Custom Homebuilder Opens House For Green Scrutiny

For immediate release

Custom Homebuilder Opens House For Green Scrutiny

 Houston, April 23 — It’s unusual for a builder to  have an open house  long before its completion but Stephen Hann, president of Hann Builders, wants to make sure people understand that building green means a lot more than just attending to the things that are visible.

 “The reality is that most green products are behind the walls or not visible” says Hann. “People seldom have the chance to actually see these products once the finishes are installed. This open house lets them experience how new products make the homes we build more sustainable, and how they contribute to a lower, total cost of home ownership.”

 Hann will highlight green products on April 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m at a new home under construction on Glen Cove Street.

 Hann is showcasing iLevel by Weyerhaeuser’s engineered wood products.  The structure was optimized using iLevel Javelin software.  This open house helps participants understand how products and services like iLevel’s® TJI ® joists, TimberStrand® LSL wall framing and software contribute to quieter floors, enhanced moisture protection,  better energy efficiency and a stronger structure.    These, and all iLevel products, were the first to be certified under NAHB’s new National Green Building Standards. They are also certified to sustainable forestry standards (SFI).   Certification makes it easy for builders and homeowners to know they are building green. 

 On a tour through the home Hann points out other green products like PEX piping for the plumbing. He says this type of pipe is quiet, has low-thermal transfer, is virtually sweat-free, and is resistant to freezing and the negative effects of aggressive water and soils. Stopping by a portion of an uncovered stud wall, Hann talks about the open cell insulation with air barrier system that saves up to 50 percent of a building’s energy costs, does not emit harmful gasses, and controls moisture so mold and mildew are stopped in their tracks. Then it’s on to the utility portion of the home to view the tankless water heater that Hann says offers significant energy savings by only heating water as it is needed. 

 Not all green features are related to products, though. Hann says the way the home is fit to the landscape by making sure mature trees didn’t need to be removed is an example of the care being taken in the building process as well.

 But long after the home’s built-in green features are covered by drywall, siding, and roofing, Hann says this building will showoff its signature style. The new home is designed by Charles Todd Helton and takes its cue from the uniquely American, Prairie Style, featuring streamlined simplicity and natural materials. 

 “The architectural style is very different,” confides Hann. “It’s almost as if a Frank Lloyd Wright design met Colorado. Everything about this house is unique”

 The detailing on the home will draw from a distinct array of materials. A metal vine trellis will attach to stone facings that transcend both levels of the structure. In certain places on the first floor casement windows will be topped by transoms creating a vertical tie to the many clerestory windows on the second floor.  While deep roof overhangs with massive faces, will ground the building.

This is the first in a series of events highlighting green building that Hann plans to host as the home is being built. Hann, and his company, was named Custom Home Builder of the Year by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) in 2008. Hann has earned the Green Building Professional National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Hann Builders is a full service, design-build firm that specializes in building and remodeling homes in established Houston neighborhoods.

 Lunch will be catered at the open house by Pappa’s BBQ. Interested attendees should RSVP to Melva Corbett, marketing and sales director, at 281-980-0800 or 832-443-0462. 

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 About iLevel by Weyerhaeuser

iLevel is Weyerhaeuser’s integrated residential framing business providing seamless, unified building solutions. By offering the most comprehensive and innovative collection of proven structural framing materials, technical support and software in the building industry, and the means to distribute them efficiently, iLevel is leading the structural frame market and helping builders and dealers succeed in today’s challenging business environment. http://www.iLevel.com

About Weyerhaeuser

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world’s largest forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 2008, sales were $8 billion. It has offices or operations in 10 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction and development. Additional information about Weyerhaeuser’s businesses, products and practices is available at www.weyerhaeuser.com.