ToolBase E-News volume 130
In This Issue:
ARE WE READY FOR THE HOME OF THE FUTURE?:
PATH Concept Home partners are conducting brief online surveys to get a better understanding for how innovative materials, technologies, and construction processes can meet the needs of today's homeowners. Findings from the initial survey indicate that builders like the idea of "componentization" of the building process; but the concept leaves consumers skeptical and concerned about quality. On the topic of organized utilities within the home, consumers want easier access to systems like wiring and plumbing. They feel this will save time and money by allowing them to perform maintenance and repairs on these systems themselves or by cutting back on labor hours needed by hired professionals.
Now we want to know more about consumer preferences on design flexibility in the home of the future. Do homeowners want the ability to easily adapt floors plans to meet their needs as they change over time? Understanding what consumers value is a PATH priority - tell us what you think by completing the next survey.
THE VISION OF HOMES OF THE FUTURE... FROM THE PAST:
A recent article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette (Ron Wolfe, June 4, 2005) takes an interesting look at past "homes of the future" that never materialized as marketable concepts. Such homes include the Monsanto House of the Future, one of Disneyland's early attractions, that was made entirely of plastic, and the Xanadu bubble-shaped house made of hardened polyurethane foam. Neither of which survived to "tomorrow."
However, even though today's homes don't come equipped with robot servants like some of these pioneering homes suggested, the author notes that even the family-of-the-future Jetsons might be dazzled by some of today's convenience innovations. For example, the now-commonplace electronic dishwashers, microwave ovens, and programmable coffeemakers were technological wonders a few decades ago. Today, innovations such as robotic vacuums and lawn mowers are a reality, if not yet standard in the average home. Read the complete article for more information.
SMITHSONIAN EXHIBITION FEATURES HIGH-TECH TEXTILES:
According to a recent article on the-signal.com (Brian Franks, June 23, 2005), an innovative design concept is on display at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in the form of a 40-story model high-rise office tower. The model is an example of a new technology by 3D Systems Corp. that transforms digital information into solid prototypes, like the model tower. According to the manufacturer, architects can use this technology to rapidly produce durable prototypes of complex structures that can be tested and altered before mass-producing a final product.
The exhibition features more than 150 textile applications from areas in architecture, medicine, and aerospace, and is set to run through October 30, 2005. For more information, read the article.
STUDENT INNOVATION COULD HEIGHTEN HOMEOWNER ENERGY USE AWARE-NESS:
According to a recent article in the University of Michigan News Service (June 13, 2005), a new technology could allow consumers to monitor total consumption of electricity, gas, and water in real time and adjust it in peak times from their computer. The technology, designed by a team of students at the University, is named AWARE@home.
AWARE@home requires a digital meter and a USB wireless antenna. The consumer receives a startup kit and CD informing them how to use the technology. The consumption of energy is sent via email to the homeowner automatically and expressed in actual dollars being spent on utilities at that time. The team hopes the system will help reduce utility costs and power consumption by up to 10 percent. For more information on the technology, read the release. Other innovations in home automation and user controls can be found on ToolBase.org as well.
FLORIDA HURRICANE TESTING SITES UNVEILED:
PATH (the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing), in collaboration with Mercedes Homes, recently celebrated the completion of two hurricane-resistant houses in Rockledge, Fla. The houses, which were under construction before 2004's hurricane season, were built to withstand and mitigate damage from high winds for areas in Florida and other hurricane-prone regions. The homes feature wind-resistant technologies, such as concrete construction, steel reinforcement, and secondary roof coverings. While the homes survived the 2004 storms basically in tact, PATH investigators did discover some water damage in one of the homes, so PATH adapted the designs slightly to add more protection from water infiltration. For more information on this field evaluation project, visit the PATH website. Additional information on mitigating damage from natural disasters is available on ToolBase.org.
STUDY SHOWS HOT SAVINGS POSSIBLE FROM SOLAR, THERMAL PRODUCT COMBO:
A combination of solar technology and structural insulated panel systems (SIPS) can reduce heating costs by 48 percent, according to a recent pilot study completed by the Alberta (Canada) Research Council Inc. (ARC). ARC tested three single-room models; the first used standard construction materials, the second used SIPS technology, and the third used SIPS technology in combination with solar energy collection panels with direct heat storage.
The results also indicated a potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. For more information, read the press release. More information on SIPS can also be found on ToolBase.org.
POWERLIGHT CORP ENTERS RESIDENTIAL SOLAR MARKET:
According to a recent article in The Sun-e News (June 9, 2005), PowerLight Corporation has entered the residential solar power market with the recent introduction of a new photovoltaic system for homes that interlocks with roof tiles and shingles. According to the company, the system provides a seamless look, and features natural ventilation that allows it to work in high-temperature climates. The company is currently working on introducing the new product line to the residential market through California's Zero Energy New Home (ZENH) program. For more information, read the Sun-e News item or visit the PowerLight website.
AWARDS TO HONOR THE ENERGY-EFFICIENT ELITE:
The 2006 EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) program has commenced. The NAHB Research Center is now accepting applications for the program, which awards builders who integrate energy-efficient building techniques into all aspects of the production of their homes - from marketing through construction and homeowner operation. All applicants receive a peer review of their application, an EVHA best practices guide, tickets to the EVHA award ceremony to be held during the 2006 International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla., and other marketing benefits. The awards are presented in the affordable, custom/demonstration, factory-built, production, and multifamily categories for hot, moderate, and cold climate regions. For more information, read the release or visit the Research Center's website.
RAINWATER RUNOFF STEERED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION:
According to a recent article in Bangor Daily News (Emily Burnham, June 13, 2005), bioretention cells, an alternative system for handling rainwater runoff, is offering a compromise between environmentalists and developers in one Maine community. The system works for areas where underground natural water filtration is problematic due to heavy, rocky soil. Shallow depressions are created in otherwise impermeable areas like parking lots. Each cell is filled with a layer of coarse rocks with pipes for drainage, and covered with an 18-inch layer of topsoil. The pipes take water runoff that seeps through the topsoil into catch basins which filter the water before it is passed to the surrounding watershed area. According to developers using the system in Maine, the only con is the loss of a few parking spaces. For more information, read the article. More information on this and other storm water management techniques also is available on ToolBase.org.
