Site Demonstrations

PATH - A Public Private Partnership for Advancing Housing Technology

[IMAGE: R&D; Site Demonstrations]

PATH's Demonstration Sites promote the use of new technologies once those technologies' benefits are understood and accepted. PATH works with innovative builders to integrate selected technologies into the design; to measure the cost of incorporating the technologies; to evaluate how well technologies are accepted by builders, construction trade groups, and homeowners; and to measure the technologies' performance.

Most of the technologies on Demonstration Sites have already gone through Field Evaluations, or information on their performance is available from other sources. PATH has Demonstration Sites in subdivisions of several units, and PATH actively supports the technologies and their manufacturers, as well as the housing projects and their contractors, through large-scale press events, media coverage, and technical documentation.

Click on any of the cities below for a brief description of current projects, or click here to access the information using a map.

Site Demonstrations:

Tucson, Arizona
J.W. Miller Companies: Evaluation focuses on solar technologies, including solar water heaters with tankless water heater backup, photovoltaic (PV) roof panels, and thermal mass wall construction to modify peak electric demand.

Tucson, Arizona - National Pilot: Civano
Homes use 50% less energy for heating and cooling than a typical new home of the same size. Civano builders offer alternative materials and construction methods, including steel framing, RASTRA, and thermal mass (masonry and adobe) construction. Other features include solar hot water and reclaimed water for landscaping.

San Francisco, California
Citizens Housing Corporation's Folsom/Dore Apartments: PATH provided resources for deconstruction outfits, references for model spec language on reduction/recycling of construction waste, recommendations on the mechanical system and domestic water heating, information on low or no-VOC paints, alternatives to conventional particle board and VCT flooring, and information on slag concrete. Seeking a LEED rating.

Denver, Colorado
Oakwood Homes, Green Valley Ranch: Information gathered by the NAHB Research Center and the builder during this field evaluation included construction techniques; costs of labor, materials, and regulatory compliance; thermal performance, energy efficiency, durability, maintenance requirements, and home buyer reaction.

Danbury, Connecticut
New Era Building Systems: New concept in energy- and resource-efficient manufactured housing.

Washington, D.C.
Takoma Village Cohousing Project: Provided technical assistance throughout design development and construction, researched and selected green building materials and systems, performed energy analyses, and provided logistical support to design team and owners' group representatives. Technologies evaluated include geothermal heating and cooling, blown-in cellulose insulation, solar hot water systems, fiber cement siding, ductwork in conditioned space, and optimum value engineering.

Washington, D.C.
University Place Cooperative: Remodeling/Rehab project encompasses a total of 15 units that will optimize HVAC performance and energy conservation, and educate local subcontractors about new materials and construction methods.

Melbourne, Florida
Mercedes Homes/FEMA: Focus on making poured concrete homes more resistant to hurricane-force winds. A "package" of strategies will be developed that provide the best investment for hazard mitigation, offered as a way to reduce insurance premiums through leading Florida underwriters.

Miami, Florida
HOPE VI: Strategies considered: recycled demolition waste; limited use of materials and products with high embodied energy; recycled content; locally produced materials and products; low- or no-VOC content materials; water-conserving products; 50% reduction of the energy use allowed under the current code; storm water management; and alternative energy sources.

Baltimore, Maryland
Habitat for Humanity: This rehab project optimized HVAC performance and energy conservation through sustainable design, Optimum Value Engineered framing, engineered wood, high-efficiency furnaces, and ENERGY STAR qualified appliances.

Holyoke, Massachusetts
Churchill Homes: Designed and constructed energy- and resource- efficient townhouses and flats. Technologies, systems, and construction practices evaluated include optimum value engineered framing, insulated headers at tops of windows and doors, insulated concrete forms, drywall clips and stops, pre-finished drywall corners, and humidity-sensing ventilation control systems.

Barrington Hills, New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, Jordan Institute and the Society for the Preservation of New Hampshire Forests. Ranch-style homes on floating slabs with foundation anchorage that meets the lending agency's criteria for a "permanent foundation," and to devise a form of solid and permanent skirting to replace the usual vinyl.

New Jersey
Sustainable Development/Affordable Housing Pilot, New Jersey: Provided technical support for advancing technology innovation as part of state program that promotes sustainable development in the context of affordable, energy-efficient housing. Services included materials research and selection, energy analysis, logistical support during design and construction, and management of a volume-purchase bidding process.

New York, New York
Habitat for Humanity New York City: Three current projects in process, co-funded by PATH, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority, and HfHnyc. Goal is to achieve an ENERGY STAR® rating. PATH providing engineering feasibility and technical assistance for building and occupant energy use, indoor/outdoor lighting, building envelope, mechanical ventilation systems, Energy Management Systems, and heating/cooling/DHW distribution systems.

Yonkers, New York
Habitat for Humanity of Westchester: A wide range of PATH-evaluated technologies and delivery methodologies will be explored for use in 6 homes, including: insulated form systems; SIPs; high-performance windows; drywall clips and stops; and pre-finished drywall corners. All technologies are to be optimum value engineered through a systems approach.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Habitat for Humanity: Optimized HVAC performance, conserving energy through sustainable design, incorporating PATH technologies and other environmentally friendly building materials, and helping ensure energy and resource-efficient construction practices.

Brownsville, Texas
Cameron Park Colonia: PATH redesigned framing for the Community Development Corporation of Brownsville, Texas standard home design, cutting out a substantial amount of lumber while still meeting the International Residential Code (IRC) in force throughout Texas.

San Antonio, Texas
Highland Hills Cottage Development: Will encompass 26 unique affordable houses and cottages on a vacant five-acre lot.

Content updated on 11/5/2003

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