Resource Conservation House, Maryland

UNITED STATES
Maryland

Architects:
Orville Lee, Maryland

Builder:
Peter Breck, Leonardtown, Maryland

Developer:
NAHB Research Center, Maryland

This research home was built to test and demonstrate advanced and emerging building technologies, and to speed acceptance of improved materials, products, methods, and designs. The house features building products that conserve material and energy resources, reflecting the growing interest in homes that contribute to a sustainable environment. These include recycled materials as well as products that increase energy efficiency, avoid scarce resources, offer enhanced durability or require less maintenance. Moreover, recycling facilities are built into the house's kitchen layout and cabinet work, providing for content separation of recyclable waste products at their point of use and making recycling a normal part of family lifestyle.

The house utilizes a cast-in-place concrete foundation forming system, in which inner insulation, outer insulation and form ties are made from reprocessed products. The house is steel-framed, reducing the requirement for wood.

The design emphasized the fact that two-thirds of all steel is produced form recycled scrap. The small amount of steel scrap created in the construction process is recovered.

Home Structural Detail

Detail Scale 1:20
1 - hardboard siding
2 - foam sheathing 1 1/2"
3 - exterior plywood sheating 1/2"
4 - steel stud 3 5/8"
5 - steel track 3 5/8"
6 - flooring plywood 3/4"
7 - joist 8" x 2"
8 - 8" light concrete with 2"x2" insulation



Section Drawing

Home Under Construction