Sources: Habitat for Humanity–Central Arizona, Phoenix; Salt River Materials Group, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Attendees of the 2009 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Phoenix can visit Arizona’s first concrete Habitat for Humanity home, an affordable “Net Zero” dwelling the U.S. Green Building Council selected for its “Contemporary Desert Living Tour” following the Nov. 11-13 event.

Since the project’s key construction materials sponsor, Salt River, does not operate a ready mixed plant, the company reached out to its customer base and supplied a handful of them--including Arizona Materials, Ft. McDowell Yavapai Materials, Hanson, Maricopa Ready Mix, ReadyMix Inc. and Vulcan Materials--with cement, fly ash, and, in some cases, aggregate from its Clarksdale, Ariz., plant and asked them to produce various orders following Salt River’s specifications. All totaled, approximately 72 yd. of material was donated for the home.

The project’s green elements include post-tensioned slabs and above-grade walls constructed with EPS foam and reinforced concrete placed by The Wall Company of Phoenix; a pervious concrete driveway supplied by Hanson Aggregates and placed by Progressive Concrete Works, also of Phoenix; decorative patio work by Excalibur Designs in Concrete, Glendale, Ariz.; roof tiles by Eagle Roofing Products Southwest, Phoenix; block wall from Top Quality Masonry Co., Phoenix; and Southwest Architectural Casting concrete countertop. Partnering with the attic insulation and energy-efficient windows and doors, the thermal building envelope is expected to reduce utility costs by 40 to 60 percent.