CertainTeed Corporation is proud to take part in the Open Prototype Initiative, a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology House_n Research Consortium and Bensonwood Homes, a New Hampshire builder. The Open Prototype Initiative was formed to develop a series of home protypes that test new model designs for highly responsive, personalized homes that can be built quickly and cost effectively.
Aug 16, 2006
The first home, a three-story 28-by-46-foot house, is being built in Greenfield, New Hampshire, at Crotched Mountain. Crotched Mountain is a non-profit school, hospital and rehabilitation facility for children and adults with disabilities. The home will feature WeatherBoards™ FiberCement Siding and Trim as well as Centennial Slate™ Luxury Shingles – both by CertainTeed.
"We are focused on pushing the design envelope with existing materials and technologies because we think it is primarily a different process and building organization that will yield the home of the future," says Ted Benson, founder of Bensonwood Homes.
According to Benson, Bensonwood Homes was looking to partner on the Open Prototype Initiative with companies that share its desire to improve home building. CertainTeed, known for innovative and forward-thinking building materials, fit the bill.
"The roofing and siding that CertainTeed is supplying to this project are traditional in appearance, reasonable in cost and readily available to builders around the country. And, the products have a long lifespan and contribute to a healthy home environment," adds Benson.
Peter Dachowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of CertainTeed, says the company is proud to be part of the Open Prototype Initiative. "This collaborative project is designed to demonstrate more efficient ways to build in terms of cost, long-term care and maintenance, and energy savings. I'm pleased we could be a part of this exciting venture."
Don Shumway, President and CEO of Crotched Mountain adds that support from corporate partners like CertainTeed is helping make this project possible. "It is very meaningful to a charitable organization like Crotched Mountain that CertainTeed is supporting this project and illustrates that they are a model for other corporations," says Shumway.
About CertainTeed Corporation
Through innovation and creative product design, CertainTeed Corporation has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Company, the firm made its slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," which quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing; vinyl and fiber cement siding; vinyl and composite exterior trim; vinyl and composite fence, railing and decking; vinyl windows; residential, commercial and mechanical insulation; PVC pipe; foundations; and access covers.
Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, CertainTeed is a Saint-Gobain company with approximately 7,000 employees and 40 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States. In 2005 CertainTeed had sales of $2.8 billion. www.certainteed.com
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