The Citizens League for Environmental Action Now has partnered with the Federation of American Scientists to demonstrate an advanced construction technology that is energy efficient, ecologically and structurally sound, and less expensive to build than conventional housing. A prototype of an affordable, environmentally friendly house is being built in Houston, inspired by noted architectural designer Roger D. Rasbach . Roger dedicated 30 years of his life to identifying and refining this technology, which promises to transform the way we build houses in this country. The house is constructed with a thermal shell of structural insulated panels that eliminates the need for conventional framing and insulation. This type of home construction:

• Reduces energy use 50% to 70%, compared to a conventionally constructed house
• Can be assembled more quickly than conventional stick-built houses, reducing construction costs
• Is constructed without the use of wood
• Is virtually termite-proof, fire-proof, and mold-proof
• Does not release chlorofluorocarbons
• Is structurally sound to survive severe storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes
• Can last a century or more with minimal maintenance

Energy-efficient Advancements
Hot water will be delivered to the shower in seconds rather than minutes, saving both water and energy. A technologically advanced HVAC system assures optimal indoor air quality with a minimal use of energy, while addressing conditions that lead to mold and other toxic problems. Window components contribute to energy savings. Roof systems reflect heat, rather than absorb it. Lighting is energy-efficient.

Testing the Technology
Construction will be closely monitored to document all aspects of the process, including cost savings. The house will be carefully inspected and appropriate monitoring equipment will be installed to track energy use. After the house is sold and new owners move in, FAS and the Department of Energy will monitor the home to document energy savings.

Advanced Construction Technology
The unique structural insulated panel technology, called Thermasave, is composed of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core layered between two sheets of cement board, guaranteeing structural integrity and excellent insulation and fire-resistive characteristics. The panels are ICC-certified for use in the United States under the Uniform Building Code (UBC 1997), and have been proven to be highly effective at withstanding extreme physical stresses, fire, and wind loads. Additionally, the panels are extremely energy efficient, cutting heating and cooling costs significantly and adding to the environmental benefits.

Simple Construction
Construction of homes from the pre-assembled panels is simple and quick, saving in labor construction costs. The panels are fastened together with power-driven screws through the inner and outer skins into either cement board or wood. The exterior shell erection time on an average, simply designed 1500 sq. ft. home built on an existing foundation, takes 3 to 5 days with 3 or 4 workers. And this home will cost thousands less to build than a traditional, stick-built home. A cost comparison between tradition stick-built homes and Thermasave Panel homes reveals the savings of building with the panels.

One Story 1465 Ft² Home
Thermasave Panel Home Stick-built Home
$46,597.00    $55,287.00
*Costing information from Genesis Affordable Housing

Environmentally Responsible
The house is constructed of natural and nontoxic materials to protect the health of the inhabitants. Wood will not be used in the construction of the house. Construction waste is extremely minimal and recycled materials are used whenever possible to conserve natural resources. It is also highly resistant to mold, pests (such as termites), and fire.

Roger Rasbach
From the age of 19, Roger Rasbach distinguished himself as a visionary in home design. He designed the first air-conditioned home for sale. He built the first computer-aided insulated panel home for the National Association of Home Builders 1970 national convention. His work has been featured in more than 50 national magazines, including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and House and Garden.

In his personal opinion, George James of the Department of Energy compares Roger Rasbach with James’ mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright. “Both built on a grid system. Both followed a complete discipline. Roger, like Mr. Wright, had a gift for designing a brilliant sense of spaciousness into a small room.” Roger, who died in 2003, left as his legacy a collection of designs created for his concept of “computer component construction,” specifically for use with Thermasave panel technology.

An excellent example of a Rasbach design is the House of Tomorrow in New Harmony, Indiana. This house effectively reduced energy use by 50-70% over a traditional, stick built home; used many recycled materials in construction; is resistant to pests, and has structural integrity to last a century or more in its current condition.

Here in Texas, Roger designed a 2,100 square-foot house in San Antonio that boasted a $580 annual electric bill. These examples of Roger’s homes reveal how simple it is to build attractive, affordable living spaces that meet the needs of modern families while also protecting the environment and saving money.

The location of this home will be at 205 Payne St., Houston, TX. 77009.

More:
The need for new housing technology
A house that pleases home buyers, builders and environmentalists
Henry Kelly, President of FAS Q&A
House Lauch Party
Where can I get these panels?
Panels in the news