Red Tree Builders has been announced as one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2023 Housing Innovation Award winners. 

Since 2013, the DOE awards have been recognizing the top builders in the country for their commitment to provide better homes. The Housing Innovation Awards are given to homes certified to DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) specifications, which set the federal government’s highest bar for energy and environmental performance in new residential construction. 

This is the third year in a row that Red Tree Builders has been honored with the Housing Innovation Award. Red Tree Builders is proud to focus building efforts on the future, utilizing new state-of the-art technologies to help reduce carbon emissions.

Click here to tour the home. 

A Master Certified Green Builder (MasterCGP), President and Owner of Red Tree Builders, Brandon Bryant prides himself on integrating a mindful approach to building healthy, environmentally sound and sustainable homes. 

“We create homes that are energy-efficient, sustainable and provide superior indoor comfort and air quality,” said Bryant. “We are passionate about helping our clients achieve a higher level of health.” 

The winning home was completed in November 2022 and includes the key features: 

• Walls: 2x6, 24 inches o.c., advanced framed, R-19 total: 7/16" coated OSB sheathing, R-19 unfaced fiberglass batt; plastic mesh screen; white ash siding and stone veneer. 
• Roof: Truss and rafter gabled roof, open-cell spray foam under 3/4V OSB roof sheathing, synthetic underlayment, architectural asphalt shingles and standing-seam metal roof. 
• Attic: Unvented, vaulted ceilings, 8" R-30 open-cell spray foam on underside of roof deck, 12" raised-heel trusses. 
• Foundation: Insulated basement: 2" rigid foam under slab. Pre-cast concrete-EPS-steel wall panels + 5" open-cell spray foam for R-30 total. Dimpled drain board. Stucco and stone veneer. 
• Windows: Double-pane, U=0.28, SHGC=0.18, low-e, argon-fill. Aluminum Clad. Roof overhangs. 
• Air Sealing: 1.78 ACH 50; liquid flashing at transition between pre-cast foundation walls and framing, at all exterior plumbing, electrical, and HVAC penetrations, and for window and door flashing. Tape at all sheathing seams. Caulked base plates.
• Ventilation: ERV integrated with HVAC. Timers and motion sensors on all bath fans and exhaust fans in garage and laundry room.
• HVAC: Ground source heat pump, 3-ton, 2-stage ground-source heat pump. 22 SEER. Central air handler. 
• Hot Water: Heat pump water heater, 80-gallon, 3.88 EF. Compact plumbing design. 
• Lighting and Appliances: LED lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances. 
• Solar: 11.22 kWh PV, no battery.
• Other: Ground-source heat pumps use 80% less energy annually to heat homes.

“I’m so incredibly proud of our team and the work they’ve put in this year. To be recognized as a company for the amazing homes we’ve been lucky enough to create and to have all the hard work acknowledged is a huge honor.” - Brandon Bryant. 

Click here to tour the home.