It started off with the VIP party at our show house which had a great turn out! And the debut of the new Team Hybrid trailer. The Trailer was so cool Adam decided to take it down to his booth at the energy fair. The trailer drew people over to the Hybrid Row which was a row of vendors including myself that were involved with the Hybrid show home. We also were published in the Ludington, Manistee and Traverse City newspapers and mentioned on TV and radio. We meet congressmen, senators, state and local officials along with a lot of great people interested in green building what more could we ask for. Our booths were continuously packed with people interested in the processes of the show house and our individual companies Image Design and Adam Bearup's company Hybrid Homes (TM). Adam and I also gave a seminar on building a Hybrid Home(TM) from start to finish. We were excited to see all 70 seat's full and people standing at every opening to hear what we were saying. Afterward people kept asking us if or when we were speaking again. And to top that we were invited to speak at several colleges and organizations. I have spent the last few days emailing and calling all the different people and contact's we made during the Energy Fair. What a great event I can't wait until next year. I want to thank Adam Bearup and all of team hybrid for making it a wonderful experience. I also want to give my wife Christy, a special thank you for being there and working so hard to promote our business along with Hybrid Homes (TM), and Team Hybrid (TM).
Thursday, June 28, 2007
1:58 PM
Image Designs, LLC
It started off with the VIP party at our show house which had a great turn out! And the debut of the new Team Hybrid trailer. The Trailer was so cool Adam decided to take it down to his booth at the energy fair. The trailer drew people over to the Hybrid Row which was a row of vendors including myself that were involved with the Hybrid show home. We also were published in the Ludington, Manistee and Traverse City newspapers and mentioned on TV and radio. We meet congressmen, senators, state and local officials along with a lot of great people interested in green building what more could we ask for. Our booths were continuously packed with people interested in the processes of the show house and our individual companies Image Design and Adam Bearup's company Hybrid Homes (TM). Adam and I also gave a seminar on building a Hybrid Home(TM) from start to finish. We were excited to see all 70 seat's full and people standing at every opening to hear what we were saying. Afterward people kept asking us if or when we were speaking again. And to top that we were invited to speak at several colleges and organizations. I have spent the last few days emailing and calling all the different people and contact's we made during the Energy Fair. What a great event I can't wait until next year. I want to thank Adam Bearup and all of team hybrid for making it a wonderful experience. I also want to give my wife Christy, a special thank you for being there and working so hard to promote our business along with Hybrid Homes (TM), and Team Hybrid (TM).
Monday, June 18, 2007
9:42 PM
Image Designs, LLC
I hope you all get a chance to visit the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair and our Show House this weekend. We are having a VIP party on Thursday from 6:00 til when ever. Check out the unveiling of the one of a kind design Team Hybrid trailer designed by Casey Handwerk of HP Wraps . Also please stop by Hybrid Row and see all the people involved with the show house we will be at booth 44 right next to Hybrid Homes (TM). And don't forget to take the Hybrid Challenge for a chance to win $2,000 dollars cash, a TOTO dual flush toilet or a Panasonic Whisper Green bath fan. This should be a great weekend. See you there!
Monday, June 11, 2007
1:33 PM
Image Designs, LLC
After I was hired for the Onekama project and we defined with the builder (Adam Bearup of Hybrid Homes ) and the home owners that it was going to a green project and proposed that it would be the show house for the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair. I started researching green building on the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) web-site and found the LEED for Homes (LEED-H) pilot program, I rushed to the phone and called our regional LEED-H administrator, the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability (AES). I was excited to find out it was just 10 minute from our office. I quickly signed up for their LEED for Homes training class with Adam Bearup the builder. With AES help, Image Design and Hybrid Homes (TM) are excited to be at the forefront of this growing movement and believe that elegance in design in design cannot be achieved any other way. Mike Holcomb of AES is in the process of rating our first LEED for Homes project which we are proud to say is projected "Platinum". This would be the first LEED for Home "Platinum" project in Michigan and one of only a handfull in the nation with a LEED "Platinum" status. The LEED rating system has four levels (“shades”) of green: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with Platinum being the highest level of LEED certification. We are also working on numerous other LEED for Home projects and seeing great interest in the LEED for Homes progam and green building.
Friday, June 08, 2007
6:50 AM
Image Designs, LLC
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 103rd. 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.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
12:35 PM
Image Designs, LLC
These pictures are of the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair show house being built. They show how the overhang's were designed to work with the sun's angles to cool the home in the summer (see the shadow lines just below the window openings). And in the winter the sun's angle changes so the windows get full sun light to warm the home, they call this Passive Solar Design. The show house was designed to be elongated on an east-west axis and so the south faces sunlight between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. (sun time) during the heating season. And in the winter the South facing glass lets sun light in and allows thermal mass to absorb, store, and distribute heat. For thermal mass we have included in the design a two-sided fireplace that will be built out of stone or concrete tiles.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
5:05 PM
Image Designs, LLC
As I talk to people about the Show House for the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair and all the Green Building products in it people seem intreged by the use of Fly Ash in the concrete that is used in all the footings, ICF walls and the Lite-Deck floors. People ask what is it and why we would use it. So I desided to explain it here in my Blog. Fly ash is produced by burning coal at electric power plants fly ash might be destined for disposal in a landfill. But when added to concrete, fly ash makes concrete easier to work, stronger and more durable. Fly ash also enhances the enviromental performace of concrete. Mining and manufacturing of natural raw materials can be reduced along with decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, using a ton of fly ash can save almost a ton of CO2 emissions from being introduced into the atmosphere. Inaddition to concrete, fly ash is used in mortors, stuccos, paints, artificial stone, carpets, ceiling tiles, soil cement, pervious concrete and a variety of other building materials. Adam from Hybrid Homes (TM) used some great sub-contractors on the show house. Team Elmer's supplied, delivered and pumped the concrete with a 40% fly ash mix and R-Value Concrete Structures poured all the flat work and ICF walls and the Lite-Deck. To find out more about this product go to any of these web-sites.
11:51 AM
Image Designs, LLC
Today the rendering was finished for the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair Show House. As you can see this house site on the site as if it belongs there. After talking with Adam of Hybrid Homes (TM) the project is right on schedule they are setting the second floor subfloor and then starting in on setting the second floor ICF's. Having spent two weeks helping build the show house I now wish I was there to see the second floor go on today. Please check out Adam's updated pictures on his web-site. If you would like to see a larger version of the rendering above just doulble-click on it.
Monday, April 30, 2007
6:00 PM
Image Designs, LLC
Tonight I went to the second class in the Renewable Energy Expert Series on Solar Photovoltaics Electricity from the Sun in Michigan by Grand Rapids Community College. The class was given by our friend Mark Bauer of Bauer Power this was a very informative class on Solar Photovoltaics, we learned about all the different types of system from solar hot water to system that actual track the sun and how they work here in Michigan. There are great tax incentive for these product for home and business please check out the links to Marks web-site. And please check out his his product on the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair Show house and his booth at the fair.
5:56 PM
Image Designs, LLC
This Sunday there was a great article in the Home & Garden section of the Grand Rapids Press on Radon Gas written by Morgan Jarema. I'll try to condense the article. What is radon gas? Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims more than 21,000 lives annually. Based on testing in Kent county 1 in 7 homes have elevated radon levels. It is our belief that all new homes should incorporate Radon-Resistant Construction techniques. And we will be adding them to all the home that we design. Here is some estimated cost based of the Press article.New-home radon removal system: about $400.
Existing-home radon removal system: could set you back a couple thousand bucks -- the authors was about $1,200
Potential extra years with your family: Priceless.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
2:59 PM
Image Designs, LLC
Here is a perspective looking southwest at the show house. This was taken from a 3D model done in SketchUp for the home owners. From this view you are able to see a panoramic view of Portage Lake and a awesome view of Lake Michigan and the Manistee light house. You are looking at the south side of the home it was designed as a passive solar home to take advantage of the sun to heat the home during the cold Michigan winters and to help cool it during the warm summers. Also you can see the solar hot water panel supplied by Bauer Power above the walkout patio area. If you want to see an enlarged view just double-click the picture above.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
5:58 AM
Image Designs, LLC
Last week we had the pleasure of touring Architectural Elements of Michigan a green building supplier in Traverse City. I was really impressed with their facility. They rep and manufacture a sustainable line of cabinetry that uses a variety of no and low voc materials including those made with wheat, sorghum, soy, sunflower seed husks, bamboo and a multitude of other renewable plant based products. most anything they build can be "green" with the right materials. They also have a great line of green counter top including Shetka Stone and Paperstone both use recycled paper and have attractive colors. They have millwork, stair systems, mantles, and doors all out of FSC lumber. This is a must stop place, if you are traveling to Traverse City and are interested in green building. I give them a 5-stars rating.
Friday, April 20, 2007
12:30 PM
Image Designs, LLC
The last two week I have been working as a laborer for Adam at Hybrid Homes (TM) as the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair show house that we designed goes up. I had the privilege of working with Adam and John (Adams right hand man) and Jake and his crew from R Value Concrete Structures (ICF subcontractor to Hybrid Homes). I consider them the leader in ICF construction in West Michigan. Thanks to both of them I have gained in depth knowledge of ICF construction and new found respect for there trade, which I hope will set Image Design apart from the rest in the sustainable design field. Check out Adams web-site for updated picture of this project. As I left Thursday Adam and Jake guys were getting ready to pour the Lite-Deck floors and setting the main floor ICF walls. Stay tuned for more information.Monday, April 02, 2007
7:57 PM
Image Designs, LLC
Today excavation started on the Onekama project which will be the Show House for the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair. This will be the ultimate Hybrid Home(TM) built by Adam Bearup of Hybrid Homes, LLC. This home is in the process of get Energy Star and LEED H certification thru AES (Alliance for Environmental Sustainability). Some of the special features of this home include ICF construction, Passive Solar design, Solar hot water, Radiant heat, Wind generation and Lifetime design. You can tour our Custom Hybrid Home(TM) during the Michigan Energy Fair in Onekama June 22nd-24th, 2007. Also we are exhibitor's and will have a booth next to Hybrid Homes booth, we both will be giving a seminar on the Hybrid Homes Philosophies (TM). Please stop by our booths and check out our seminar. Stay tuned for more information.
Monday, March 19, 2007
1:07 PM
Image Designs, LLC
More and more people both, architects and material suppliers, are jumping onto the “green architecture” bandwagon but how many practices really follow any sort of eco-principles. Just calling something green doesn’t necessarily make it so.
The term “greenwashing” has entered the lexicon to mean giving the appearance of being green without providing substantive environmental benefit. Before you hire a architect or residential designer educate your self
The term “greenwashing” has entered the lexicon to mean giving the appearance of being green without providing substantive environmental benefit. Before you hire a architect or residential designer educate your self
- Ask to see example of past green projects they have designed.
- Ask if they have designed any Energy Star or LEED H designed homes.
- Ask what continuing education they have taken to educate themselves on green building practices .
- Ask if they're member of any green or sustainable organization.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
12:11 PM
Image Designs, LLC
I attended the first class in a series from Grand Rapids Community College called Renewable Energy Experts Series. The first class in the series was on Wind Energy in Michigan. Richard VanderVeen III President and Co-founder of Mackinaw Power was the presenter. He spoke about.- What is the wind power potential for Michigan?
- How do wind turbines work and feed power to the grid?
- What are the Federal and State Policies effecting wind energy?
- Why is wind energy growing at a 30% annual rate around the globe?
- What is the economic potential for West Michigan?
- Green/LEED/Energy Star - What means what in "Green Building".
- Solar Power - Electricity from photovoltaic cells.
- The Electrical Grid - the components, the fuels and how renewables can be apart.
- Renewable vs. Conservation vs. Efficiency - Potential economic impact from a focus on efficiency.
- Liquid fuels - petroleum issues and some altenatives.
- Green Built vs LEED vs Energy Star.
We are looking forward to attending these series. Hope some of you can make it to them. Also our friend Mark Bauer of Bauer Power will be the presenter for the class on Solar Power.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
12:13 PM
Image Designs, LLC
Thorntree Commons is a 22.5-acre environmentally sensitive residential community in Suttons Bay, Michigan on the Leelanau Peninsula. They know that Green building is smart building, and that energy efficient homes in a protected natural setting can make a difference for our environment and contribute to better modeling for how growth and stewardship can and must go hand in hand. Check us out on their web-site. We would love to work with you designing a sustainable habitat for this development.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
11:04 AM
Image Designs, LLC
I just bought a new book that I thought would be good to share with you. The book Good Green Homes by Jennifer Roberts is an excellent book for home owners, builders, interior designer and architects. Its does a great job of explaining the concepts of green building in a way that anyone can understand. It is fully of great advice and has great example and pictures of green homes. This is a must have book for any green enthusiast.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
11:33 AM
Image Designs, LLC
This is slide show of a past Image Design project showing Arts & Craft Style details that we are capable of doing on your projects. Our Builders are highly skilled craftsman and are capable of crafting any details we can come up with. Here at Image Design we don't only design plans we create the total image for your project that your looking for.
Monday, January 22, 2007
6:13 PM
Image Designs, LLC
Another ICF home goes out of our office this time for Mike Tervoort Custon Homes this will be Mike's first ICF home. This home will be built in the Zeeland area and will be using many other green building products. Mike is using the BuildBlock ICF wall system. This is the first time I have specified this ICF block and am lookig forward to his feed back on it. The block is distributed by Wall Tech Product out of Harbor Springs, Mi.
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