This is a WPSimpleViewerGallery
Firm: Tucson Habitat for Humanity
Project Status: Completed in 1996
Project Description: 1470 S.F., passive solar, straw bale home with composite framing system including load bearing exterior straw bale walls with interior wood studs partially supporting the roof. The project was oriented for passive solar heating and cooling and includes a standing seam metal roof over decking with a factory applied radiant barrier. A stained concrete floor provides thermal mass and double pane vinyl windows help complete a very efficient thermal envelope. A high efficiency HVAC unit and low flow plumbing fixtures help maximize energy savings and lower utility bills.
This project was built in conjunction with an adjacent home sponsored by the Tucson Urban League under a federal grant for innovative building technology. It won a Building Innovation in Homeownership Award for 1996 presented by Henry G. Cisneros, Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of the National Partners in Homeownership, Nov. 1996