Builders, Architects, "Agree" on Green

Shasta County is trying to influence local builders to go affordable and green. The project is called the “Agree Park” project, which stands for Affordable, Green, Residential, and Energy Efficient. While this housing project targets low-income families, these homes are nothing but top of the line. The project is a collaboration between the Shasta Builders’ Exchange and three local architects, Kibler and Kibler Architecture, Trilogy Architecture, and Nichols, Melburg Rossetto Architects. Keith Ritter is the primary energy consultant for the project. He says that the rice straw bale wall insulation and positioned windows will save people a lot of money. “By being so efficient,” Ritter said, “it can reduce the net bill $30, $40, $50 a month, which is more money to be used for food.”The project also gives architects a chance to have the best of both worlds. “It’s really unique to have the opportunity to do something that’s green design and affordable,” said Westley King of Nichols, Melburg, and Rossetto. The plans are now in the hands of the city’s permit center. Construction is scheduled to begin in July and is expected to be finished by October.

From http://www.khsltv.com/