CLEVELAND, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Northeast Ohio‘s first house designed to meet passive house standards is slated to open Monday, June 6, 2011. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s PNC SmartHome Cleveland is the only house constructed using the passive house methodology in the United States that is open for viewing to the public. The custom-built, state-of-the-art home was designed to meet the world’s most advanced standard of residential energy performance. It will be on display for public tours through October 1, 2011, in conjunction with an exhibit about climate change.

Built on Museum grounds, PNC SmartHome Cleveland represents the future of energy-efficient living. The home was constructed using a super-insulated, 12-inch-thick wall system based on structural insulated panels and energy-efficient, triple-pane windows.

Designed to function without a furnace, PNC SmartHome Cleveland will use 90 percent less heating and cooling energy than a typical home. An air-source heat pump will keep the house at a comfortable temperature using the same energy as two hair dryers. Air-tight construction will ensure that the home will have no cold drafts, no cold spots and extremely low heating bills.

The two-story house has a net living space of approximately 2,500 square feet, including three bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and a full basement. It was constructed using sustainable materials and furnishings, advanced stormwater and healthy housing techniques, and biophilic design to connect occupants to nature.

Three elements distinguish passive houses from typical houses: high levels of insulation, with walls up to 12 inches thick; a carefully sealed building envelope with minimal air leakage combined with efficient heat-recovery ventilation for superior indoor air quality; and high-performance windows—typically triple-paned.

Chuck Miller of Doty & Miller Architects in Cleveland designed the home. Certified Passive House Consultant Mark Hoberecht of HarvestBuild Associates oversaw its adherence to Passive House Institute U.S. standards.

PNC Bank is the presenting sponsor. PNC SmartHome Cleveland is funded by The Cleveland Foundation, The George B. Storer Foundation, an anonymous donor and other sponsors.

After the temporary exhibition closes, the house will be moved to a lot on Wade Park Avenue on the edge of Cleveland‘s University Circle neighborhood and become available for purchase.

Images and video are available at www.cmnh.org/site/SmartHomeCleveland.aspx.

SOURCE Cleveland Museum of Natural History