Saturday, June 20, 2009 — 12 noon to 4 pm

Habitat for Humanity—
A National Model of High Performance Affordable GREEN

1184 square feet
3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
www.habitatstl.org

This two-year Habitat for Humanity "blitz build" has sustainably reinvigorated the City of St. Louis' Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood. All 27 new homes built in this project in 2008 have earned LEED-Platinum and ENERGY STAR 5-Star Plus ratings. This year's 28 new homes are registered to achieve the same highest honors. St. Louis is one of only a dozen Habitat U.S. affiliates to incorporate green building into an entire neighborhood – and Habitat's work has given St. Louis the second-highest number of LEED-Certified homes in the U.S. About 70% of all construction labor was contributed by volunteers, including every prospective home owner. The tour home displays features incorporated throughout the development.

Construction specs included an insulated pre-cast foundation system, prefabricated 2×6 wall panels, exterior 1" blue board under cement fiber siding, surfaced with pre-cast Nova Brick. Roofs are sheathed with radiant-barrier 7/16" Tech Shield. Decking built of recycled plastic/wood waste composite lumber minimizes deck maintenance.

Interior features integrate comfort with savings, including: 95% efficient gas furnace; 13-SEER air conditioning system; dual-flush toilets; on-demand water heater; and aerated faucets using less than 2 gallons of water per minute. Low-VOC paints, sealants and adhesives safeguard indoor air quality and occupant health. New owners can be assured of a home for life, with accessible features including lever door handles, adjustable shelving and overall kitchen universal design, wide halls and a stepless rear entry.

Congratulations to Habitat for Humanity—St. Louis for outstanding leadership in demonstrating how affordable housing can embody the best of green building options!