GLEN ELLYN, Ill. – Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has prompted the EPA to draw attention to a healthier way of building that addresses and corrects IAQ concerns. As a result, the American Lung Association (ALA) has created a national education program called the Health House project.

The “Millennium II” is Illinois' first health house, designed by Architect Bill Styczynski of Styczynski, Walker & Associates. The premise of the home's design was conceived with the intent to educate construction professionals and homeowners about the benefits of building "Green," lessening indoor air pollution and controlling energy loss. The 10,000-sq-ft home will meet the criteria set forth by the ALA of Minnesota for building healthier and more energy- efficient homes, while raising the standards for better indoor environments.

Custom home builder Sevvonco, Inc. selected a supplier of gypsum concrete floor underlayments, Hacker Industries, Inc., to donate GYP-SPAN Radiant as the energy-efficient, crack-resistant thermal mass for use over the radiant heating floor system. Designed specifically for use over hot water tubes or electric cables, GYP-SPAN Radiant adheres to the tubes or cables without air pockets and seals the room perimeter without shrinkage cracks, allowing for even distribution of heat without hot spots or wasted energy.

The Millennium II home is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2001. Public relations and educational activities will begin in August, with open houses, charity fundraisers, trade events, and builders meetings. In mid-September, 2001, the house will close to the public when the private owner takes residence.

Publication date: 07/30/2001