Habitat for Humanity

3 Houses – 1200 sq.ft. each – single family, 4 bedroom, 1 bath.

Lot Area +/- 7800 sq.ft.

PROGRAM AND GUIDELINES PER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

  • Simple.  Habitat houses are modestly sized – large enough for the homeowner family’s needs, but small enough to keep construction and maintenance costs to a minimum.
  • Decent.  Habitat uses quality, locally available building materials.  Trained staff supervise Habitat house construction and educate volunteers and partner families.  House designs reflect the local climate and culture.
  • Affordable.  The labor of volunteers and partner families, efficient building methods, modest house sizes and a no-profit, no-interest loan make it affordable for low-income people around the world to purchase a Habitat for Humanity house.

CCS ARCHITECTURE CASE STUDY

Site

  • Rotate plans to optimize outdoor space and views and solar orientation.
  • Community garden.

Architectural

  • Alternative floorplan.
  • Living areas are located on south side, bathrooms, utility room in the center, bedrooms on north side of the house.
  • Combining circulation and use for most efficient program.
  • Organizing floorplan for multiple usage over time: larger rooms with minimal impact.
  • Large overhang on south side of the roof for efficient shade in the hot summer.
  • Central fireplace for both heating and living quality.
  • Outdoor firepit.
  • Low rooms in sleeping areas, bathroom areas with storage space in attic; high rooms, open ceiling structure in living area.

Construction

  • Full height (8′-0″) doors and windows.
  • Site fabricated, tilt-up wall system.
  • Optimal value engineering – construction methods based on volunteer, unscilled labor.
  • Prefabricated roof trusses.
  • Efficient insulation for high R-value.

Materials

  • Green materials as feasible.
  • Off shelf, industrial materials.
  • Prefabricated wood roof trusses.
  • ReStore, Sacramento:  carpet, windows, doors, wallpaper, light fixtures, wood, moulding, caulking etc., changes from day to day.  More than 50 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the United States and Canada have established ReStores, which sell quality used and surplus building materials at a fraction of retail prices.
  • Simpson: prefab strongtie walls, can donate free labor and proceeds.
  • Agriboard:  is made of highly compressed natural straw-fibers, contributing to a healthier building environment.  uses up to 90% less framing lumber than conventional wood construction.