Chris from Integrity Heating & Air Conditioning seals the duct connections. This is one of many simple but effective sealing techniques recommended by the NAHB Research Center's engineering team.

Air-sealing techniques are critical to the home's efficiency. Here a master technician from Eastern Insulation seals a Simonton window to the steel and foam structural panel addition.

Project contractor Bill Asdal explains some of the schematic drawings during a visit by local NAHB Remodelors Council members meeting on site at the SEER project.

A SETS tankless water heater and electrical sub-panel will bring preheated water from the solar water heater up to the desired delivery temperature.

Remodelors Council members from the Community Builders Association of New Jersey tour the National Renewable Energy Laboratory research site in Lebanon, N.J., to inspect the engineered systems and renewable energy capability in existing housing.

The package waste-water treatment plant is set and leveled. Supplied by Cromaglass (www.cromaglass.com), this unit solves many potential flood plain and shallow groundwater issues while eliminating more nitrates than a conventional septic system.

The Cromaglass unit is leveled in two directions and set on a concrete pad. Drilled tie-downs ensure that the unit will stay in place during any groundwater conditions. A dewatering well (15-inch corrugated pipe) was installed near the unit in case of a service requirement.

The cottage exterior is complete, and the solar panels generate some photovoltaic electricity, even with a light snow covering.

Eastern Insulation air-sealing specialists use caulk, foam, fire caulk and a host of skills to arrest air leakage and create Energy Star-rated homes. This home is modeled for a HERS rating of 92.

A fiberglass mesh was chosen for the custom shower bases. The perimeter frame is sealed to ensure no leaks and a continuous waterproof enclosure.

The water bed is set with select fill and crushed stone. Distribution pipes are leveled for consistent flows.

The use of a Cromaglass waste-water treatment system minimized the leach field. A gentle swale and shallow excavation are enough to minimize disturbance.

Master plumbers from VanNatta Mechanical brought the finest workmanship to the newest technologies. Here Joe Zamorski finishes the kitchen rough-in work with PEX tubing.

Master electrician Ed Siegel of VanNatta Mechancal has completed more than six years of wiring with a perfect record of passed inspections. He was selected for the SEER project because his skills matched the project's complexity.

The old stone walls are hand-chiseled, filled and coated with white portland cement and sand. Craftsman Ken Budd inspects the Manabloc installation.

Local Remodelors Council members Glen Lumia, Russ Walters, Steve Jensen, Bill Asdal, Frank Malpere and Steve Fichter break for coffee during a tour of the research site.

Steve Morris of Mommoth Tree Service easily sets the Cromaglass tank, which weighs 1,100 pounds when empty, thanks to his Cat 80.

The Cromaglass unit's elevation is critical to hold the pitch of the gravity inflow pipes. Outflow is pressure-assisted, and slope and height are not so critical.