As we’ve discussed in our previous articles and blog posts, when a home is built to be energy efficient, whether that be with ICF, or another superior building method, its carbon footprint is typically less than that of an average home, and it can help to save households on their utility bills because of the […]
Continue readingAuthor Archive: Sylvi Vogel
Building Beyond the Home: Human-Centric Environments
If you live in the United States, you’re likely familiar with the following picture: a sprawling suburban development populated by single-family homes and far from any grocery store, let alone a school or gas station. If not this, then likely the four or even eight-lane stretches of highway standing between one store and another, or […]
Continue readingBuilding with Reclaimed Materials
The use of reclaimed materials is a great way to build sustainably. They not only can be used for foundational and exterior construction, but can also be used for trims, finishes, decorations, and even fixtures depending on the material.
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Tips on Building a Sustainable home
There are many components that go into a sustainable home, from the design to the actual build process, and even the materials used to build it and the appliances installed. Here’s an overview of considerations to make throughout the process in order to increase the sustainability of your home.
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Reuse and Repair
By repairing your clothing, belongings, electronics, etc., you can greatly increase their lifespans…the DIY repair of products results in less overall waste.
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Earth Sheltered Homes (A Case for Hobbit Homes)
I’ve been more than a little obsessed with the idea of Hobbit homes, especially after I learned that, yes, people can actually live in their own hole in the ground. The proper term for these types of homes are “earth sheltered homes” and which, as it turns out, ICF’s lend themselves well to.
Continue readingSustainable Building: A Quick Reference to Terms & Certifications
When it comes to building sustainably, there are many different ways to go about it, and even more when considering all of the possible certifications that get tossed around. But what do all these certifications and terms mean? Some may be similar, but they aren’t all interchangeable. Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index: This is […]
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Solarpunk & An Interview with Optopia Magazine
The origins of solarpunk trace back to 2008 with a post on a blog called Republic of the Bees. The idea of the post was to create a subgenre of speculative fiction similar to steampunk, but rather than the alternative realities of steampunk where steam power and Victorian technologies remained prevalent, it would be based on renewable technologies like wind and solar power.
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Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle Less
When you hear the slogan, “reduce, reuse, recycle,” which of the three R’s rings as most important in your mind? If it’s “recycle,” you’re not alone. The importance of the third “R” is often focused on and overemphasized in media and advertising while the other two R’s are glazed over. What you might not know, […]
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