PATH - A Public Private Partnership for Advancing Housing Technology
[IMAGE: Title - R&D - Site Demonstrations][IMAGE: Title - ArrowSmall]
Paterson, New Jersey
Demonstration Site: Better Home, Better Planet Showhouse
PATH will be partnering with BASF to create the Better Home, Better Planet Showhouse. Located on an empty lot in an existing neighborhood in Paterson, this infill project consists of a single-family home that will be fully accessible. After the construction and demonstration phases of this project are completed, the home will be donated to St. Michael's Housing Corporation, a local, nonprofit charitable organization. St. Michael's Housing Corporation will then turn over the home to Richard Sosa, an 11-year-old quadriplegic, and his family to occupy.
Accessible design will be integrated into all aspects of the house. A lift will be in the lower level next to the garage. This will allow Richard to have access to the main floor. In the back of the house, an accessible porch will connect to a raised grade level made from the excavation of the basement. A rubber covering that is wheelchair-friendly will allow Richard to access his backyard.
Partners
This innovative house will demonstrate advanced building technologies through collaboration with Grad Associates; the City of Paterson, New Jersey; Monotech; and KBI Construction. Grad Associates of Newark, New Jersey is providing the architectural services for the project in conjunction with consulting and review by PATH and BASF.
Technologies
The three-story house will demonstrate a basement made from insulating concrete forms (ICFs), Monotech walls for the first floor, and structural insulated panel (SIP) walls for the second floor and roof. Precast concrete planks with a radiant floor heating system will be on the first and second floors. A cool metal roof will include an integrated solar panel system. BASF and Grad Associates have been willing to incorporate many PATH technologies.
PATH is assisting partners in identifying an efficient HVAC system and duct layout that integrates the innovative structural and architectural design requirements of this home. In addition to the energy-efficient building envelope and HVAC system, the house will have ENERGY STAR ®qualified appliances and will be ENERGY STAR rated.
Download PDF files of the floor plans and elevations:
Status Updates
March 2005 - PATH has continued to work with BASF on specification of HVAC and solar systems for the home. Currently, the planned equipment includes a Viessmann condensing boiler, Viessmann indirect water heater and solar storage tank, Dawn Solar DHW heating system, Rehau radiant floor heating system, Amana air conditioning system (two-stage AC, variable speed AHU, SEER-15), UltimateAir Recouperator ERV with CO2 control, economizer, and HEPA filtration. Siemens will provide automated control of many of the systems.
February 2005 - On Jan. 27, PATH met with GRAD Architects, BASF, Insulspan, Flexcrete, and the General Contractor from KBI to discuss issues regarding the integration of the mechanical system with the concrete floor SIP roof and walls. Robb Aldrich of SWA has been working with Gene Fay of Siemens on specifications for a boiler, Buderus GB142-30, and an Amana condensing unit (Amana RSG36C2C) and air handler (Amana MBE1200).
January 2005 - Coordination between Dawn Solar systems and PATH continues. PATH is developing a system to integrate the solar system with the domestic hot water system and boiler. PATH has designed two systems to demonstrate the alternative. The final system will depend on the configuration between the domestic hot water tank, boiler, and storage tank. Grad Architects is gathering electrical load information for PATH on the medical equipment needed for the homeowner, the elevator, and the security system. This information will help PATH design the emergency backup system that Equinox is providing for this project.
December 2004 - Planning and progress continues on the BASF/PATH house. Collaboration with team members has allowed open communication for this project packed with PATH technologies. PATH has spoken to the lighting designer at Philips Lighting to recommend energy-efficient lighting in the form of compact fluorescent bulbs.
Content updated on 2/8/2006
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