Gottfried Green

Not only have the Ramsays created a great documentation of their green build on their blog but they have also created an Eco-friendly search engine using google. You can view that at the Link. They hope to grow this as a resource for all things green. Something much needed as everything about building green takes a lot of research and luck to find useful information on the web.

Labels: websites

One of the companies we are asking to quote our build is mygreenbuildings.com. They are local (Sarasota) and committed to using green building materials. They get the basics, like responsible handling of construction waste etc. They mainly focus on green remodels but if they could build our shell we are going to try to handle the interior finish work as it will be very minimal and clean. As I mentioned early on in this blog, this is not straw bale country. FL has unique building criteria if you want to attempt to stay mold free and remain standing after the hurricane winds begin to blow. They use a building envelop system called Ewall. In this case I think the E stands for efficient vs. eco but I think you pick your battles. The material creates less waste and is strong and solid. We do not know if we can afford this company but they are in the ball park with the type of builder we need. Just like the foodie craze in this country or Starbucks (used just as an example of mainstream consumer education), it's all about educating (aka marketing) the consumer as to why you pay more. In an ironic twist, it is very hard to find educated builders who can help you build green. I think that is the most frustrating thing. To build green usually means you need to be very wealthy just because materials, builders and resources are still so scarce. Except, of course, if you build it yourself with mud in Colorado.

Read this post at Jetsongreen.com
The point is stated a bit clearer.

Labels: websites

Archinect posted a link to The Happy New House which according to the website is, "A “new millennium” single-family home -- remodeled from an existing mid-century dwelling -- highlighting bang-for-the-buck design forwardness + a sensitivity to family dynamics." The site is unique showing its cool virtual concept coupled with the work-in-progress photos of the nitty gritty.

Labels: blogs, design, prefab, websites

I spotted on organicARCHITECT a PBS series on Building Green in CA. Here is the desciption of the project. "During the first season of "Building Green" we follow the start to finish progress on an innovative, beautiful, straw bale home being built in Santa Barbara, California, by our host, and delve into the details of green building techniques and materials. Through our host's interactions with his wife, contractors and experts, we show the romance and challenge of building this home."

Labels: websites

greener Miami was nice enough to send along this think to The Florida Solar Cracker House. It looks like they did what we want to do although we don't know how far off the grid we can go. We also like much of the look of the house. Elizabeth Seiberling, the owner speaks about the house. "The house is not connected to the utility grid. We have a Clivus Multrum composting toilet and are not connected to a public sewer or septic tank. Although we used well water, we have built a 3000 gallon cistern which can be used to collect rainwater for all household water needs. Why did we do this? Primarily, we hoped to demonstrate that humans can live in a comfortable and pleasing home while attempting to minimize their negative impact on the earth. The design and building of the home was an exciting challenge that was in progress for over 10 years." Have a look at the Link.

Labels: cost, design, websites

I just found the gWiki link at The Hip & Zen Pen. If you found Wikipedia as valuable as I have then this new green focused Wiki is sure to fulfill the same "who, what, where" needs in the new green world.

Labels: websites