Ever since Millard and Linda Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976, the groundbreaking organization’s Michigan Affiliates have built over 1,500 homes. In Macomb County–home of the Big Nail–Macomb County Habitat for Humanity is drawing attention by using a new construction technique that calls for Styrofoam blocks to be used in the walls for added stability, insulation, and soundproofing.

From Charles E. Ramirez at The Detroit News:

The new ranch style house being built for Michael Alford and his family will look like a lot of other Habitat for Humanity houses in Macomb County, but it’s the first of its kind. That’s because Macomb County Habitat for Humanity is using a new technique to build it by putting Styrofoam blocks in the walls for added insulation.

“We originally planned a conventional construction of the (Alford) house,” said Daniel Wiiki, the nonprofit’s executive director. “But this opportunity came up, and we said, ‘Let’s see how it works.’”

The method makes houses more energy-efficient.

“The families we partner with for our houses are low-income,” said Wiiki. “They don’t have a lot of resources to work with, so we want to make sure our houses are affordable in the first place and they continue to be affordable.”

Michael Alford thinks the new technology should be a big benefit for his family. “Not only is it supposed to make the house 40 to 70 percent more energy efficient, it’s supposed to also soundproof it,” he said.

Click here for the rest of article, and here for more information about Macomb County Habitat for Humanity.