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Texas Section ASCE Centennial House

Exciting things are happening in the Dallas Branch ASCE.  In celebration of 100 years in Texas, the Texas Section ASCE is collaborating with the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity to build a “Green House” this coming fall – 2013.  Civil Engineers will be designing and constructing a “truly” green house.  The build will span 8-10 Saturdays this fall.  Dallas area members, mark your calendars for September - November and stay tuned for more details.  Some of the unique features of this house will be:

 

• The House committee has requested the use of house plans that Rice University students have used successfully in the Houston Area in conjunction with the HFH affiliate in Houston. The committee chose to use the same, or similar house plans for the build, since we already know the house will be narrower, and Dallas Habitat will be adapting the plans and specs some.
• House orientation and lot selection.
• Make use of solar panels for electrical generation to help defray utility costs.
• Use of rain harvesting techniques for yard and garden irrigation to reduce water consumption. 
• Make use of LED lights possibly to help defray utility costs.
• Use of spray on insulation for better R values on walls or ceilings. 
• Volunteer Assistance - We have also linked up with the Dallas Branch and the UT ArlingtonStudent chapter of ASCE to enlist volunteer support for this build.  We are actively seeking help with this endeavor.
• Corporate Involvement – We are seeking both private and corporate support. Companies and vendors will be recognized prior to and during the actual construction of this house.
• Society Involvement – The Texas Section ASCE has agreed to put up $30,000 towards the construction of this Centennial House. The rest will have to come from donations privately and corporately.  Attendees of the Fall Texas Section Centennial Celebration in Dallas will also have the chance to see the build site and kickoff construction on September 14^th.

The Dallas Area HFH encourages members to visit www.dallasareahabitat.orgto learn more about their mission and history.  For a tour of our facility and to meet a Habitat family click on UNLOCK the DREAM TOUR.

We are striving to make this a truly civil engineered house.