Green Construction
Currently (2013-2014), an “active” solar home complete with a Rammed Earth thermal mass is being constructed. This home was designed and built by us with locally sourced and milled framing lumber and siding. Rastra blocks are used for a highly insulated foundation and garden level living. This is “Green” construction at its finest.
This company also performs “Green” remodels where materials are chosen for energy efficiency and low embodied energy.
We try to incorporate a “Green” element into every remodel we do (as appropriate).
Bringing an older home up to or close to current energy codes can make a large difference in energy needs. Proper timing of added insulation (such as timing the installation of foam sheet insulation during a re-siding job) can actually be quite cost effective even in the short-term.
We also recommend a local solar contractor for photovoltaic net-metering power generation and in some areas, contractors to install flat-plate and evacuated tube hot water solar collectors to heat a home or provide other hot water needs.
Blower door tests and energy sealing are sub-contracted out to our selected energy contractors.
We can also help with LEED certification of residential homes.
Geotechnical sitework usually involves the construction of specialty foundations, small landslide mitigation, and foundation retrofits. This is project specific.