Sunday, June 22, 2008

Its time again for the Michigan Energy Fair! Come visit the fair June 27th - 29th and see the latest in green building technolgies. We are proud to have the show home again for this years Energy Fair. Many of you saw the home under construction last year at the Energy Fair. This year you'll get to see it completed. This years key note speaker will be Govenor Jennifer Gramholm. Stop by our booth #8 and see us and get a look at our latest projects.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Today is the birthday of Frank LLoyd Wright. Widely regarded as America's most influential architect, Frank Lloyd Wright left behind a rich legacy of homes and buildings, and created a distinctly American style of architecture that continues to influence architects to this day. He was born June 8, 1867 and pasted a way in April 9, 1959. His work has influence my life since I was a young teenager. I have been and still am inspire by his work. Some of my favorite works of his are Fallingwater, Meyer May House and all the Prairie Style and Usonian houses . Wright's philosophy in architecture promoted harmony between the building, its inhabitants and nature. His homes became part of their surroundings. He minimized their presence and maximized their practicality. He revolutionized modern architecture with the essentials of ecological design and green building. Also today was the birthday of another organic architect pioneer Bruce Goff who would of been 104rd. Today we should all honor both of these pioneers of the green movement. Other birthday this month are, mine Eric Hughes (June 9Th), My Son Joshua (June 29Th) a future naturalist.

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Image Design, LLC and Hybrid Homes, LLC are excited to announce our Paw Paw project (also known as the Vineyard Project) was just register as a projected LEED for Homes "Gold" project. Nestled in South Western Michigan's wine country this project is located next to a vineyard, thus the project name. This home will be a Passive Solar Prairie style home built with BuildBlock ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) from foundation to the roof where we will be using Elk 40 yr. Prestique Cool color dimensional shingles. The exterior will be using two of our favorite products CertainTeed FiberCement Siding (Includes Fly Ash) and Andersen windows. The interior will have stained concrete floor on all floor which will make great thermal mass. The home was also design with lifetime design priciples and has zero step entries.

Update!!! This home will now be close to a net-zero home thanks to the recent addition of 4 kw of Photovaoltaic, Solar Hot Water system , Geo-thermal heating and cooling and the future installation of a Wind Generator. Now were keeping our figures crossed with the new addition of these renewable energies on this house, it will be enough to push it to a LEED for Homes "Platinum" designation.