Habitat for Humanity to Implement New Energy Efficient Design

Habitat for Humanity of Nassau County will be utilizing a new energy efficient design for future housing projects thanks to a competition hosted by the architectural firm Spector Groups, which selected the winning design from a group of five submissions on June 25. 

Spector Group formed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Nassau County to create an affordable and energy efficient design that can be implemented for future housing projects the nonprofit undertakes. The innovative design is called “Habitat Haus”.

A panel of judges, which included Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Michael Pfeiffer, chose the winner of the competition, which placed emphasis on cost, effectiveness, design context for surrounding houses and constructability.

“This competition underscores our company’s five decade commitment to giving back,” says Marc Spector, principal at the Spector Group, in a press release. “The partnership with Habitat for Humanity is a natural fit, as it matches our professional focus with Habitat’s primary mission. I, my father and the entire company are enormously proud to be associated with this effort.”

“Habitat Haus” was the winning submission for its “efficient systems and sustainable design elements” that do not sacrifice “modern comforts and amenities,” according to Habitat for Humanity. The design features solar panels, a rainwater filtration system and a thermal mass wall.

"Habitat for Humanity of Nassau County is thrilled to be involved in such a unique project where we can help a family in need of affordable housing realize their lifelong dream,” said Pfieffer in a press release. 

Habitat for Humanity of Nassau County, a chapter of the national Habitat for Humanity organization, was established in 1992 and works to provide low-income families with affordable house.