Bensonwood and Unity Homes Pro Tour

Tuesday, December 16, 2014
On a sunny, crisp day in December 40 people (many NESEA members) embarked on the Bensonwood and Unity Homes Pro Tour. We met in Walpole, NH at Bensonwood headquarters and travelled by bus to the first site in Putney, VT. The bus served multiple functions, not only reducing our carbon usage, but also providing us the opportunity to sit and talk and exchange ideas with other professionals.  
 
Upon arriving in Putney, we split into two groups and were able to tour a Unity Home that was ahead of its 6.5 week from start to finish schedule. There are four basic styles of homes made by Unity but each is highly customizable with multiple add-ons available. The style we toured is called Xyla a single story bungalow style cottage.  At more than 1200 sq. ft. this energy efficient home maximizes its southern exposure with an array of solar panels. As the tour progressed, attendees were able to put their hands on (an in!) the walls and ask questions about all aspects of the construction.
 
We reboarded the bus and returned to Bensonwood's headquarters in Walpole, NH where we were treated to an informative guided tour of their manufacturing facility. Seeing the entire process from the initial cuts up to and including the assembly of the wall/floor panels complete with precut channels for the electrical and plumbing work to be completed on site was illuminating. The craftsmanship and  dedication of the staff is evident in the finished product.
 
Our day wrapped up with a brief question and answer period before Bensonwood's founder Tedd Benson took the floor to share his philosophy with us and how it fits in and promotes a sustainable form of construction and living. 
 
For a photo album of this tour, click here.

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11/21/2014 - 11:36