Photos and Article by Charlie McKee
On Jan. 14 and 15, 2013, Habitat for Humanity volunteers raised the walls of the newest Habitat for Humanity green home at Vistas de Plata, much like the barn raisings of yesteryear. In two short days during which the temperature never got above freezing, the Habitat volunteers and construction experts erected pre-fabricated wall panels, called Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), to complete the walls of the new home.
Habitat for Humanity's Construction Manager, Michele Dwyer, said that she had been waiting for this exciting day for a long time and that the SIPs panels allowed unprecedented speed in construction of the walls of the new home. In addition, the panels contain pre-installed thick foam core insulation made of green materials that provide outstanding R-Value ratings for energy efficiency.
Richard Hernandez, who is the future homeowner of this Habitat for Humanity green home, worked alongside the other volunteers and watched as his home took shape.
Habitat - Walls Go Up
Vistas De Plata Habitat
The site of this new "green" Habitat for Humanity home lives up to its name of Vistas de Plata or "Views of Silver."
Vistas De Plata Habitat
Proud homeowner Richard Hernandez (left) keeps a close watch as volunteers raise the walls of his and his three daughters' future home.
Vistas De Plata Habitat
Habitat Board Member Frank Quarrell proves his mettle as a volunteer home builder.
Vistas De Plata Habitat
Volunteers (l to r) Eric Ockerhausen, Rod Rodriguez, Tony Campbell, and David Phillips put the new Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in place in record time in spite of below freezing temperatures.
Vistas De Plata Habitat
View from the future master bedroom includes the Burros, as well as Silver.
Vistas De Plata Habitat
Cisco, the canine volunteer, supervises Steve Shatzkin -- local SIPs expert -- and helper Rod Rodriguez as they trim the next Structural Insulated Panel for installation.
Vistas De Plata Habitat
Volunteers move the SIP panel into place.
Vistas De Plata Habitat
Volunteer Eric Ockerhausen applies finishing touches of Mastic sealant to the panel as it slides into place in the wall.
Vistas De Plata Habitat
Habitat Board Member Frank Quarrell gives two "high fives" and a big smile at the end of a successful day!
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Vistas De Plata Habitat
Habitat Construction Manager Michele Dwyer wears a proud smile at the Habitat team's accomplishments in a day's work. The walls are up!