Warm homes for cold climates.

• Author: Ajango, Deb
• Position: Warm Houses for Alaskans program - Special Home Section

Energy efficiency is the key to craftsmanship in the Warm Homes for Alaskans program.

In March 1994, when Anchorage hosted the Winter Cities Conference, guests from other countries toured the town for a first-hand glimpse of northern building technology. Time and again, the visitors asked about the countless icicles hanging from local homes -- an indicator of heat escaping from poorly constructed buildings.

"When they (conference guests) drove through town," says Tim Sullivan, executive director of the Alaska Craftsman Home Program, "they saw some houses that were built in the '40s and '50s." The visitors also saw homes built during Alaska's oil boom, when energy was cheap and abundant, and homes were often thrown up fast with little thought of energy efficiency.

As Sullivan puts it, "They saw some of Anchorage's most energy-inefficient homes."

Fortunately, that impression didn't last. On the fourth day of the conference, Sullivan says, "We had a home tour of a couple of Alaska Craftsman homes, and they were impressed with what they saw. It restored their faith."

The Arctic's environment and harsh weather make northern construction challenging. Alaska's builders and homebuyers are facing this challenge by working to make homes more energy efficient -- and ultimately, more affordable. Behind this trend lies the Warm Home for Alaskans program, a cooperative venture of three agencies.

ENTERPRISING ESKIMO EFFICIENCY

Dealing with harsh weather is nothing new to Alaskan home builders. Using the few resources available, Alaska Natives learned to effectively endure tough climatic conditions. In fact, the Inupiat sod house may be Alaska's oldest energy-efficient home.

These sod homes were made with energy and resource conservation in mind. The Inupiats built into the sides of hills to use the Earth's consistent temperature and protect their shelters from wind and cold. Entryways burrowed underground, tunnel-like, to buffer interiors from the cold outside temperatures. South-facing skylights collected warmth and light from the sun. Sod, built into the walls and ceiling, served as insulation. Ventilation systems were incorporated to offer better airflow.

Because these structures were built well, they didn't lose much heat. Consequently, says Sullivan, "It didn't take much to heat the shelters. Often, they (the Inupiats) just used seal oil and body temperatures."

As centuries passed, a new population moved into the Alaska territory. Because resources...