Monthly Archives: September 2012

//September

Energy Efficiency is Critical in Home Design

The housing market is “starting to gain traction,” according to AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, although people aren’t rushing to add home theaters and the like.

Rather, “home features and products attracting attention are generally focused on energy efficiency or accessibility around the home, as well as wireless systems and low-maintenance, sustainable products,” per Mr. Baker based on findings from the AIA’s Home Design Trends Survey in the second quarter of 2012.
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By |September 26th, 2012|Energy Efficiency, News|0 Comments
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32 Almost Off The Grid Prefab Homes

As of this writing, this new book about ultra-green prefab homes is #1 on Amazon in the Sustainable & Green Design and Energy Efficient Design categories of books. With Prefabulous + Almost Off the Grid, author Sheri Koones advances the green prefab movement with a discussion of 32 energy-efficient prefabricated homes using more than 200 photographs and sidebar detail of various construction elements.

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By |September 25th, 2012|book, Prefab|3 Comments
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Reclaimed Barnwood Bricks for the Home

You’ve seen tile that looks like a wood plank, and here’s a similar kind of variation on a theme: wood in the shape of a brick.  Barnwood Bricks is a patented line of hardwood flooring and cladding products made from reclaimed wood in Tennessee.  The bricks install kind of like tile with a special glue or grouting system, depending on the installation location.

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By |September 24th, 2012|Materials, Products|2 Comments
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High-End Sustainability, Big City Tiny House, Easy Green Prefab, + Comfortable Efficiency

The high-end ways to make a home green.
Style and comfort: it must be an energy-saving house.
Money alone isn’t enough, but energy users need financial incentives.
Prefab homes come of age – promise to be efficient, green, easy.
Desert homes going green while staying modern.
Micro studios: living well in 275 square feet.
Tiny homes hit the big city.

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By |September 22nd, 2012|Week in Review|0 Comments
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Hive Makes a B-Line Prefab for Calgary

While prefab home companies on the West Coast gather accolades and media for their efforts, there’s Hive Modular in Minneapolis doing some things that I think merit attention, too. The company has placed 21 completed prefab homes and is really popular with the fine citizens of Calgary, Alberta. Turns out this — the B-Line Medium 010 — is the sixth Calgary project for Hive Modular since entering the Canadian market in 2008. The two modules for this ultra-efficient home are scheduled to be set next Thursday, September 27, at about 9:00 am, if you want to see one of these homes come together.

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By |September 21st, 2012|Modern architecture, Prefab|0 Comments
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Net-Zero Energy Homes in Grow Community

This is Grow Community near downtown Winslow on Bainbridge Island in Washington.  The first three model homes — Ocean, Everett, and Aria — are finished and work is moving forward for the next 24 homes and two 10-unit rowhouse apartments.  The eight-acre project is the first residential One Planet Community in North America (issued by U.K. non-profit BioRegional).  However, in addition to this recognition, the aim is net-zero homes and an entirely net-zero energy community by 2020.

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By |September 20th, 2012|Modern architecture, Single Family|9 Comments
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