The Columbia-Greene Habitat Rural Starter Home Initiative
The Rural Starter Home Initiative (RSHI) was commissioned by Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity to provide quality, low cost, energy efficient and replicable starter homes for average to lower wage residents. The simple form and finishes, coupled with green construction technologies, provides a quality starter home that will help a diverse range of local residents enter the homeownership market, build equity, and establish stability in their lives.
Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is committed to providing home ownership opportunities for those with incomes between 50-75% of the Area Median Income (AMI.) This demographic has been shut-out of the real estate market in recent years by stagnating incomes, increasing property values, rising taxes and the lack of new starter-home construction.
This efficient building concept will allow building at the scale that fits the rural communities in while offering several layout options and variations to maximize flexibility. The starter home design balances sustainability and cost, both of building and operation, putting forth a replicable building model that is both high-quality and affordable.
Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is committed to providing home ownership opportunities for those with incomes between 50-75% of the Area Median Income (AMI.) This demographic has been shut-out of the real estate market in recent years by stagnating incomes, increasing property values, rising taxes and the lack of new starter-home construction.
This efficient building concept will allow building at the scale that fits the rural communities in while offering several layout options and variations to maximize flexibility. The starter home design balances sustainability and cost, both of building and operation, putting forth a replicable building model that is both high-quality and affordable.
Key Features of The RSHI
SYSTEMS: All electric house with air-source heat pump heating and cooling and an electric water heater. This strategy takes advantage of the clean grid power of Columbia County.
NET ZERO READY: Low power needs means the roof area is more than adequate for solar panels to make this a net zero project. ENERGY USE: R-15 cavity + R 8 continuous wood fiber insulation with a vapor open air barrier in the walls. R-49 closed-cell spray foam in the ceiling and R-15 on the foundation or R-30 in the floor. Energy usage is expected to be7 and 10 kwh per square foot annually, approximately 1/3 the typical comparable home in the area. EMBODIED CARBON: Depending on the foundation system elected, the embodied carbon of this project is up to 75% lower than the standard house of this size. Carbon offsets will be minimal and included in the pricing of these projects. INTERIOR AIR QUALITY: The project avoids “Red List” materials and construction adhesives while prioritizing natural materials. Additionally, an Energy Recovery Ventilation system provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. WASTE DISPOSAL: Use of engineered waste disposal systems such as the Eljen or Presby wastewater disposal systems reduce the required lot size and allow density in locations not served by municipal systems. Find out if you are qualified for our homeownership program!
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