The Tamarack Zero project aims to design an affordable, high-performance apartment complex in Bozeman, Montana that achieves net zero energy usage. The design team will implement numerous passive features like a solar wall, green roof, and building orientation to minimize energy needs. Active systems under consideration include geothermal wells and hydronic floor heating. The 29,000 square foot complex will include 18 units, 36 bedrooms, and meet DOE Zero Energy Ready Home criteria as well as local affordable housing requirements. The student design team is collaborating with industry partners and professionals to create a net zero building that is affordable and easy to construct.

1. TEAM KI
Tamarack Zero
Project Summary
Tamarack Zero is an apartment complex that will be designed to fit anywhere in the City of
Bozeman, as well as the majority of the infill lots located in the Western half of Montana. This
project is a collaboration of students working with both faculty and professionals in various
industries. The main goal of this project is to come together as a group to design a high-
performance building that is affordable for the general community and one of the leading buildings
in the city when it comes to energy efficiency.
Relevance of Project to the Goals of the Competition
The Tamarack Zero Complex will meet both the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home criteria while falling
into the Affordable Housing Act put into place by the City of Bozeman.
Design Strategy and Key Points
The design strategy with our apartment complex is to put in as many passive features as we can so
that we can minimize the amount of energy that will be needed for other systems. As a start, we are
considering the following passive and active systems.
Passive features that are targeted to be implemented are:
 Solar Wall - to preheat air before it reaches the heating system
 Green Roof - to help with both summer shading and rainwater management
 Building Orientation – maximize southern exposure and reduce highly occupied spaces
exposed to the northern side of the building
(daylighting and cross ventilation benefits)
 Mass Wall – to reduce diurnal swings and help to
keep heating systems from running at capacity
Active Systems that we would like to implement:
 Geothermal Wells – to reduce energy used to heat and
cool water
 Hydronic Floor Heating – to be used in combination
with geothermal to get heating or cooling from the
earth
Project Data
o Location: Bozeman, MT
o Climate Zone 6
o 29,000 square feet
o 18 Units, 36 Bedrooms, 3 Stories, 24
Bathrooms
Technical Specifications
Minimum Values to be Achieved:
o Wall Insulation R = 30
o Foundation Insulation R = 10
o Roof Insulation R = 49
o Window Performance U = 0.32
Figure 1. Preliminary floor plan
for first through third floors
←N

2. TEAM KI
Tamarack Zero
Collegiate Institution: Montana State University
Student Team Members:
Taylor Boyer, Architecture, Senior
Ian Haizlip, Mechanical Engineering, Senior
Mark Saunders, Mechanical Engineering, Senior
Katharine Schmachtenberger, Architecture, Senior
Aziz Shames, Mechanical Engineering, Senior
Emilee Williams, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Senior, Student Team Leader
Contest Category: Small Multifamily
Project Approach: We propose to work with local companies to design an apartment complex that is net
zero while still being affordable and easy to build. To achieve this, we plan to implement as many
passive features as possible to reduce the energy load on the building and produce the energy required
to cover that load with renewable energy production on site.
Proposed Industry Partners:
● Anders Lewendal Construction - General help with designing a sustainable home in the Bozeman
area
● Cree Buildings - Insight on construction types they have patented
● Cashman’s Nursery - Consultation on vegetation selection for a green roof.
● OnSite Energy- Solar Energy estimate for cost and performance
● Archer Construction – Consultation on constructability of designs
Potential Structural and Mechanical Systems:
● Mass Wall
● Multiple Types of Construction
● Passive Solar Wall
● Green Roof
● Light Shelf
● PV Solar Array on Roof
● Geothermal Wells
● Hydronic Floor Heating
● Grey Water Recycling System
● Rainwater Collection
● Wind Turbine