HOUSE of the MONTH

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2006

The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) is a cutting-edge research facility in Fairbanks designed for testing and developing new housing and renewable energy technology in the North. CCHRC officially opened Sept. 23 and has already begun making discoveries with its emergency egress window and remote wall system for wet climates. The facility is a research project with advanced ventilation, insulation, structural and monitoring systems, and mobile test lab.

CCHRC monitors existing structures to better understand traditional Alaska construction techniques and works to promote the understanding and use of renewable energies that can work in the North.

Jack Hébert demonstrates the "high visibility" infrastructure, which is designed to serve as exemplary building components to students and visitors. In this case he is pointing out the filter case in the intake for a ventilation system. Observing are Garrison Collette and Rich Seifert.

Rich Seifert admires the beautiful masonry stove in the main entrance lobby of the CCHRC.

From left to right: Rich Seifert, Cole Sonafrank, Jack Hébert, and Clay Porter chat about the monitoring systems throughout the new CCHRC building.

Mike Musick demonstrates the ease with which filters can be maintained and replaced in one of the CCHRC building ventilation systems.