Climate resilience and energy efficiency are paramount at new multifamily community.
Since Rob Howard, president of Howard Building Science in North Carolina, built the state’s first net zero energy home nearly two decades ago, he’s continued to dedicate his knowledge to building homes that are energy efficient, climate resilient and affordable. Now Howard is teaming with Green Builder Media on VISION House Hickory Grove, a multifamily community in Hickory, North Carolina, that showcases the future of sustainable building.
The four-building, 12-unit community is built with prefabricated modules to improve the speed and efficiency of the project. The homes will meet the FORTIFIED Home certification for resilience and the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home certification requirements. Each home will use 50% less energy than a standard code-built house and will include solar and storage for energy independence.
The homes, which were designed as rental homes from the beginning, are meant to be attainable workforce housing for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and others looking for a financially sustainable home. Energy efficiency contributes to their long-term affordability to keep utility costs low.
Tight Building Envelope for Energy Savings and Resilience
Like most parts of the U.S., North Carolina faces increasing climate hazards such as higher levels of precipitation, flood risk, high winds, more frequent storms and extreme temperatures. To stand up to those challenges, VISION House Hickory Grove will include a variety of products designed for their durability and long-term performance.
For example, the VISION House team selected Fabral’s Metal Wall and Roof Systems, including the Thin Seam™ standing seam panel, which is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The roof promotes proper ventilation, minimizes thermal bridging, and helps reduce heat gain, all of which offer energy efficiency and comfort benefits for residents. The heavy-duty steel construction enhances structural integrity and weather resistance. The roof panel’s reflective finish helps keep the buildings cool.
“Metal systems offer cost-effectiveness, sustainability and flexibility to homeowners, architects and contractors,” says Steve Maule, an engineer with Fabral. “For builders, Fabral’s lightweight, high-strength panels are easy to transport and install. They help streamline construction timelines and reduce labor costs, which are critical for housing built for affordability.”
For property owners, Fabral’s metal systems need minimal maintenance and provide long-term value. At VISION House Hickory Grove, residents will benefit with lower utility bills due to increased energy efficiency from the metal roof and other features, as well as peace of mind because of the roof’s resilience to climate impacts.
Sustainability and Innovation
Established in 1967, Fabral serves residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial markets with standing seam, concealed fastener and exposed fastener panels.
“Fabral integrates eco-friendly practices in manufacturing, ensuring our products contribute to energy efficiency and environmental conservation,” Maule says. “With 8 manufacturing locations across the U.S., Fabral prides itself on superior customer service, technical support and a nationwide distribution network. “We’re deeply committed to corporate sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across our operations to minimize environmental impact. Our products contain recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle, reducing landfill waste.”
“Fabral actively participates in industry programs promoting sustainability and adheres to stringent environmental standards,” says Brandon Atkins, a regional vice president for Fabral.
“By prioritizing sustainable practices, we not only enhance the longevity and performance of our products, but we also support broader efforts to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.”
Top to Bottom Climate Resilience
Climate resilience and energy efficiency are paramount at new multifamily community.
Since Rob Howard, president of Howard Building Science in North Carolina, built the state’s first net zero energy home nearly two decades ago, he’s continued to dedicate his knowledge to building homes that are energy efficient, climate resilient and affordable. Now Howard is teaming with Green Builder Media on VISION House Hickory Grove, a multifamily community in Hickory, North Carolina, that showcases the future of sustainable building.
The four-building, 12-unit community is built with prefabricated modules to improve the speed and efficiency of the project. The homes will meet the FORTIFIED Home certification for resilience and the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home certification requirements. Each home will use 50% less energy than a standard code-built house and will include solar and storage for energy independence.
The homes, which were designed as rental homes from the beginning, are meant to be attainable workforce housing for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and others looking for a financially sustainable home. Energy efficiency contributes to their long-term affordability to keep utility costs low.
Tight Building Envelope for Energy Savings and Resilience
Like most parts of the U.S., North Carolina faces increasing climate hazards such as higher levels of precipitation, flood risk, high winds, more frequent storms and extreme temperatures. To stand up to those challenges, VISION House Hickory Grove will include a variety of products designed for their durability and long-term performance.
For example, the VISION House team selected Fabral’s Metal Wall and Roof Systems, including the Thin Seam™ standing seam panel, which is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The roof promotes proper ventilation, minimizes thermal bridging, and helps reduce heat gain, all of which offer energy efficiency and comfort benefits for residents. The heavy-duty steel construction enhances structural integrity and weather resistance. The roof panel’s reflective finish helps keep the buildings cool.
“Metal systems offer cost-effectiveness, sustainability and flexibility to homeowners, architects and contractors,” says Steve Maule, an engineer with Fabral. “For builders, Fabral’s lightweight, high-strength panels are easy to transport and install. They help streamline construction timelines and reduce labor costs, which are critical for housing built for affordability.”
For property owners, Fabral’s metal systems need minimal maintenance and provide long-term value. At VISION House Hickory Grove, residents will benefit with lower utility bills due to increased energy efficiency from the metal roof and other features, as well as peace of mind because of the roof’s resilience to climate impacts.
Sustainability and Innovation
Established in 1967, Fabral serves residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial markets with standing seam, concealed fastener and exposed fastener panels.
“Fabral integrates eco-friendly practices in manufacturing, ensuring our products contribute to energy efficiency and environmental conservation,” Maule says. “With 8 manufacturing locations across the U.S., Fabral prides itself on superior customer service, technical support and a nationwide distribution network. “We’re deeply committed to corporate sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across our operations to minimize environmental impact. Our products contain recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle, reducing landfill waste.”
Fabral employs energy-efficient manufacturing processes, reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources.
“Fabral actively participates in industry programs promoting sustainability and adheres to stringent environmental standards,” says Brandon Atkins, a regional vice president for Fabral.
“By prioritizing sustainable practices, we not only enhance the longevity and performance of our products, but we also support broader efforts to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.”
By Michele Lerner, Associate Editor
Michele Lerner is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and author who writes about real estate, personal finance, and business.Also Read