Entry 16: Trane CleanEffects

Hello Reader,

During the past week, the construction site has been fairly quiet. However, there has been quite a bit of behind-the-scenes action. First, we have a schedule update:

1. The frame has been completed, ahead of schedule, but the house still needs to be waterproofed.
2. Windows are expected to arrive on Thursday from Anderson.
3. Utilities will be installed next month.
4. The in-wall inspection is scheduled to occur in mid-April.

From last Tuesday's OAC meeting, we anticipate an excess amount of lumber, mulch, and other construction materials. Therefore, we have contacted a representative from Duke's Habitat for Humanity chapter to discuss a donation if the opportunity becomes available.

Due to the removal of the skylights from the building plans, there is now an open space available on the roof. A member of Bovis Lend Lease mentioned the potential for Smart Home students to use the space for experimentation. For example, students have used the roof of Pratt's Hudson Hall to test their recently developed solar tracking unit and the patent-pending "solar-thermal hybrid system." In order to gain access to the roof, we needed to consult the building plans. Ultimately it was decided that we want to place a removable ladder on the second-floor patio from the unique section that extends perpendicularly out from the house. See the photo below.

Potential location for removable ladder to roof.

Last Friday, a meeting was held to discuss our LEED status, in which we assigned responsibility for each section of the LEED certification. At this time, we are targeting the Silver level. See entry 6 from September 7th, 2006 for more information on LEED.

Finally, Scott Harvey, a member of the construction team, conducted research on a new sophisticated air purification system called CleanEffects by Trane. For more information, you can visit the following website by clicking on the link of "CleanEffects."

Trane CleanEffects Unit

We are currently redesigning the HVAC system to accommodate two heating units. Based on our findings, we recommend that CleanEffects be incorporated into this new design because it had great reviews by users and that it cleans air extremely well in residential homes.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading this week's entry, and be sure to check back next week with more updates and some great new photos of (hopefully) windows in the house!

- The Construction Team