New Jersey

Sustainable Development/Affordable Housing Pilot, New Jersey PATH has found a receptive and fully engaged ally in the Garden State, and is setting out to build some of the most innovative multifamily housing on the East Coast. The Sustainable Development/Affordable Housing Pilot Program is an initiative of New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA), which is working in collaboration with the state’s largest utility, Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G;). The purpose of the program is to promote sustainable development in the context of affordable, energy efficient housing. Primary funding comes from the Balanced Housing Program, administered by NJDCA’s Division of Housing and Community Resources. Also participating in this effort are the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the State Energy Office and the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission. Click here for more information

College Park Estates, Freehold Township, New Jersey The "Idea House" was constructed by K. Hovnanian Companies of New Jersey. K. Hovnanian has shown a commitment to adding consumer value and increasing productivity by testing new products with its "Idea House" program. The house, located in Freehold Township, New Jersey, with over 3500 sq. ft. of living space including a finished attic, was started in the autumn of 1999 and completed in the winter of 2000. Of the many new products tested in the house, six were identified as PATH technologies. They included: frost protected shallow foundation, pigmented stamped concrete floors, Dietrich Trade-Ready Steel Floor Joists, HVAC ductwork within conditioned space, PEX plumbing, and pre-finished plastic drywall corners. Research Center staff assisted K. Hovnanian with the design and installation of the foundation and floor joists and observed and analyzed the installation of the ductwork, plumbing and drywall corners. Installation and cost data has been collected and is available on the NAHB Research Center website. Monitoring of the slab by Research Center staff continues and these results will also be posted online. The house will be sold on the open market sometime in the year 2001. Once the house has been on the market for a reasonable time Research Center staff will interview the sales staff to gauge consumer reaction to the new technologies. Click here for more information