The Future is Here Today at the Utah House

New houses are springing up around the state, but there's one new house that's different. It was created from the grassroots by people who envisioned an earth-friendly demonstration house that saves energy, water and money. It's the Utah House, and the dedication was Tuesday, Feb. 4.


The Utah House, affiliated with Utah State University, is designed for Utah's climate and arid landscape. The demonstration house harvests rainwater and uses solar energy and smart technologies. Its interior features healthy indoor air and universal design principles. The house uses 50 percent less energy than similar sized homes and 40 percent less water. The landscape will conserve water, grow food and attract backyard wildlife. "The Utah House and Utah State University Extension will focus on educating the public about topics important to Utah residents, such as water conservation and energy efficiency," said Director Leona Hawks.

"The whole idea of the Utah House is to raise awareness about how we plan, build and use housing and landscapes," Hawks said. "This demonstration house is timely and important, given our extended drought, the recent energy shortage and our budget crisis. The Utah House will help us learn how to live with increasingly limited resources."

The landscape will be completed soon and will complement the Utah Botanical Center recreational area, which is also affiliated with Utah State University. The Utah House and Utah State University Extension will soon serve the public with tours, educational programs, workshops, individual consultations and television programs, helping Utahns conserve energy, water and money.

The Utah House is located just off I-15 in Kaysville. Take the Kaysville City exit to Main Street (2 lights) and turn right, heading south. Stay on Main Street until you reach the stop light at 300 South. Turn right heading west until reaching 50 West, then turn left. You can access a map at: http://extension.usu.edu/utahhouse/
location.htm.

For more information call Leona Hawks at 435-797-1529 or 435-760-2407.