroom fixtures, induction cooking, super-insulated triple pane windows, stainless steel Energy Star appliances and high-efficiency HVAC and ERV systems. Additional in-unit amenities include full-sized high efficiency washer and dryers, smart lock entry and thermostats, and kitchens with under cabinet lighting.
Residents of Hamilton at Eagleview have access to a resort-style pool with outdoor TV, golf and multisport simulator, a fitness center, pet spa and bark park. There are EV charging stations, business center with private workspaces, spacious clubhouse with entertainment kitchen, valet trash and recycling services.
Hamilton Passive House is the latest addition to Hankin Group’s 800-acre Eagleview in Chester County, Pa., a mixed-use, master planned community that includes over 1,000 residences, 2.5 million square feet of office and life science space, and over 50,000 square feet of retail space.
Net zero residential sees growth
The need for net zero housing is widely recognized since U.S. homes consume about 21 percent of the total energy used annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The average home releases 70 percent more carbon dioxide into the environment than a typical car or about 17,320 pounds each year.
As of 2021-22, the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance reported about 110,000 net zero capable/ready housing units nationwide, which was up from fewer than 40,000 during 2019-2020. New residential properties can take advantage of electric heating, better insulation and the overall more efficient envelope to retain heat, thus limiting the energy use, the organization explains.