Eco-friendly neighborhood unveiled

By Brian Temple Europe District

oldiers, leaders and civilian employees of 12th Combat Aviation Brigade and U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach celebrated the grand opening of the Urlas family housing area this summer. The Urlas project began in 2008 and came to fruition through the partnership of USAG Ansbach, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and members of the surrounding German communities. The housing area, located near Katterbach Army Aireld, features 106 energy-efcient townhomes for junior and senior enlisted Soldiers. A new Post Exchange and commissary are under construction nearby. A new Army Lodge and medical clinic will also open at Urlas in the future. Col. Christopher M. Hickey, USAG Spc. Kody Hansen, his wife and son are assigned the rst Urlas housing quarters. The Ansbach commander, said the Urlas Hous- family housing area is a unique new community comprised of 106 units, 22 of which are low-energy Passivhuser or Passive Houses. (Photo by Brian Temple) ing Area exemplies the Army taking care of Soldiers and Families. Several years ago, the Army conducted a study and realfor the rst time after the ribbon cutting, the couples beized that the Army was out of balance. The Army Family longings will be delivered later in the week. Covenant was developed as a result and millions of dollars Luck of the draw gave the Hansens the distinction of have been spent to bring the quality of life of families up to being the rst Urlas residents. They were simply the next par with the quality of service of Soldiers, he said. family in line on the waiting list for housing, said Glenda For many years, Urlas was a military training area; the Brown, USAG Ansbach Director of Housing. sprawling new neighborhood is a far cry from the hills where The two-story townhomes include either three or four Hickey drove tanks as a young ofcer in the mid-1980s. bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living This is absolutely an historic day but Ill try to keep room, a utility room with a washer and dryer and spacious it short, as I know young David wants to get in his house, front and back yards. The community also boasts brand-new Hickey joked, referring to 18-month old David Hansen, the playgrounds and sporting areas. son of Spc. Kody Hansen, of E Company, 5-158th Aviation The construction of this project is unique; it is an enRegiment, 12th CAB. vironmentally sustainable community. The project features Hansen, his wife, Mary and son David, were the rst 22 ultra low-energy Passivhuser or Passive Houses and 84 family to receive keys to a home in Urlas. The little ones exunits meeting German EnEV energy-saving standards, which citement during the ofcial speeches prompted much laughter are more efcient than traditional American standards. from those in attendance. James Noble, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe The house is very nice, very modern, and its much betDistrict chief of engineering, said the passive houses are ter than what were used to. It denitely meets and exceeds part of a European Army pilot program and will hopefully our expectations, Hansen said. serve as a model for future sustainable construction. I think It feels wonderful to have the opportunity for such that the Hansens and other military families will nd these amazing housing, Mary agreed. houses to be very energy-efcient and comfortable. All Hansen has been in the Army for more than three years of these houses are aimed at meeting the Armys and the and this is his second duty station. The couple agreed Urlas Corps of Engineers goals of getting all of our facilities to is the best housing theyve seen during their time with the be more energy-efcient with this project being a major step military. Although they were able to unlock the front door forward, Noble said.

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