Habitat for Humanity of Dane County: News and Happenings

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UW Madison Students Build Eco-Friendly Home, Blessing on Friday

May 06, 2010

Media Advisory:
House Blessing
Friday, May 7, 4 p.m.
822 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Madison

(MADISON, WI) – Stamped concrete flooring and radiant-floor heating are just two of the environmentally friendly building methods used in constructing a Habitat for Humanity of Dane County home on North Fair Oaks Avenue in Madison.

For the first time, Habitat built the home under the LEED concept and under the direction of a LEED-certified architect. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system under the direction of U.S. Green Building Council. While the home on North Fair Oaks Avenue will not be a LEED-certified home, the one-story home was built with many LEED design elements. The home is also fully insulated and includes energy efficient windows.

LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. Green homes use less energy, water and natural resources, create less waste, and are more durable and comfortable for occupants.

The home will be blessed on Friday at 4 p.m. at 822 N. Fair Oaks Ave. It was constructed with the Logic Allah family and the UW student chapter of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County.

The Allah family includes Logic and his five-year old son, Raysun. Allah said he is pleased to have “the opportunity to have a home we can call our own and appreciate the opportunity that the Habitat for Humanity community is providing for us.” Unfortunately, he and his son have moved several times over the last few years and he said he now looks “forward to living in the same place for many years to come.”

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County builds each of its homes under Energy Star Certification standards. The Dane County affiliate plans to include LEED design elements in the future construction of its homes.

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Habitat for Humanity of Dane County provides simple, decent, affordable housing for families who might not otherwise become homeowners. Eligible families pay monthly mortgage payments on a 0% interest loan, and contribute 300 to 350 hours of sweat equity in the building of their homes. More than 160 families now live in Habitat homes in Dane County. For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, call 608-255-1549 or visit www.habitatdane.org.