Update: Tiny Green Faberhaus Opens in Quebec

Faberhaus Pavillon, a 376-square foot eco cottage, was on display this past weekend at the Cottage & Country Home Show in Montreal.  The Pavillon was designed and built by Faberca as a compact, self-sufficient space for folks interested in country living — those who want to “live in the great outdoors.“  Owners wouldn’t need an electrical connection with this retreat home because it’s powered by solar panels and propane.

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This 566-square foot modern home sits on an infill lot in Toronto and has been getting a lot of attention in the last few months.  That’s partially in response to the design and maybe some general interest in small homes — this one is roomy for an urban condo but small for a single-family house.  The owner, Patrick Flynn, wanted something modern, low-maintenance, and minimalist and this place is all of those things.

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• Be wary of roof-mounted small wind.
• 10 materials that could help save the earth.
• Nearly 80% of consumers view solar favorably.
• Duany predicts decline of green building standards.
• Square footage still trumps eco-friendliness.
• Insulation does not stop air infiltration.
• Energy efficiency still interesting.

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This sturdy steel cabin is off-grid, off-pipe, and self-sufficient, making it an interesting case study of sustainability and coastal design.  The home was completed just over a year ago on Cusabo Island in South Carolina — an impressive feat given the remote site accessible only by boat.  The owner was able to take advantage of prefab construction and had the parts flown in by helicopter (see below).

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Some folks are stockpiling light bulbs in anticipation of the future phase-out of standard incandescents, according to USA Today.  It seems hoarders are doing it for one or two reasons: cost and/or lighting concerns.  But these shouldn’t be concerns.  With a little bit of math (initial cost + operating cost) and an understanding of basic lighting terms (lumen, watt, color accuracy, color temperature), I think the switch is a no-brainer.  So here’s a five-step program for the hoarder:

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