Paradigm Pilot Project

A Blueprint For Change

Key Points:
IDBS partnered with Boulder County Housing Authority to design and construct permanent, affordable housing that gets the maximum amount of its energy from renewable sources. The Paradigm Pilot project's development timeline was less than a year from comprehensive plan amendment to certificate of occupancy.

The energy-friendly building components that were used include high-tech foam insulation, engineered hardwood floors, ENERGY STAR appliances, water-efficient plumbing fixtures and an energy recovery ventilation system. A solar panel system, geothermal heating and cooling and solar hot water heating with tank less water heater top the list of energy conscious products.

The project received the Second Place award in the Denver Regional Council of Government's 2010 Local Government Awards Program for Collaboration and the AIA Colorado South 2010 Design Award - Merit Award for Built Architecture. Scott Simkus, BCHA's Housing Development Manager, said, "Paradigm was a pilot project that allows us to test new sustainable technologies and building construction methods we hope to implement in the 153-unit Josephine Commons project [adjoining neighborhood project in progress with IDBS]. It laid the foundation for economies of scale, while implementing renewable energy and advanced building technologies for a mass production environment."

Scope/Building Use:
Near-zero energy affordable housing

Total Buildings/Units:
1 duplex/1 single-family home

Total Square Feet:
Duplex: 1,650; single-family home: 906