The challenge for both consumers and builders is to cut through the hype to find the tools and techniques that make sense both environmentally and economically.
Stepping into the breach is a new firm out of Asheville, NC, The Nauhaus Group, which unapologetically states, "It’s no secret that the Nauhaus Group is out to save the world." Their demo project, The Nauhaus Project (NHP), broke ground on September 1st in an unusual fashion. Instead of the traditional shovel of dirt and opening ceremony, The Nauhaus Group decided to hold the official ceremony two months later on November 6th, the date at which they hope to install an innovative hemp wall system. According to Michael Figura, one of the organizers of the event:
"We thought it would be more appropriate because our building’s paradigm is constructive, not destructive. Considering the unique features of the home we decided to hold a public event at a time in the construction process when people could view and experience some of the more exciting highlights of the prototype."
Included in the seventeen-point NHP "basic housing components" list are techniques both well-known and exotic including the hemp wall system which will be the first U.S. application of Tradical® Hemcrete® a bio-composite, thermal insulating material made from hemp, lime and water. Hemcrete® has been used in Europe and elsewhere in a wide array of applications from roof insulation to wall construction to flooring. It is waterproof, fireproof, insulates well, does not rot [when used above ground] and is completely recyclable.
The NHP components list also includes passive solar and super insulation technology that meets Passive House Institute U.S. (PHIUS) standards, heat exchange ventilation via an UltimateAir® RecoupAerator® ERV, locally sourced materials and on-site renewable energy production. The net result of the NHP approach will be a home that needs no furnace or air conditioning, is 90 percent more energy efficient than present code mandates and achieves LEED Platinum certification with 20 points to spare.
The U.S. Green Building Council estimates that buildings account for thirty-eight percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the U.S. alone. It's now more important than ever to develop projects like the Nauhaus that shift the design and construction paradigm from the reckless practice of the past to an environmentally sustainable and economically viable model for the future. I think the NHP is one of the better, more realistic demo projects I've seen. I'll be keeping an eye on NHP as Nauhaus ushers it from concept to reality.
Photo credits: The Nauhaus Group©
Posted to WorldChanging by WorldChanging Team
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