In order to maximize the living space we decided to turn the cellar into a useable space. To do this we cut a 10×10 foot hole into the floor of the basement, which is only technically called the basement since it is a foot below grade. Practically it is the garden level. Once a hole […]
Lowering the Cellar Three Feet Read More »
We are inserting the salvaged poly iso insulation board into the top floor ceiling of the house between the joists. All the joists have been sistered with “new” salvaged joists. You can see the bolts holding them together. We are packing four layers of poly iso board, making it an air tight R 36. The
Inserting the Insulation Into the Roof Ceiling Read More »
Here is an interesting article. It describes all the kinds of house wraps and vapor barriers in detail. It also concludes that despite all the fancy new products the good old tar paper is still the preferred product for the author. I like building that sticks to the basics and avoids as much as possible
About House Wrap and Tar Paper Read More »
I subscribe to some very scholarly journals on green building. I also subscribe to some radical journals on politics and conspiracies. I like to check out the pulse from various sources. And when I start seeing trends overlapping I know it is something worth paying attention to. Use of Mixed Hemp Fiber This week I
Hemp – Stonger and Lighter than Cement Read More »
There are certain inalienable elements that every human needs in their environment in order to stay healthy and happy. These elements are green, timeless, and universal. They are: 1. sunlight by day 2. darkness by night 3. greenery 4. water 5. meaningful sounds 6. fresh gently moving air 7. thermal comfort within thermal variation (not
What We Need, the Basics Read More »
“Green” is one of those words that are tossed around all over the place. Here are some concrete green things for a home renovation: 1. Find a contractor who uses efficient framing techniques to save on wood while still keeping the structure strong. 2. Find a salvage yard that buys and sells reusable materials, then
Green Home Building – How to Build a House Green? Read More »
One of the housing trends I see now and in the future is smaller houses. The large American house is no longer a smart way to live. It made sense when building was cheap, energy was cheap, and labor was cheap. But now only labor remains cheap. It costs a lot more to build and
Smaller House Trend – Everything About a Small House Read More »
A renovation usually stems from the need to make a place nicer or a more useful space. It also might include increasing your space. And while you are at it you use healthier materials. Is Renovation Increasing the Value of the House? But a house renovation should also be seen from a point of view.
House Renovation to Increasing the Value Read More »
There are a lot of radiant heat companies out there. The abundance can be confusing. We have found that certain stores offer the best of certain products. Here is an example for an order form from one of our vendors:
Ordering Radiant Heat Materials Read More »
Green Building is like life: it is all about energy. How you control it, who has it, where it is flowing, and where it isn’t flowing. You control the energy and you have a great house (possibly a great life too). Insulation Part of Green Building So obviously insulation plays a huge part ini green
Eco Friendly Insulation Has Arrived for Green Building! Read More »
