Model Illustrates Building Science

Teaching Tools

Meghan Stromberg, Senior Editor
July 1, 2003
Professional Builder

A two-story Colonial in Westborough, Mass., models the system approach to home building. It showcases technologies in framing, insulation, air sealing, HVAC, water management and renewable energy. And at 2 feet tall, the I-SMART House is extremely portable.

Developed by the Conservation Services Group, a building science consultancy, I-SMART stands for Interactive Scaled Model and Research Tool. CSG's Paul Wolff designed the 1/2-inch scale model for a New England utility consortium to teach builders about using Energy Star.

Layers of the building come apart, revealing the framing and mechanical systems inside. The model's display cabinet opens to show building details that illustrate the home's construction features.

CSG is selling customizable reproductions of the model to builders, utility companies, home builders associations and other interested parties. A complete package, including model, stand, display case and building detail library, starts at $9,500. Components also are sold separately. Contact Wolff or John Livermore at 508/836-9500 for details.

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