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Oudman Case Study
Building a Case
The Village in Burns Harbor, Indiana, became the first development in the country certified under the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) National Green Building Standard. Each new home in the development must now earn its own NAHB green certification. Sarah expects her home to achieve the highest-level Emerald rating.
In a unique parade of homes, Sarah and five other members of the Porter County Builders Association (PCBA) showcased the affordable green homes they built in The Village. All six homes are priced at less than $250,000, including the lot and landscaping, with a variety of green technologies.
The house built by Treasure Homes with Thermocore structural insulated panels earned the best Home Energy Rating (HERS) Index score. With 1,650 square feet, the home boasts an average utility bill of only $50 per month, according to the HERS rater who assessed the house as built.
Simple Solution
Treasure Homes accomplished that feat without fancy, high-priced options. “With Thermocore's SIPs, you're not gaining significant R-value from your siding, so you can do vinyl or a less expensive trim package,” Sarah said. “A number of things could change and not change the $50 energy bill.”
In the November 2009 issue of GreenBuilder magazine that featured PCBA's green parade of homes, Cati O'Keefe, editor-in-chief, said, “These are real builders, building attractive single-family homes, and the secret to their success is keeping it simple and providing buyers with a house that is well-insulated and comfortable — and not getting bogged down in complicated technology or products that may not have a return on investment at this price point.”
What Builders Like
Sarah's home served as the Education House on the green parade of homes, with the interior finished only to pre-drywall, allowing visitors to see the Thermocore SIPs. “A number of builders came through and commented on the air tightness,” Sarah said. “They also liked the ease of construction, the straight walls, and the timeframe — the Thermocore structural insulated panels go up very quickly to close in the structure.”
With the Thermocore SIPs in place, Treasure Homes kept the thermostat at 60 degrees. “The subcontractors who worked there in the winter commented on how comfortable the house stays at a lower temperature,” Sarah said.
No Stud Needed
Because of her background in trim carpentry, Sarah also paid attention to how well shelves, towel bars, and other features attached to the walls. “Most people at some point have had trouble hanging a picture frame. With the OSB base on Thermocore's SIPs, you always have wood to tie into,” she said.
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- Sarah Oudman,“A number of builders commented on the air tightness. They also liked the ease of construction, the straight walls, and the timeframe—the Thermocore structural insulated panels go up very quickly to close in the structure.”
Builder,
Indiana
