The Grand House Student Co-op is a non-profit, autonomous student organization made up of students from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, professionals and community members in Cambridge Ontario.  In 2004, when the school moved to Cambridge, there was a lack of quality, affordable housing options.  And so was born...

The Grand House Student Co-op! www.grandhouse.wacsa.org
The primary goal is to build the Grand House, a 12 person, LEED certified, sustainable and affordable student co-op residence.  That means it is owned and managed by the students, and in our specific case, also designed and built by students. 
Features include:

• straw bale insulation
• rain water harvesting
• passive solar design
• solar thermal water heating
• reused materials
• qualification as a  LEED certified house
• and more!

Going Green Workshop Series http://www.grandhouse.wacsa.org
This is a free workshop series open to the entire community, funded by the Ontario Trillium foundation and run by the Grand House members to teach the community about the sustainable features of the Grand House and what can be done to improve energy efficiency in your own home. 
Upcoming Workshops include:

• DIY Home renovations for energy efficiency - April 12 &13th
• Urban Gardening, Growing Healthy Food - April 19th
• Making Concrete Countertops - April 26th
• Black Water, Grey Water and Living Machines - May 3rd
• Natural Landscaping: Design and Construction - May 10th
• Cob Building: Freeform Mud/Straw Construction - May 17th