In July 2007, FSEC began analysis of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge site-built homes. The homes being built by this affiliate were already achieving a HERS Index of about 80. In November 2007, they agreed to build a prototype house with a target HERS Index of 60 to 70. In January of 2008, BAIHP visited this affiliate to work on specifications for the prototype that included identifying which floor plan and site would be used, identifying problems, coordinating with sub-contractors and developing solutions on paper (see BAIHP recommended Gulf Coast Package). Two homes passed the thermal bypass inspection for ENERGY STAR homes in February of 2008 but failed the final testing.

Figure 1: Baton Rouge Habitat affordable demonstration house.

Construction of the prototype began in March of ‘08. The major challenge for this affiliate was locating the air handler in the conditioned space. Numerous meetings with the HVAC sub-contractor were held to discuss the details. Ultimately the strategy was abandoned in the first attempted prototype because the truss layout had not been designed to allow adequate space for the supply plenum to enter the attic from the top of the air handler unit closet. Shortly after this incident, the construction manager left the affiliate, and plans to build the prototype were put on hold. Throughout 2008 there were a number of management changes that delayed construction of a prototype home, but the affiliate began its third attempt at construction on a HERS Index 70 prototype in November of ’08.
 
On December 5, 2008, in conjunction with the LSU AgCenter’s La House and the Capitol District Home Builders Association, BAIHP conducted a workshop worth four CEUs. Attendance of approximately 30 people included university students and faculty, raters, non-profit home builders, and for profit production builders.

The HFH of Greater Baton Rouge prototype home (Figure 1) underwent a Thermal Bypass Inspection in January 2009 and passed the assessment. Work on the home was suspended when the buyer discontinued participation in Habitat’s program early in 2009, and the prototype home was not completed.

Partner contact information:

Lynn Clark, Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge
4962 Florida Blvd., Suite 409
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
Phone: (225) 927-6651
Fax: (225) 927-6347
E-mail: info@HabitatBRLA.org

Website: http://www.habitatbr.org/