The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of the 20 institutions of higher learning chosen by the United States Department of Energy to design, construct and display the most energy efficient / solar powered home for the 2009 Decathlon. After studying every conceivable exterior siding, the graduate students of the School of Architecture chose Bald Cypress. A search of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association (SCMA) led the students to Donald Elder who then contacted the Louisiana Hardwood Products Sawmill, an Affiliate of Anderson Tully Company. Together they donated the rough lumber for the siding. Mr. Elder then contacted St. Landry Cabinets Company who donated all of the tooling involved as well as the time to manufacture the siding for the project. As a group, Louisiana Hardwood Products, St. Landry Cabinets and Donald Elder donated some $27,000.00 in time, freight charges, tooling, material and labor to see this project through. In addition to the 1 x 4" Exterior "clading" ("CYPRESS"), a considerable amount of "CYPRESS" is being utilized on the interior.

"I must compliment Mr. Gjertson on the training and educating of this fine group of future Architects / Design folk. The 'Cypress' lumber industry during these tough economic times is in need of fresh marketing ideas and also in need of worldwide promotion of our fine 'Cypress' lumber products. We should all be proud of this group and their effort. The "ULL" group is in serious need of just a little added funds and they would love to hear from you in that regard."

For more information on the BeauSoleil home or the Cypress 'Rainscreen' system used, please contact:

W. Geoff Gjertson, AIA Architecture

Team Faculty Advisor

P. O. Box 42811

(337) 278-2722 'telephone'

(337) 482-1128 'fax'

gjertson@louisiana.edu

Additional Links of interest:

BeauSoleil Site: www.beausoleilhome.org

2009 Solar Site: www.solardecathlon.org

SIDING SPECIFICATIONS FOR BEAUSOLEIL PROJECT:

1 x 4" 'Clear' Quarter-Sawn "DEEP-SWAMP CYPESS" Kiln Dried and Machined / "SPECIAL" PATTERN

Bottom row from left: W. Geoff Gjertson, AIA Architecture & Student Sponsor; Leo Aguillard, Yard Foreman; and James Donald Elder, Owner of Elder Forest Products.

Top Row from left: Butch Morgan, General Manager - Operations of Louisiana Hardwood Products; Charles Quebedeaux - General Manager of Custom Milling Department; Keith Quebedeaux, President/Owner of St. Landry Cabinets Company; and Rob Blankenship, Sawmill Manager / Superintendent of Louisiana Hardwood Products.