WKSU News: SmartHome saves energy and money

Monday, January 24, 2011 SmartHome saves energy and money The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will build a home to set the standard for future energy efficient housing. Story by ALISON RITCHIE

The 2,500 square foot home will include three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It's 18 inch thick wall will keep the house heated, without a furnace.

Courtesy of Doty and Miller Architects

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is building a home that it says will be a model for energy efficiency. The home will have 18-inch thick walls and high-performance windows, making it 90 percent more energy efficient than a typical Northeast Ohio home.

The two-story “SmartHome” will cost about $500,000 to build and will be complete in June. Museum visitors will be able to tour the house this summer, and after that, the house will be sold to a Cleveland family.

The museum’s executive director Evalyn Gates said the exhibit will show the latest in green technology.

Evalyn Gates of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

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In September, the home will be moved from the museum grounds to a lot near Case Western Reserve University. It will be sold as a private home for a list price of $300,000 to $400,000.