FISHERS, Ind. - Ball State University and Vectren Corporation have begun construction on Eco-House - a house that demonstrates the optimal relationship between homeowners and their residential environment.

Located in the Weaver Creek subdivision at 8770 E. 141st St., Eco-House will use design innovation and new materials and technologies to create an energy-efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly structure, said Michel Mounayar, associate dean of Ball State's College of Architecture and Planning.

"The College of Architecture and Planning has successfully integrated outdoor and indoor living spaces to fit perfectly within the residential environment," Mounayar said. "The home was designed with the 'Healthy Home' concept in mind - a house with low-emission surfaces and ample natural light and natural ventilation."

The two-story structure was designed by Mounayar and Harry Eggink, professor of architecture, with the goal of dramatically lowering energy consumption by minimizing heat loss in the winter and minimizing heat gain in the summer. Jeffrey Hall, assistant professor of landscape architecture, and Michele Chiuini, associate professor of architecture, also helped with the planning.

To accomplish their goals, the planners implemented designs and environmentally friendly materials. Eco-House features:

• Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) basement walls. ICF construction provides for more efficient construction, structural stability and a healthier living environment while reducing energy consumption.
• Above ground, Autoclave Aerated Concrete (AAC) block walls were selected for their high R-value and air-tightness. AAC is made with fly ash from coal-burning power plants. To be installed by International Masonry Institute apprentices.
• Low-emissivity, argon-filled windows. Low-e coatings increase the window's insulation value. They also reduce harmful UV rays that can damage drapes, rugs and furniture.
• Flexible and efficient HVAC systems and ducting.
• Natural lighting and compact fluorescent lighting (CFL). Fluorescent lamps produce less heat than incandescent lamps and are more energy efficient.

"The energy performance of the Eco-House was paramount in the home's design," said Jeff Howell, Vectren's technical services manager. "We wanted to achieve maximum comfort level while simultaneously attaining maximum energy efficiency."

Eco-House is part of a five-year $100,000 partnership between the College of Architecture and Planning and Vectren. Eco-House is the second of three homes that will be built through this partnership. The partnership will also provide $50,000 in minority scholarships and funds for library resources and guest lectures on campus.

Conserco Company is overseeing project management. Other sponsors include Pella McComb Window & Door Company, Inc., International Masonry Institute, Unico Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, B&V Distributing, Elite Cement Products and Babb International.

A showing will take place Sept. 13 and 14 upon completion of the home's shell, and the grand opening is scheduled for late November.

 Vectren Corporation is an energy and applied technology holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than one million customers in adjoining service areas that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectren's non-regulated subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the surrounding region. These include energy marketing, coal mining, utility infrastructure service, and fiber-optic based communication services.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Mounayar at (765) 285-8917 or mmounaya@bsu.edu, Layne Cameron at (765) 285-5953 or Chase Kelley at (812) 491-4128.)