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Eric Newhouse of IBACOS volunteers brain and brawn for affordable, efficient new homes.
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Several months ago, Building America partner IBACOS, Inc. in Pittsburgh happened on evidence that interest in energy-efficient homes is spreading—in this case, right in its own neighborhood. When IBACOS employee Eric Newhouse learned that Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity was building three new homes in his East Liberty neighborhood, his curiosity led him to visit the site. Since then, IBACOS and Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity have worked together on the homes, and Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity has agreed to begin a Building America pilot home this fall.
Newhouse's discovery shows that the home quality and performance are becoming more important, even when affordability is paramount.
"I was impressed that Habitat for Humanity was taking steps toward energy efficiency, and had done a lot of investigating and talking with manufacturers on its own," said Newhouse.
Newhouse credited an Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity staff member, Nathan Cunningham, with independently researching energy saving methods for the new homes in East Liberty, an urban Pittsburgh neighborhood. When Cunningham began his research, he found the Building America Web site to be a valuable resource. Cunningham investigated products for the new East Liberty homes with performance in mind. He identified options for purchasing low-e windows and secured a low-cost window supplier. By building a more energy-efficient home, Cunningham hoped to make monthly bills more affordable for future homeowners.
Since Newhouse and Cunningham met on the construction site in East Liberty, IBACOS has agreed to work with Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity in a two-step process that will bring the benefits of low-energy homes to low-income families. First, the two organizations will complete the current East Liberty homes with energy savings in mind. The second step will involve Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity constructing a new Building America pilot home in Pittsburgh.
IBACOS has helped to improve the East Liberty homes' insulation, heating, and cooling systems, and has integrated those components with the structural systems. The homes will feature advanced framing methods that will use materials cost effectively and allow for more insulation. The homes will also feature open web floor trusses that will keep the ductwork in conditioned space. Overall, the home is expected to have improved thermal performance in hot and cold weather, reduced condensation, and better durability. IBACOS staff volunteered technical expertise and marketing support, as well as a day of labor on site to install insulation and roofing material.
After completing the East Liberty homes, Habitat for Humanity will build a pilot home this fall as part of Building America. Plans are still preliminary, but will involve further improvements. Features may include structural insulated panels (SIPs) for exterior walls and the roof and a fully insulated foundation system. In August, Habitat for Humanity, IBACOS, and a manufacturer of SIPs will meet to complete the engineering and design for the project, including discussions on thermal analysis, heating and cooling, and floor layout.
The location of Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity's Building America pilot home will be in the Hill District, an urban Pittsburgh neighborhood where there are currently four Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity homes. Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity's fifth house in the Hill District will provide researchers with the opportunity to test and compare the new construction pilot home to others in the neighborhood.
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