Housewarmings

Adequate housing is lacking in many areas of the world, which can be a severe problem in cold climates. USU undergraduate researchers have created a newly improved type of soil-bag construction that allows cost-effective passive solar heating. The dwellings are also fire and earthquake resistant and accessible to physically disabled people.

The USU student researchers are part of the USU chapter of Engineers Without Borders, an international organization that helps rural communities with engineering needs. The chapter welcomes donations to purchase project supplies and cover travel costs. For more information, contact William Grenney, professor, 435-797-3186; and Laurie McNeill, assistant professor, 435-797-1522; Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Utah Water Research Laboratory, College of Engineering, Utah State University. Visit the chapter’s Web site.