RCC Students Building “Green” House

By Margaret Bradford, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Redwood Campus.

Homebuilders Association of Jackson County, Knouff Homes, and the construction technology department at Rogue Community College have formed a team to construct a single-family home in Eagle Point. Called the Eco-Cational house, the project will incorporate a variety of green building techniques and serve as a classroom laboratory for RCC students, apprentices, area contractors, and the public. “Most of the RCC Construction Technology classes will be focusing on this project over the next four terms,” said Ralph Henderson, department head. “It will be an incredible opportunity to demonstrate building methods, building science, and green building techniques,” he added. Mark Knouff, the general contractor, will donate proceeds over and above the construction costs to the RCC Foundation for construction student scholarships. Financing for the project is through Evergreen Federal Bank. “And we could not have done this project without the support of the Homebuilders Association,” Henderson added. Construction students designed the house during summer term, studying the various green building options, and selecting those to be included. Earth Advantage and Energy Star green building certification programs are providing technical assistance. The project, which be-gan in October, is scheduled for completion late summer 2008. Construction technology students will form and pour the foundation fall term, with framing and exterior finish taking place winter and spring terms. RCC apprenticeship programs also will have a major role in the project. “Many times students will build simulated building components such as a section of wall or partial concrete form,” Henderson said. “Iʼve
seen the disappointment in the faces of the students when they finish a mock up and I tell them, ʻThat looks great, now tear it down.ʼ This time itʼs for keeps.”