Design

Using two existing homes and land held by the University of Montana on 5th Avenue, students, faculty and staff at the University of Montana and the College of Technology will research and review potential sustainability directed changes to the homes, landscaping and land use. The aim of the project is to proceed in several phases:

Phase 1- Monitoring and Design (August 2008-March 2009): COT/UM students will monitor current energy and resource use by existing residential renters to set a baseline of resource use prior to remodeling and adaptation of the homes/land. Students, supervised by a EVST graduate assistant and participating faculty will also select and design the changes to be made to the residences/landscape over fall term 2008, winter session, and into spring term 2009.

Phase 2- Garage Remodel (March 2009-August 2009): Actual work to alter the garage to incorporate sustainable technologies and practices will begin in the Spring of 2009 with a completion date of mid-August 2009 allowing students from UM/COT to participate under staff and faculty supervision to remodel the home. COT carpentry, building and energy tech students will participate as well as EVST and other interested graduate and undergraduate students in the actual work. The EVST graduate assistant will coordinate student involvement and act as liaison with the involved programs. It is anticipated that the open lot will be prepared for gardening and gardening will begin on the open plot in the Spring/summer of 09, allowing harvest of some organic food in fall 09. An application and review process for student residency will be run out of EVST in March-May 2009, selecting appropriate students for residency in the home.

Phase 3- Occupancy and adaptation (August 2009 ongoing): Students will occupy the premises, be responsible for upkeep of the home (with plumbing, electrical and structural repair/maintenance services from Facilities Services) and monitor the resource use of the facility. An annual public open house each fall will showcase the sustainability practices used on the site and share those with the campus and Missoula community (organized by EVST). Other changes may be made to the home or grounds based on student research and learning and ongoing monitoring will occur to document the impact of these changes.

Execution of the Plan:

Research Teams:  With University/COT support of volunteers and interns, the UM FLAT project will be divided up into specific project teams to research and develop specific components of the proposal and future building plans.  Strategic plans will be developed with specific, achievable, and measurable goals for each project team. Potential team support can be recruited with support from the Sustainable Campus Committee, ASUM, COT, EVST, and other interested participants. These teams could also be comprised of community interests who have knowledge that is specifically applicable to the enhancement of the project.

Priority Projects:     Great way to get involved!

*   Open to other project ideas

Conclusion

The motivation for the establishment of the UM FLAT is to enhance the development of sustainable solutions within the UM academic community, sharing those solutions more broadly, recruitment of students and reducing university use of resources.  The UM FLAT will demonstrate the practicality of efficient building technologies.

Student Living:
This UM FLAT is essentially a house or dorm that demonstrates and promotes sustainable living.  Students wishing to live in the UM FLAT must apply to the University where their applications will be reviewed by the current co-directors and board of the UM FLAT to determine who will make the most dynamic contribution to the mission and objectives of the FLAT. 

Teaching Resource:
The development and construction of the FLAT will provide a tremendous opportunity for interested students, faculty, and local businesses to become involved. To promote the success of a live-in demonstration home at UM it is vital for student involvement in all aspects of the planning, administration, and evaluation of the process. The process of planning, construction, and operations for the UM FLAT should be viewed as opportunities to challenge students to develop workable solutions that can be applied to life outside of the classroom. Once the construction of the house is complete, the FLAT will provide a wealth of experiential opportunities for everyone involved.  The rewarding benefits include residential demonstration of sustainable living practices, opportunities for faculty using the UM FLAT as a teaching resource, a student and faculty research forum for projects related to sustainable living, and workshops to involve the expertise and participation of the Missoula community.