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Modular Mountain Retreat > Episode 9: Energy Efficient Heat, Column Deck Supports, and The Mount

Multi-Zone HVAC System

Project: Modular Mountain Retreat, Episode 9, Part 3

Bob gets an update on the continuing progress on the exterior of the modular mountain retreat. First, Bob looks in on the installation of Chadsworth Columns' PolyStone columns on the back deck support. These columns are custom manufactured to a homeowner's specifications and are resistant to moisture and insects.

Next, Bob sees that the Cultured Stone faux stone finish is completed on the foundation, before he goes off to revisit Edith Wharton's home, The Mount, in Lenox, MA, for a tour of the revived gardens.

Back at the project site, the mechanical systems are being installed. Mark Gallivan from Sears and Brent Morin from Morin Mechanical are putting in the new Carrier HVAC system.

Chris Vila visits with Jack Frederick as he installs a Rinnai Continuum tankless water heater. The Continuum is a compact, on-demand water heater, which only makes hot water when there is a demand for it.

Part 1: Reviewing the Modular Home's Exterior
Part 2: Tour of the Gardens at The Mount
Part 3: Multi-Zone HVAC System: Bob meets with Mark Gallivan from Sears HVAC, and Brent Morin from Morin Mechanical Services, to review the heating system installation in the modular home.

The high-efficiency, state-of-the-art Hydro-Air system uses components of traditional boilers, humidifiers, variable-speed fans, electronic air cleaners, and three exterior condensing units.

The boiler produces hot water for both a forced air unit and a baseboard radiant heating system. The forced air unit allows for a consistent level of humidity in the house, something radiant-only units traditionally cannot accomplish.

There are seven zones employed in the home's heating and cooling system. The cast aluminum heat exchanger in this unit transfers heat three times faster than a traditional heat exchanger. The boiler uses a direct venting system that takes air directly from outside and vents it through a flue located in the center of the intake vent.

Beautifully sited on wooded acreage with breathtaking views of some of the most beautiful countryside in New England, this Arts and Crafts style bungalow certainly doesn't look factory-built. You'd never know it was a modular home unless Bob took you to the Pennsylvania factory where it was built, almost from start to finish.

The house goes down the assembly line from framing, through wiring and plumbing, all the way to the installation of flooring and priming for paint.

The house is trucked to its pre-fabricated foundations on the lot, and start all the finishing touches that will prove that a modular house doesn't have to be a cookie-cutter affair.

Also from Modular Mountain Retreat

Episode 1 - Modular Home Construction and Site Preparation
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Description:
Bob and his crew travel to western Massachusetts to feature the construction and on-site assembly of a modular home in the Berkshires Hills. Simplex Industries is building the home in Scranton, PA. Bob visits the Simplex factory to witness the the prefab process. Pat Fricchione, Jr., owner of Simplex, tells Bob the history of the company, remarking on how the image of modular construction has changed over the years. While touring the building site, Bob gives an overview of the rustic Berkshires area before joining general contractor Michael Shiels to discuss the foundation prep work that is underway.
Episode 2 - Modular Construction Details and Foundation Work
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Description:
The crew from Superior Walls is preparing for the pre-cast foundation walls, which will provide the base for the modular home. To learn about the manufacturing process for the pre-cast panels, Bob travels back to the Simplex plant in Scranton PA, where he sees how each module is framed and prepped for delivery. Back in the Berkshires, once the panels have been lowered into place by crane, Mel Zimmerman from Superior Walls explains the foundation assembly process.
Episode 3 - Modular Construction, Wiring, and Drywall
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Description:
All of the work in progress is going on indoors, safe from the elements that can slow traditional home construction. The work underway includes roof assembly, subfloor installation, wall framing, and drywall application for the house's main living areas. Tasks that are also ongoing include spackling and sanding, installing insulation, applying wall and roof sheathing, plus house wrapping and interior trim work. Leviton structured wire boxes, which will form the backbone of the home's voice and data system, are also being installed, while, at the Simplex stair shop, the staircase for the project houses is being carefully assembled.
Episode 4 - Interior and Exterior Finishes on a Modular Home
Episode 5 - Assembling a Modular Home
Episode 6 - Shake Roof and Stone Façade for Modular Home
Episode 7 - Panelized Cedar Shingles, a Metal Roof, and The Mount
Episode 8 - Direct Vent Heat and Composite Deck Materials
Episode 10 - Berkshires Architecture, Shakespeare & Co., and Structured Wiring
Episode 11 - Introducing Elm Court
Episode 12 - Sound Insulation and Restored Rooms at Elm Court
Episode 13 - Elm Court Decor and Ongoing Restoration

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