Anchorage Daily News

Habitat for Humanity is known for building homes for the poorest families who can afford a modest monthly payment.

Basic, affordable housing, whether traditional single family homes or townhouses.

But in Anchorage, Habitat decided to try something different -- an experiment that takes into account a snowy northern climate. They're just finishing up a dozen connected townhouses that have courtyards paved with drip-through concrete.

Water can seep right through. And the courtyards are heated, so that snow will melt away and not have to be plowed. Red pipes beneath the pavers heats the surface, which will cause the snow to either melt or evaporate. The water in these courtyards is filtered through gravel and sand and goes straight down into the ground.

Not only is Habitat for Humanity a leader in charity, but this project makes them a leader in northern design as well. Habitat director Jim Fredrick says the self-draining concrete has been used successfully Outside, but this is a first for Alaska. If it turns out to be durable and affordable, the drip-through concrete will offer a new way for Anchorage to deal with snow.

The townhouses, distinguished gray buildings surrounded by a rain garden, are on 31st Avenue off Spenard Road. Four units, each with two-car garages, share a courtyard. The units also have rooftop patios where children can play.

Partly because of the permeable pavers, the townhouses took more time and more volunteer labor than traditional Habitat houses.

Because the project is good for Anchorage's streams -- there's no runoff that could affect creeks -- and good for the environment generally, Habitat won $65,000 in grants.

With this project, Habitat built good-looking, livable houses for families.

And at the same time, tested a technique that should improve Anchorage's ability to cope with winter.

BOTTOMLINE: Habitat did a good job with northern design, building Spenard townhouses for a winter city.

ADVERTISEMENT