House almost finished
FHTC staff
Originally published 02:39 p.m., May 16, 2008
Updated 02:39 p.m., May 16, 2008
The Flint Hills Technical College Construction Technology students and instructors are putting the final touches on the sixth house being built using green building techniques.
Bill Hanlon and Larry Green, construction technology instructors, work with students in the program to build a house on-site, which is sold at the end of each academic year. The program is the only one in the state teaching a variety of green building concepts and was the first in Kansas to be accredited by the Association of General Contractors of America (AGC).
This year’s house is located at 3102 South Parkway Court. The three bedroom, two bathroom house has 3,000 total square feet with 1,500 square feet on the main level and a 1,500 square foot full-basement that is framed, wired and has HVAC in place.
All of the houses built with green building techniques over the last six years have shown significant energy savings, approximately 30 to 60 percent savings in heating and cooling bills annually. The high performance houses being built by the construction technology students utilize the latest green technologies and building materials including blown-in wet pack cellulose in the walls and ceilings, and recycled materials used for the deck and insulation.
“Green building or sustainable building is presently the buzz in the construction field,” said Hanlon, “but the reality is that this approach to building is necessary and will continue to be a vital part of the industry.” Hanlon has published Outside the Box, a book about green building techniques, and has also been instrumental as a green-building consultant in the rebuilding of Greensburg, KS.
In their first year, students have the opportunity to build a home from the ground up. Areas of instruction include forming and concrete placement, framing, drywall, trim work, and cabinetmaking. In addition, building codes, permits, safety practices, and proper equipment use and maintenance are covered. Students spend approximately 60 percent of class time on the jobsite engaged in the building project, while 40 percent is spent in the classroom covering theory.
If students decide to pursue an associate of applied science degree during a second year of training they learn about commercial construction. Project management, concrete framework, metal framing and building finishes used in commercial type buildings and structures are some of the topics covered during the second year of the program.
For more information about the construction technology program or the house for sale, contact FHTC at 343-4600 or toll-free, 800-711-6947.