In The News

Custom Drafting Kits

We have the capability to customize any kit the way you want it. If the drafting kits we have available are not exactly what you need, we can assemble custom kits from any of the products shown in our catalog and on the Web site! The items you select come to you as individual kits ready to distribute to your students. Your kit is assigned a unique identifying number and can be reordered as often as needed. Here's how to get a quote:

1. If you have a catalog, list the products for your kit on the order form on the last page of the catalog.
2. Check Request for custom kit quote at the top of the form.
3. Provide your name and telephone number.
4. Fax your request to 800-443-2260.
5. We'll call you to finalize the order and provide you your custom kit price.

If you do not have a catalog order form, please call 866-622-1003. To request a catalog, please click here.

Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of custom kits.

International Technology Education Association 2010

We will be in Charlotte, N.C., at the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) convention from March 18-19. If you are planning to attend, we'd love to have you stop by and see us at Booths 403 and 405.

Green architecture, sustainability focus of Hearlihy kits, books, more

Green construction is much more than placing a solar panel on a house. Techniques used worldwide are more natural and sustainable than the typical home construction in the U.S. Hearlihy has committed to green architecture and construction with a line of kits that explore these techniques:

• Rammed-Earth House Kit – Use the most ancient construction material, soil, to create strong, dense walls that go up quickly and reduce heat and noise transfer.
• Straw-Bale House Kit – Using Styrofoam blocks in place of straw bales, build straw-bale walls and cover them with “stucco.” This method is ideal for earthquake-prone areas and provides excellent thermal insulation.
• Earth-Sheltered House Kit – Learn to use the ground to provide a home with natural insulation as well as protection from high winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

These kits supply students with a hands-on experience building a 1/2-inch scale model home using minimal lumber and incorporating nature into the heating and cooling systems. Each kit includes materials, plans, and illustrated instructions. Turn to Green Architecture: Living, Design, and Construction to expand student understanding of these building techniques, the toxicity of standard building materials, energy usage, the Smart House, and other related topics. Written by Paul Wallach, this is a solid introductory text to building green.

More in-depth information can be found in the books The Rammed Earth House, The Straw Bale House, and The Philosophy of Sustainable Design. Related video programs include Building with Awareness and design e².

Beyond architecture and construction, Hearlihy incorporates alternative energy by offering a variety of solar, wind, and fuel cell kits, equipment, videos, and books. Learn more about these green kits and resources.

Check out other news from Pitsco Education at our online newsroom.