Bismarck State College Sustainable Project

OVERVIEW

HOME DETAILS

• Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
• Climate Zone: Cold
• Type of Project: New Construction
• Home Completed: 2003
• Setting: rural
• Energy Source: - solar - propane - grid electric - geothermal
• Layout: Single-Family; 3 bedroom; Attached garage
• Lot Size: 2 acre
• Square Footage: 2672
• Sales Market: Middle-income
• Cost/Square Foot: $ 110.00

PRIMARY CONTACT

Earl Torgerson, Assistant Professor of Carpentry
Bismarck State College
- Builder - Designer - Collaborator - Sponsor

Phone: (701) 224-5561
Fax: (701) 224-5562
Email: Earl.Torgerson@bsc.nodak.edu

SPECIAL INFORMATION

The house is approximately 2600 square feet, with a single story on the north side and two stories on the south side. There is no basement. The first floor has a kitchen, open living dining room area, study, and bathroom. The second floor has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry area, and a family/rec room over the garage. Heating and cooling bills average $27/month.

The State Energy Office initiated discussions with Bismarck State College (BSC) about three years ago. The Energy Office wanted to include sustainable design into the curriculum at BSC, as the students are the state's future home builders. BSC looked at the opportunity to incorporate sustainable design into the curriculum while using sustainable building techniques and products. BSC and the Energy Office worked together brainstorming design and products. The Energy Office put on a one-day training for both the carpentry students and the HVAC students on a blower door test and duct blaster test.

The house has received good press and was part of the yearly "Parade of Homes," which showcases new local homes. BSC students also work the Energy Star booth at the local home show.