Show Village 2011 Preview: Uber-green home for under $75,000

At a scant 528 square feet, the Eco-Cabana model from Palm Harbor Homes may be small in stature but it is mighty when it comes to green living. Designed to meet DOE’s Builders Challenge energy performance requirements of sub-70 on the HERS Index, the model will be loaded with high-performance, sustainable features.

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom model will feature a hybrid insulation system — two inches of closed-cell spray foam combined with a layer of fiberglass batt — in the ceiling and walls, creating a high-performance thermal envelope. Low-VOC paints, sealants, and cabinetry will be used throughout the home, as will bamboo flooring, Energy Star appliances and lighting (LEDs and CFLs), and low-flow plumbing fixtures, including a dual-flush toilet.

The high-efficiency HVAC system will include a zero-leakage, hypo-allergenic, insulated duct design with no exposed outdoor ductwork to maximize energy efficiency. An on-demand gas water heater will help minimize water and fuel consumption.

“When it’s all said and done, we’ll probably end up closer to a 50 HERS rating for this home, and that’s without photovoltaics,” says Mike Wnek, senior vice president of marketing with Palm Harbor Homes, who adds that the model will also be certified through the Florida Green Building Council. “This home can easily be taken down to zero energy with the incorporation of PVs.”

The Eco-Cabana model is designed and stylized specifically for coastal environments (primarily the Florida Keys and the Bahamas), with plenty of outdoor porch and deck space, including a side deck with a built-in fire pit and outdoor kitchen. The steel roof will be rated for 150-200 mph wind standard performance, and the entire model is designed to meet a 150 mph wind rating.

“While this model is aimed to be a resort home, the product line has many other applications,” says Mike Draper, Florida Division President of Palm Harbor Homes, “such as a backyard house for the returning mother and father, in an assisted or full-support living arrangement. It’s also made to be a mountain house or a beach house, lake house or river house, as it can be elevated on stilts for coastal environments.” It’s part of Palm Harbor’s Eco-Cottages product line of affordable extra/recreational dwellings.

For more information on the Eco-Cabana Show Village model home, visit: www.PBshowvillage.com.

Show Village model #2
Model name: Eco-Cabana
Modular manufacturer: Palm Harbor Homes
Modular product line: Palm Harbor Homes’ Eco-Cottages line
Ideal application: Part-time resort/weekend/retirement housing
Size: 528 sf
Dimensions: 14 feet wide x 50 feet deep (including a 14x10-foot covered front porch)
Builder price: $39,000-$75,000 for Show Village model (depending on amenities); Standard Eco-Cottage models start at $39,000
First floor: One bedroom, one full bathroom, kitchen, living room, front porch, side deck
Green goal: Meet DOE’s Builders Challenge requirements (rated energy performance below 70 HERS); certification through the Florida Green Building Council
Sponsors – See the latest building products installed and in action from these premier sponsors:

•     Aquatic Bathware: Bathtubs
•     BASF: Comfort Foam Residential Insulation    
•     BEHR: Exterior and Interior Paint
•     Dow Building Solutions: Structural Insulated Sheathing
•     Ellington Fans: Ceiling Fans
•     Honeywell: Blowing Agent
•     Maze Nails: Nails
•     Moen Inc.: Kitchen Faucets, Lavatory Faucets and Showering
•     NCI Group: Metal Roof
•     Viance & EcoLife: Ecolife Stabilized Weather-Resistant Wood