Affordable by Design: Practical Lessons for Cost-Effective & Durable Homes

Overview

Length: 1 Hour Course + 30 Minutes of optional Q&A

As housing costs continue to rise across the Northwest, builders, designers, and developers are looking for practical ways to deliver homes that are affordable, durable, and sustainable without relying on overly complex methods. This on-demand training will explore how thoughtful design and readily available solutions can support housing that is a joy to live in, affordable to operate, and built to last. Along the way, the session will highlight desirable choices that help manage costs while supporting more livable communities.

Participants will hear from Eli Spevak of Orange Splot through a series of Portland-area case studies showing how his building practices have evolved. Eli will highlight lessons from small-scale infill and attached housing projects, including the use of zoning hacks, all-electric systems, solar PV, ventilation, advanced framing, durable finishes, and using the existing site features as design assets rather than obstacles to construction. This training focuses on real-world decisions that help make high-performance, sustainable homes more practical and attainable to build.

Recommended Audience

Architects / Builders / Contractors / Code Officials / Engineers / Raters / Verifiers / Electric Utilities and Utility Program Implementation Staff

Level: Skilled
For participants with some experience or prior exposure to this topic. Ideal for professionals looking to deepen applied knowledge and build on their current practices.
 

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Continuing Education

AIA LU/HSW: 1 CE
OR CCB: 1 CE
BPI: 0.5 CE
ICC: 0.1 CE
NATE: 1 CE
 

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Trainers

Eli Spevak | Orange Splot LLC | View Bio



Waylon White | Earth Advantage | View Bio

 

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This training made possible at no cost thanks in part to BetterBuiltNW