Condition assessment of the northern climatic research house at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory

Abstract

In 2001, a northern climatic research house was constructed to demonstrate advanced and novel building techniques, materials, and systems for the Upper Midwest region of the United States. As part of the Advanced Housing Research Center program, the house highlighted energy efficiency, sustainability, water efficiency, and moisture research, specifically moisture movement and accumulation in buildings. The house is a 2,300-ft², two-story structure located on the grounds of the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, Wisconsin. It is considered a research structure and not part of FPL’s building inventory. Following construction, the house was heated and cooled but not occupied. However, its structural condition has become a concern and visitation has consistently diminished throughout the years. In May through July 2023, a visual and minimally invasive condition assessment was performed on the house. This report details the findings of that assessment and focuses on existing or potential problem areas. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act is also addressed in this report, and conclusions and recommendations from the condition assessment are given to assist with future decision-making.

Citation

Spinelli Correa, Laurice M.; Johnson, Tanaya; Ragon, Kevin W.; Shmulsky, Rubin; Wang, Xiping. 2024. Condition assessment of the northern climatic research house at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. Research Note FPL-RN-0428. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 14 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/FPL-RN-428