After a July 2012 storm devastated a cabin on Judith Nelson’s property outside of Bemidji, her insurance company provided a frugal replacement cost. Rochell Carpenter, carpentry instructor at nearby Leech Lake Tribal College, embraced the project of building a two-bedroom home on a thrifty budget. With her carpentry class, she designed and constructed an eco-affordable home, sustainable in both energy consumption and price.
Carpenter minimized the home’s footprint and maximized its sun exposure. She chose local wood and stones, raised the ceiling, and installed an open floor plan. To combat our extreme climate, Carpenter recommends absolute airtightness and plenty of insulation. This combination reduces the need for both air conditioning and heating.
Highlighted on the Bemidji Sustainability Committee’s 2014 Sustainable Places Tour, this gorgeous, environmentally friendly house cost only $24,000. Carpenter intends to create additional eco-affordable homes that also meet Minnesota energy codes and could even challenge new, stringent national standards. Rapidly becoming more prominent, eco-affordable homes save energy and money while establishing a modern rustic charm.
