The construction of Iowa State University Energy Research House (ERH) began in March 1977, at a location north of central campus in a residential housing development. The project, sponsored by the Engineering Research Institute and funded by the Iowa State University Research Foundation, was coordinated by Paul Peterson, Associate Dean of Engineering and Director of the Engineering Research Institute.

The main purpose of the ERH was to demonstrate and test innovative active and passive methods of improving energy utilization in buildings. Testing was to be completed in three phases. Members of the departments of Architecture and Mechanical Engineering led the design and construction efforts with additional contributions from members of the faculty and staff from Applied Art, Family Environment, Landscape Architecture, and the Physical Plant. The house was sold to a private owner in March 1990.

Bruce S. Gathy, Associate Professor of applied engineering at the United States Coast Guard Academy and Ph.D. (1967) graduate of Iowa State University, was allowed leave from the Academy for two years to work on the project. Gathy was responsible for the installation of the mechanical system, specifically the solar assisted heat pump with forced air for internal comfort control. He also oversaw the phase one testing of the system.