E ric Z u e n d

Eric Zuend-Misner
Catskill Solar -Sap House Project
Mark Klein and Mike Cipperly invited
Catskill Solar to bid on a Solar
Photovoltaic project for Delaware
Academy.
Two
of
the
bid
requirements were that we use
SunPower solar panel modules (one
of the highest efficiency modules
available) and that we provide an
educational opportunity for the
Alternative Energies and Agricultural
Mechanics classes. We were
awarded the bid and had the
wonderful experience of teaching
the
students
about
various
construction elements of a solar
array including; basic construction
techniques, sizing and efficiency of
the array, and assembly of the
racking, modules and wiring.
Catskill Solar -Sap House Project
Catskill Solar -Sap House Project
Catskill Solar -SFCU Delhi Project
Architect Norman J. Davies contacted Catskill Solar
during the early planing stages of the newly proposed
construction of the Delhi branch of the Sidney Federal
Credit Union regarding the design of the most efficient
photovoltaic system possible for the new building.
Norm's concept for the building required the use of high
efficiency building products such as insulated concrete
forms, closed cell spray foam insulation, structural
insulated panels and harvesting rainwater to be used
for the irrigation of the plants and lawn. Mechanically,
the design called for sonic/motion controlled lighting, a
split mini air source heat pump heating system, and an
air source heat pump water heater. With this design the
only energy source is electricity and the solar array
designed for the building is estimated to supply 85-90%
of the buildings annual electrical needs.
Catskill Solar -SFCU Delhi Project
Catskill Solar -SUNY Delhi Project
Catskill Solar won the bid to construct the 24 kW
solar array located on the SUNY Delhi Campus.
Catskill Solar's proposal included employment of
three SUNY Delhi graduates, a quality bid
presentation, and attention to selecting local
suppliers and contractors. A live monitoring
system available online and from a kiosk in the
lobby of the Electrical Technologies Center,
allows the the Delhi community to see how much
electrical energy the system produces and
assists teachers with lessons in the classroom. In
addition to the live monitoring system, two poles
in the array are now being used for teaching labs
for the students attending SUNY Delhi.
Catskill Solar -SUNY Delhi Project
Catskill Solar -SUNY Delhi Project
Oak Tree Homes – Five Star Ranch
Though this client requested a
home design that would be
appealing to a potential buyer for
future resale, it was designed for
her specific lifestyle and taste.
Among her requests; a home that
was inviting, well suited for
entertaining or doing business from
home... a home that shouted luxury
without breaking the budget... The
final design was within her budget
and had many of the elements of
design and high-end products she
demanded. When the time came to
sell, the house sold in a matter of
days.
Oak Tree Homes – Five Star Ranch
Oak Tree Homes – Craftsman Dental Office
Every motion of the patient, hygienist and
dentist was thought of and planned for in
this dental office. The client, a dentist
early in her career, wanted to move from
her cramped office space in an older
building into a layout that would 'optimize'
her practice.
When it came to the
esthetics of the building she asked me to,
“...propose something and have fun with
it!” Taking my cue from some of the
architecture in the surrounding area, I
presented her with a Craftsman Style
concept. She loved the idea; bringing the
Craftsman theme into the interior with her
furnishings.
Oak Tree Homes – Craftsman Dental Office
Oak Tree Homes – Turner Tiny Home
Style Editor of “House Beautiful” magazine Newell Turner
had been saving clippings from magazines for several
years. When he was ready to start working on the design
of his new home he contacted Oak Tree Homes. Newell's
concept was to build a “Tiny” home. His first design, based
on 24' x 24' footprint, was slightly too 'tiny'. I increased the
size to 28' x 28' to accommodate the elements he wanted to
include in the design while staying true to the 'tiny house'
concept. The final design is efficient with regard to the use
of space and materials and the “New” home blends quite
nicely into the Bovina, NY landscape.
Oak Tree Homes – Turner Tiny Home
Oak Tree Homes – Hillside Chalet
This home, designed for a couple
originally from Finland, was a welcome
challenge. The clients had ideas about
how a home should be designed and
constructed that were different from the
'average'
American
client.
Their
priorities focused on efficient design, a
minimalist style, and attention to energy
efficiency and high quality materials.
The result was a three bedroom hillside
chalet with a spacious master bedroom
on the main floor, two bedrooms in the
below grade level, a cherry kitchen,
hickory hardwood floors, air-bath, large
tumble stone marble walk in shower
and many European appliances. For
efficiency, the design called for the
house to be air sealed. We also used
insulated concrete forms with a radiant
heat system using a Geo-thermal wellloop concept.
Oak Tree Homes – Hillside Chalet
Oak Tree Homes – Howard Retreat
Rob and Lisa Howard had already been working with two
architects and a building contractor for more than a year when
they walked into the Oak Tree Homes office. Our Design/Build
approach appealed to them as they would be working directly
with the builder to design a home that would be within their
budget but would still have the elements of design that were
important to them. The result was an energy efficient home
constructed on a radiant heat slab; featuring insulated concrete
form exterior walls, fiberglass frame windows, hemlock board
and batten siding, a standing seam roof, and polished concrete
floors. Between work assignments, the Howards enjoy returning
to their upstate home where they are able to relax in comfort or
entertain friends in their large 'great room'.
Oak Tree Homes – Howard Retreat