The crowd gathered in Hudson this sunny Saturday morning included some familiar faces. “That man looks like the nicest and most happiest to be here,” said our 8-year-old, nodding towards Dennis Wedlick. Dennis volunteered the services of BarlisWedlick Architects to design the Columbia Passive Townhouses for Columbia County Habitat for Humanity. The event was to dedicate the townhouses, which were built by Habitat volunteers alongside the future owners: families from Bangladesh and Haiti who each invested 300 hours in construction. We met Dennis, Alan, Liza, Mark and Jason of BarlisWedlick at this event just a block or two from their Hudson Studio. If Habitat aims to create community as well as housing, this was our connection.

Elements of the townhouses made us feel right at home – the same Intus windows and doors, thick walls, how the kitchen opens onto the living and dining areas, the HRV and heat pump. The dove grey walls and white trim are so lovely that said 8-year-old was reconsidering her choice of turquoise at home.

We’ve volunteered to help Habitat create a users’ manual for the HRV which, if anything like ours, lacks decent directions. Fortunately, it’s easy to use: Press speed 2 and leave it alone mostly; Press the Clock symbol for a 10-minute boost to speed 3 when the bathroom or kitchen needs extra ventilation. Set the heat pump on automatic. Clean all filters once a month or more in pollen season.