Project Chronology

Site Demonstration: Warwick, New York

August 2004 - PATH contributed to the HVAC design and made recommendations regarding equipment and sizing.

September 2004 - PATH technical advisors met with Leyland Alliance to discuss vented versus unvented crawl spaces. Leyland's traditional method is to insulate the floor and leave the crawl space uninsulated. Insulating the crawl space will keep the mechanical equipment in a semi-conditioned space.

October 2004 - PATH provided documentation to support the unvented crawl space concept with foil-faced polyisocyanurate insulation (Thermax sheathing) on the crawl walls. First 2 model homes were under construction.

November 2004 - The first model home (G House) was nearly roughed in. The crawl space would be unvented with foil-faced polyisocyanurate insulation (Thermax sheathing) on the walls as recommended by PATH. The HVAC system included a 2-stage condensing furnace with variable speed blower serving four zones with the new Carrier Infinity control system. The second model home (D House) was also under construction and PATH had reviewed and commented on the HVAC contractor's initial duct layout. The same HVAC equipment would be installed. PATH also provided recommendations for the wall insulation and moisture vapor retarder specifications.

December 2004 - Construction of the homes continued. Two model homes (G and D) were underway as well as homes that were already sold, even though very little marketing had been done. Kraft-faced batts were used in the first model home (G House) and there were problems with the quality of the installation. For future homes, PATH has recommended the use of unfaced batts with a vapor retarder paint and provided supporting code compliance information. A blown-in fiberglass system was also under consideration and pricing is being obtained.

January 2005 - Construction was underway on 14 homes. The first model home (Plan G) was being trimmed out and the second model home (Plan D) was being sheet-rocked. A March opening was planned for the G house; the D house would follow 3 to 4 weeks later. Kraft-faced batts were used in the first model home (G House), but there were problems with the quality of the installation. For all of the subsequent homes, PATH's recommendation to use unfaced batts with vapor retarder paint was being applied.

February 2005 - Construction of the first model homes was nearing completion. PATH continued to provide construction consultation as needed for the advanced systems (related to installation and codes). Discussion had been initiated with Leyland Alliance marketing staff regarding the opening event.

March 2005 - PATH continued to provide construction consultation for the advanced HVAC system. PATH's recommendation to use unfaced batts with vapor retarder paint in the crawlspace was being applied.

May 2005 - PATH celebrated the opening of Warwick Grove on May 13.

Content updated on 9/13/2005