This isn't your average remodeling project. During the next couple of weeks, a federally funded team of contractors and building scientists are transforming a modest house in north Minneapolis into a demonstration house that will be used to educate builders, contractors and housing program managers about the latest construction technologies.
The house is owned by Urban Homeworks, which is also providing some of the labor. Building scientists from the University of Minnesota are among 10 teams from across the country that were selected by the Department of Energy's Building America program to explore new ways of increasing the energy efficiency and durability of houses. The NorthernStar Team will focus on three key elements of the house.
The foundation and roof are being retrofitted with external insulation and moisture management systems that don't require replacing the roof decking or excavating the foundation. And the house will get an innovative new high-efficiency space and water heating system.
The house, which will eventually be sold, is at 1401 16th Av. N. in Minneapolis. If you have questions about the techniques you can stop by the house, or call Tom Schirber, a fellow at the U's Cold Climate Housing Center, 651-276-0670 Here's a pic taken this week by Shirber showing crews that are working with Urban Homeworks tearing off the roof in preparation for a new external insulation system.
