Studio 804 LEED Platinum Home - 1040 New York St. Lawrence KS - Class of 2025
Central Energy Audits partnered with Studio 804, the University of Kansas’ building science and construction program, to certify this home for LEED Platinum and ENERGY STAR. The result is a home that is efficient, sustainable, and truly a work of art.
Throughout construction, we collaborated closely with Studio 804 to ensure the project met all qualifying criteria for LEED Platinum certification. The students were exceptionally organized and provided thorough documentation to maintain the project’s compliance every step of the way.
C.E.A. completed multiple on-site inspections, including slab insulation, pre-drywall, and final inspections, and we also toured the Studio 804 workshop. During these visits, we verified credit-related measures, identified areas for improvement, and guided adjustments to optimize performance.
By the final inspection, the home achieved an impressive 0.56 ACH50 on the blower door test—an extremely “tight” building envelope. Because of the low air infiltration rate, Studio 804 equipped the home with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to maintain healthy indoor air quality.
The roof features a full solar array with energy storage, significantly reducing the home’s energy demand. Many of the materials used were locally sourced or donated, contributing additional LEED points The home also incorporates high-efficiency HVAC systems and a heat pump water heater.
Studio 804 was intentional in selecting low-VOC materials to support better indoor air quality. Instead of the “new home smell,” this home carries the natural scent of maple wood flooring and FSC-certified cabinetry—choices that create a cleaner and healthier living environment.
Congratulations to Studio 804 on another high-scoring LEED Platinum project, and congratulations to the homeowner on a beautifully built home that will provide comfort, efficiency, and healthier living for years to come.
For a deeper look at the performance testing, LEED Platinum and ENERGY STAR certification process, and Central Energy Audits' collaboration with Studio 804 on this home, including the 0.56 ACH50 blower door result, ERV design, solar and storage, and low-VOC material choices, see Central Energy Audits' full project write-up:
https://archello.com/project/1040-ny-house-in-east-lawrence
