This is a presentation that I prepared for a “Tell my why it’s cool show” which is basically a show and tell for grown-ups in Chicago. Shout-out to Mary for organizing these great events!
Category: Construction
How to make affordable housing super expensive
A long list in no particular order.
How to Prioritize Energy Efficiency in Your New Home
We all have a limited budget. If you are fortunate enough to be able to build your own home from scratch here is a simple framework for you to prioritize your spending when aiming for the most efficient house possible with a limited amount of money. Control the air. Insulate like hell hath frozen over….
Off-Grid Carbon Free Life in a Mountain Cabin
This schematic design proposal didn’t meet the client’s aesthetic desires but I thought the Mountain Valley A-Frame was still worth sharing due to the awesome unique location and some interesting client requirements that resulted from that unique location. The site is located near Yellowstone National Park a few miles from a lake in a valley…
Seven Simple Steps To Make Your Home Carbon Free
It is definitely possible to accomplish a net zero energy and net zero carbon home within a reasonable price range. There is nothing special, complicated, or magical about it. Here are nine simple steps that you can use on your next home construction or renovation project and estimates of their associated costs. Please note that…
Surprise! The best way to stay comfortable is insulation.
Humans are foolish creatures, in particular when it comes to how we build. You know those crazy people who wear shorts and a t-shirt outside when the temperature is hovering around freezing? That is exactly what a poorly insulated building looks like. Put on a coat! What crazy fool would want to be so uncomfortable?…
All Electric Construction Equipment Will Become The New Normal
Why? We are in a climate emergency and need to eliminate all carbon burning operations immediately. It is more efficient Cheaper operational expenses because there are less moving parts to maintain, no oil to change, etc. No need to haul in or go get fuel Less air pollution Less noise pollution In case you think…
Covid-19 and Integrated Tech (Part 4)
This post is the fourth in a series. Please read the main article before beginning this part. Due to the broad scope of the topic at hand this issue has been divided into multiple posts. Each post is centered around a topic related to homes might change as a result of Covid-19. Topics will be…
It is Earth Day #50
And we are failing our planet miserably. JFK once said “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Well some wise folks at Commvault have remixed this to “Ask not what your planet can do for you. Ask what you can do for your planet.” In…
Covid-19 and Residential Construction Practices (Part 2)
This post is the second in a series. Please read the main article before beginning this part. Due to the complexity of the topic at hand this issue has been divided into multiple posts. Each post is centered around a topic related to homes might change as a result of Covid-19. Topics will be linked…