Date: July 1990

Author(s): J. H. Willenbrock, T. A. Brown, M. G. Syal, J. R. Staib, P. A. Barner.

BACKGROUND:

Today's house must be a combination of component parts and building techniques coordinated in such a way that the end result will be an affordable safe and energy efficient structure. No longer can a product, material or building technique be chosen by a homebuilder without knowledge about how it might impact the habitability of the dwelling. Yes, this is a new era in the home building industry and the role of the home builder is far more demanding.

With the increasing availability of new product, material, and construction techniques, how does a builder obtain and coordinate information that is relevant, timely, and appropriate to a specific project? Where does one find the most up-to-date information which will help the residential builder (and consumer) make intelligent choices about a particular application, its overall function, short and long-term performance, initial cost, maintenance requirements, availability in the marketplace, replacability and perhaps durability? Keeping abreast of all the latest scientific findings and technological innovations for various building systems, both internal and external, requires considerable time and effort but it can result in an affordable, safe and energy efficient structure.

The TEAHouse research project was undertaken in order to develop the design of an energy efficient and healthful home that would be affordable to a first-time home buyer in the greater Erie, Pennsylvania area. It was performed in coordination with the Affordable Housing Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS:

PHRC Research Series Report #4 describes the various building systems which resulted from a comprehensive literature search, analysis and evaluation of available and emerging building products and technologies. Information is provided about energy characteristics of the building envelope; site selection and layout; exterior products and construction details; foundation, framing and other substructure, superstructure and supporting systems; HVAC requirements; electrical and plumbing systems; and energy efficient home appliances.

The information noted above influenced the first- and second-level system integration decisions that were made with regard to the final TEAHouse design. The decision process, as well as supportive design calculations which document the design decisions, are presented in PHRC Research Series Report #5. Included with the report is a complete set of the design drawings for the TEAHouse.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:

The TEAHouse package provides a reference source for the members of the homebuilding industry in Pennsylvania who want to provide quality, affordable homes for first time buyers. Although it was specifically designed to address the energy requirements for Erie, Pennsylvania, the concepts presented can be easily adapted for use in other locations.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Affordable Housing Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania originally planned to build the TEAHouse as a prototype which could be monitored to determine its energy efficiency. to date such a prototype has not been built.

Other segments of the home building industry who participated in the study (home builders, material suppliers, financial institutions, real estate companies, and utility companies) also expressed an interest in promoting the TEAHouse concept. Such enthusiasm will lead to an increased demand for this type of housing which, in term, will help to retain jobs and also create increased future employment opportunities in these industries.