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Making a Difference on the Georgia Coast

From the beginning, house #96 from the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity (CEHH) was something special. Dedicated on March 1, 2008, this gorgeous home represents a ground-breaking new direction for the CEHH.

Built in Savannah's Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District neighborhood, the home is one of only three nationwide selected by the Institute of Classical Architects to demonstrate that affordable housing can sustain classical design in an historic district.

The home also earned the "Fortified ... for safer living®" designation from the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Specifications within this program include better roof and wall connections to stabilize the home against 130 mph winds; all openings protected from impact, water- and wind-resistant roofing materials; securely anchored exterior structures and building/landscape techniques to reduce flooding vulnerability.

Enter the Southern Pine Awareness Network. A longtime supporter of Habitat chapters across the Southeast, SPAN was proud to donate extensive products to the home, including clear and pressure-treated Southern Pine framing (a natural, sustainable deterrent and added layer of protection against decay and insect contamination), interior Southern Pine flooring, interior Southern Pine stair parts and exterior pressure-treated Southern Pine decking (proven to withstand the harsh coastal elements).

Part of the "Fortified" status comes from using the century-old raised-floor construction method. Benefits of building on a raised floor constructed of Southern Pine include greater walking comfort within the house, extended living space with a front porch and/or deck, easier access to all utilities, exceptional protection against flood dangers, the natural insulating benefits of wood, and the added charm of instant curb appeal.

A nice bonus for the new homeowner? The Southeastern-grown Southern Pine is not only recyclable, it's one of the only building products on the market that is also renewable. The natural sustainability of Southern Pine makes it one of the best "green" options available to homeowners today.