Our second green built affordable home for the Orange Community Housing and Land Trust is under way.   Architect David Ripperton donated his time to put the plans together for these homes. In addition to putting together a great plan with a very functional traffic pattern and many special features, he did a great job of making spaces and room sizes that allow the use of standard length framing materials – which helps substantially in terms of both labor and materials costs.  There is a central chase in the center of the building that allows the HVAC contractor to install an energy efficient zoned heat pump system for the two levels, plus a ventilation system to ensure regular clean air exchanges.
The lot drainage presents a challenge on this house, as there are three culverts dumping storm water into a substantial ditch that runs along the side of the lot. Carrboro engineering will be involved to review the revised storm water management plans. Challenges to affordability caused by site issues, including the lot elevations, soil conditions, and drainage issues can be substantial, and are part of the big picture that is considered when trying to build a sustainable, affordable home.