Page High School is Going “Green”

Submitted by James Vander Wiel.

Designed last year by Page High School’s Architectural Drafting students, this year the Construction Technology students are building the “ Green Hogan”. The 1600 sq foot straw bale structure has many “green” features. Insulated slab, radiant floor solar hot water heat, thick insulated straw bale walls, grey water recycle, 2,700 watts of solar photovoltaic power, high performance windows and a roof system made from recycled tires. The Construction students began the project as paid summer interns. For the month of July 2010, 5 students excavated, removed sidewalks, installed underground electrical, sewer, water and fiber optics. Then the students formed and poured the footing, installed new sidewalks and back filled getting the site ready for the beginning of school. Up to 85 construction students have worked on the “Green Hogan”, stacking straw bales, building beams, installing trusses, roofing, plumbing, electrical and installing the various “Green” systems. By the end of the school year, the stucco will be applied to the interior and the exterior ready for the monsoons. At the beginning of next school year, the project will continue with the students installing sheet rock, hooking up the various systems, painting the interior and landscaping. Throughout the school year, Math and English classes have used the project as a relevant teaching tool integrating CTE with academics. It is the goal of the Drafting and Construction programs at Page High School to continue to teach the students various “green” design and construction practices. The “Green Hogan” will serve as a teaching model for both the students and the surrounding community. The project will be featured at the Summer ACTEAZ Conference in Tucson so look for it there! In the mean time, follow Page and keep it “Green”.