Projects:

Heartwood House…

… is what a community’s heart would do if it wanted to create a place where:

• community activists or the disadvantaged could find needed housing;
  
• community-minded people could come together hospitably;
  
• the un-employed or under-employed could go to learn how to make buildings sustainable from an environmental and energy standpoint;
  
• people could learn how to restore an historic building;
  
• where people could go to learn how to improve themselves, improve their relationships, and preserve the environment; and
  
• people who seek to make a difference in their community could go to share food, music, and fun.

The first Heartwood House in the Belleville Illinois National Historic District be meet the criteria of the Belleville Historic Preservation Commission and the the U.S Department of Interior. Beside being an historic restoration projhect, the first Heartwood Path House will also be a “green-house,” with a wide variety of environment –saving features, including:

increased insulation

geo-thermal heating and cooling

a concrete Thrombe wall for solar energy retention

a passive solar addition

energy-saving appliances

the use of recycled materials wherever possibleg

rainwater collection for garden irrigation

alterations to enhance natural ventilation

rooftop collectors for electricity production and water heating

a partial green (living) roof

A Heartwood House is a community house in the settlement house tradition. Benefits to be derived from a Heartwood House include:

• personal development;
• team-building;
• housing and care for those who serve others or who are in need;
• facilitation of community involvement;
• historic preservation
• environmental protection
• leadership in environmental and energy design
• job training
• multi-cultural interaction
• fine living
• a gathering place for the enjoyment of food, music, and public-spirited conversation.

The first Heartwood House is in the planning stages. It is located at 416 N. Church in Belleville, Illinois––near St. Louis. Time, money, and good ideas are needed. To make a contribution, contact donpierce1235@me.com.