La Amistad Apartments, located in Warden, WA, was designed to provide low-income agricultural workers with affordable family housing in Grant County. The complex contains 30 townhome-style rental units that range from 1 to 4 bedrooms. Since the project name means friendship, the complex surrounds a communal green space and has a large community center that provides educational classes and also allows for informal gatherings that encourage community building.

R Control SIPs (structural insulated panels) used for the walls and roof provided superior strength, insulation, and energy efficiency when compared to stick-frame construction methods. Using SIPs, along with other high-efficiency products, the heating and cooling costs for the life of the project may be reduced 50% or more. Using SIPs also contributed to a speedy and smooth construction schedule.

This project was sponsored by Catholic Charities Housing Services (CCHS) Diocese of Yakima. An important goal of CCHS is to

“Improve project buildings through increased energy efficiency, longer material life cycles, prudent water management and improved indoor air quality. “ – CCHS