Click to download Katherine Holder's EcoHouse Foundation Project report
Plymouth State University student Katherine Holder’s EcoHouse Foundation Project proposal led to the summer 2009 sustainable refurbishment of the building’s basement and core systems. Her report on the completion is available online as a PDF. The introduction reads:
As part of the Fall of 2009 Sustainability in Residences class, students identified projects that would contribute to the sustainability of the Eco-House. Among the proposals were solar hot water, rain catchment, organization and operations, building layout and floor plan, lighting and weatherizing plans. This project is the culmination of a Fall 2008 project entitled “Eco-House Basement Opportunity” that identified the need of PSU and Eco-House staff to address the structural integrity of foundation walls, as well as, related moisture and air quality issues. It was determined in the Spring of 2009 that the foundation walls of the Eco-House need to be replaced and construction was to be completed during the Summer of 2009. Upon partnering with ABODE Green Home Builders of Plymouth, NH, material choices and site design were selected.
The intent of construction done during the Summer of 2009 was to ensure the structural integrity of PSU’s Eco-House for generations to come. This entailed repairing and replacing three main foundation walls, replacing the sill plate above foundation walls, replacing two main structural beams, repairing roof rafters and bracing in the attic. Subsequent issues resolved during construction entailed on site water management, insulation of foundation walls, and removal of over half of impervious surfaces that abutted the building and covered the lot. These issues were remediated through the installation of a perimeter drain and engineered drainage plane, the use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) for foundation walls and the application of a capillary break on the exterior of new foundation walls. Critical components of water management and building longevity were completed during this construction phase at the Eco-House in order to ensure its integrity.
