Dec 15 2015
Kentucky's Habitat for Humanity is producing their own version of the popular container home, with the help of partners including their local Earthwise Windows manufacturer, Tri-State Wholesale Building Supplies.
Earthwise Windows & Doors
Kentucky Habitat for Humanity saw that used cargo containers could be a starting point to produce affordable, energy-efficient homes, calling them "Kentainer" Homes, for those in need. Steel shipping containers are flood and fire proof. They're also resistant to mold, wind, and termites. It's estimated there are 24 million empty shipping containers worldwide, so re-purposing these is both green—and smart!
According to Holly Todd, Director of Community Outreach and Construction for Kentucky's Habitat for Humanity, "We put all the comforts of home into a 320 sq. ft. container. Our goal is to bring costs in at $25,000 so anyone living on a low fixed income can afford them." She adds, "The Kentainer was shown at the Kentucky State Fair and at Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity. People touring the home were amazed at the roominess and amenities."
The Earthwise windows and doors and the appliances used in the home are ENERGY STAR® rated. These, combined with a mini-split heat pump, help keep energy costs under $20 per month!
The Kentainer is welded to a poured foundation for strength and is certified by the FORTIFIED Home™ program. It is built to withstand tornado winds up to 140 mph.
A variety of energy-efficient Earthwise windows and doors were provided by Tri-State Wholesale Building Supplies, the regional manufacturer of Earthwise products based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The custom-built products include Equinox patio doors, Aurora casement windows and Eclipse double-hungs.
The first Kentainer home was installed in Harold, Kentucky. The second Kentainer, currently under construction, will be used for a homeless veteran. "We're lucky to be partnering with Tri-State Wholesale on this important project," adds Ms. Todd. "We're thrilled to have these beautiful Earthwise windows and patio doors which bring so much light into our Kentainer homes." For more information on Kentainer homes please contact Ms. Todd at: [email protected].
Kathy Caldon, president of Tri-State Wholesale Building Supplies/Earthwise Cincinnati comments, "We are excited that our social equity projects enable us to effectively impact our community by providing exterior building products including Earthwise Windows." For Earthwise window and door information in Ohio or Kentucky contact Tri-State Wholesale Building Supplies at: 513-381-1231.