Net Producer

“The house that you built for my family has produced 10 years worth of energy during the first 4 years of residence.”  –Steve Leppold

Designed to produce as much energy as it consumes over a given year, the Suncroft House is actually a net energy producer! Eugene’s first Zero Energy home was built on a very tight budget and, like so many of our projects, was made possible by the total dedication of these clients. Through minimized square footage, superinsulation, a 350% efficient geothermal heat pump, and a 6 kW solar array, the Suncroft House proves it is possible to achieve a zero carbon life in the Pacific Northwest.

This house also includes Eugene’s first permitted potable rain catchment system. As much as 6,000 gallons of rainwater are stored in tanks and run through a series of filters and UV light purification to provide much of the household’s yearly water needs.

“James McDonald and the ECO crew were easy to work with and seemed like true partners in the housebuilding adventure.  They had the skills and experience to use alternative methods and materials, the flexibility to accommodate design changes on the fly, and the patience to allow us to put in as much “sweat equity” as we wanted.  James gave valuable input about the design and suggested modifications that were definite improvements.  The high quality of construction is a given. Our budget was tight, but we wanted the house built to last, and ECO delivered.  We highly recommend these dedicated professionals.”  –Kay & Steve Leppold

Visit the Suncroft House website to learn more.

Designer: Steve Leppold // Completed: 2007