This session will provide updates on new construction technologies, materials and passive solar systems. Adobe and straw bale construction continue to be affordable regional alternatives. Panelists will discuss new, proven, and affordable construction technologies, including manufactured housing alternatives in a new energy efficient and green environment.

1. Building with
Rural Development
Supporting Construction Innovations
for a More Affordable Future

2. Renewable
• Straw Bale
– Passive Solar – Climate appropriate
– Moisture control
– Self Help and Youth organizations (Student Interns)
– Built for low income families sometimes replacing
deteriorated trailer homes.
• Trailers are recycled and owners are provided temporary
housing

3. Structural Insulated Panels
• New Construction
 Above and Below ground
• Retrofit Existing
 Exterior application

4. Multi-Family Housing Net Zero
• Net Zero goal – A Challenge worth pursuing
– Energy efficient techniques
– Conservation strategies
– Energy generation

5. “Net Zero” Success Stories
• Harvest Point – Salem NJ
– Existing Retrofit/Renovation –
– Original construction 1976-1978
• 18 Buildings
• 2010 Renovation and 3 new facilities added for general
tenant use.
Energy Star Certified
2009 Tier 2 level of performance

6. Harvest Point cont.
• Added insulation
• Efficient lighting
• Efficient HVAC
• Energy Star appliances
– Furnace
– HWH - Tankless
– Thermostat
– Exhaust fans
– Low – E windows

7. Harvest Point cont.
• Rain water collection
– Central courtyard collection area populated with
deep rooted native plants for absorption.
– Drought resistant.
– Light textured soils and mulch mixture replaced
native soil.
• Capable of metabolizing oil- based pollutants from
parking lot runoff

8. Harvest Point cont.
• Unabsorbed water
– Percolates through coarse backfill to aquifer or
into high density pipes leading to storm system
Low flow fixtures
sinks
toilets
showers

9. Montgomery Crossing - CA
• New Construction
– Exceeds CA energy code by 18%
– Designed/planned for family interaction
– 28.1 kWh of photovoltaic system
– Foam backed insulated vinyl siding – extended
useful life
– Low flow plumbing fixtures
– Drought resistant plants

10. Rancho Lindo - CA
• New Construction
– Exceeds CA energy code by 37%
– Build It Green Certified
42,000 kWh grid tied photovoltaics
Tile roof allow 54% solar reflectance saves on cooling
costs.
Low –e windows
Tankless hwh
Energy star appliances

11. Rancho Lindo cont.
• Passive solar orientation and design with
appropriately placed (south and west)
deciduous trees
• Material saving techniques – load bearing
door and window frames are other unique
framing practices
• Recycled materials
• Synthetic turf and drip irrigation
• Native plants with low water needs

12. Rancho Lindo cont.
• Minimizing the carbon foot print
– Walking distance to schools, groceries, public park
and community services.
– Onsite learning center and after school programs

13. Rural Development
• Bill Downs - Architect
– William.downs@wdc.usda.gov
– 202 720 1499
Michel Mitias - Architect
michel.mitias@wdc.usda.gov
202 480 0664
Meghan Walsh - Architect
meghan.walsh@wdc.usda.gov
202 205 9590