Small House Bluffton Design/Build announces an open house Sunday, July 28, from  2 to 4 p.m. at 207 N. Lawn Ave., Bluffton, site of the contractor’s first construction project.

The house is designed with improved energy efficiency, coupled with smaller living spaces, among other “green” building practices. 

It is the goal of Small House Bluffton and builder Andy Chappell-Dick to certify the finished home under two ratings programs: LEED for Homes and Energy Star. As part of that certification, the public will be invited to a series of four open houses, showing different stages of the construction process.

The design uses some unusual building technologies such as walls made of Structural Insulated Panels instead of a traditional wood frame. Another innovation is the use of a liquid-applied weather barrier in place of the usual exterior building wrap.

The house will be clad in stone, and has a steeply pitched slate roof. All are welcome to come see inside and ask questions about the construction materials and process.

Small House Bluffton offers a suite of integrated services in consult/design/build/remodel. For more information, go to www.smallhousebluffton.com or “like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmallHouseBluffton.

Chappell-Dick was one of Bluffton Center for Entrepreneur's 2012 Business Plan Competition winners.