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About Us
America needs durable, affordable, and energy-efficient housing. In response to this need, the Advanced Housing
Research Center (AHRC) was established at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), in Madison, WI. FPL has been involved in wood-frame housing research since 1910 and has long been recognized as a world leader in such housing-related areas as engineered wood products and structures, moisture control, material design and
performance, coatings and finishes, adhesives, wood preservation, and composites.
Many of the materials and technologies currently used in wood-frame housing were
developed through basic research at FPL in cooperation with industry, academia,
and government. To move new technologies into use, FPL has also established
strong links to industry and has played an active role in technology transfer
and in the development of codes and standards.
Research at the AHRC evaluates technology needed
for both new and existing housing and encompasses all types of residential
structures in which wood and/or wood-based products are used as primary or
secondary building components. Emphasis is on the improved use of traditional
wood products, recycled and engineered wood composite materials, durability,
moisture control, natural disaster resistance, and an improved living environment.
The Center’s research focuses primarily on the housing structure and practical
technologies that can be readily adopted by homebuilders, industry, and consumers.
The AHRC also cooperates with partners in areas involving the latest theories
and ideas in resource management, including water conservation and landscaping.
Housing research at the AHRC is facilitated and coordinated through both internal and external advisory committees. The Center also relies heavily on partnerships and alliances with universities, industry, consumers, and other government agencies including the following:
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