ABSTRACT
In developing an affordable housing complex in Hillsboro, OR, REACH Community Development expanded the definition of affordability to include not just the rental costs but also the utility costs ensuring that these would stay affordable for the long term by constructing affordable housing that meets the PH standard. The water management is the most important climate-related issue to address when designing any building in the Pacific Northwest. Any rain that makes it past the siding drains down the interior side of the siding and slides down to the flashing installed at the base and gets kicked out. If any water gets beyond the back of the siding, then the hydrophobic mineral wool prevent the moisture from penetrating any further into the assembly, and that water will drain out to the flashings. The building wrap that acts as a secondary air barrier layer assists the primary air barrier just behind it: 0.5 inch plywood with all of its seams carefully taped.
