Blog

Open House

2011-09-09T07:49:02Z

Open house is this Sunday (September 11) from 1 to 4. All are welcome and we will be there to give tours.

Thanks!

Taylor and Kevin

Details

2011-08-31T17:40:23Z

As we approach listing we wanted to share some of the details from the interior.

Permeable Pavers

2011-08-31T17:27:53Z

For the Lever Homes we chose to go with 100% site permeability. To achieve this we are using Turf Stone for the driveway that allows pockets of grass to grow between the pavers. For the open spaces we are using a product called eco-priora that allows water to penetrate into the ground between the pavers. By making the site permeable we are able to mitigate water from being carried into the storm water system. Below are a few pictures showing the finished look.

EcoTop

2011-07-21T05:36:30Z

We wanted to share the countertop material we chose called EcoTop. We are very happy with how it looks installed. Here is some additional information from the manufacuter:

"EcoTop® is an FSC certified product, comprised of a 50/50 fiber blend of 100% post consumer recycled fiber and rapidly renewable bamboo fiber, then bound with a clear 100% water-based system. EcoTop® is a repairable/renewable surface with water absorption of less than 1%, making it impossible to permanently stain. This is a highly scratch resistant product that will withstand up to 360 degrees F."

Below are a few preview pictures.

Finishes

2011-07-18T00:13:38Z

We are getting close to completion and wanted to share how some of the finishes are turning out. Below are some images and descriptions of the Strand Bamboo, tile work and deck railing.

This image shows the Strand Bamboo flooring in the West Unit. Beyond the advantages of being made from a rapidly renewable resource Strand Bamboo has a Janka Rating of 3000 (The Janka scale rates the hardness of wood species). To put that in perspective White Pine and Douglass Fir have a rating of between 400 to 600, traditional bamboo, oak floors and maple floors have a rating of between 1000 to 1400. Stand bamboo is almost triple the hardness of traditional bamboo floors and rate up there with Brazilian Redwood and Teak.

Tile Work in Master Beroom of West Unit

Tile in Master Bedroom of East Unit

Tile work in Powder Room

This image shows the completed deck railing

Ductless Heat Pumps

2011-07-17T23:58:28Z

For Heating and Cooling the Lever Homes we chose to go with Ductless (Mini-Split) Heat pumps. They have many advantages over traditional forced air systems that make them a perfect fit for this project. First and foremost, they are up to 3 times more efficient than the most efficient furnaces on the market, and do not lose any of their energy through "duct-losses". They also come with head units that are individually controlled with thermostats and remote controls that allow for zoning. That way each level can be adjusted accordingly. Below is a picture in the Master Bedroom of the front unit. We recessed all of the units into wall niches to make them appear more built into the project.

Sneak Peek

2011-05-07T22:00:02Z

Here are a few shots of the exterior siding 90% complete.

BIBS Insulation

2011-05-07T21:27:53Z

On this project we chose to go with BIBS Insulation (Blown In Blanket). The process starts with the insulators applying netting over the studs creating an enclosed box within each stud bay. The next step is applying a hose in the netting and filling the stud bay with insulation. The advantage of this process over traditional insulations is 1. The small particles of insulation fill all possible space within the wall 2. The insulation will not settle over time 3. We get a higher-than-code insulation value of R-23. Additionally, the insulation we chose is formaldehyde free. In locations where blown-in was not feasible, such as the trussed roof and for the sound insulation between units, we used EcoBatt

More on Step One - EcoSeal

2011-05-07T19:42:55Z

In the previous blog we mentioned sealing the edges of each stud bay to reduce the range of convective air currents. This process not only increases the effective R-value of the insulation, but also reduces the potential of mold while increasing the acoustical performance of the exterior walls. The process that works best is applying a product called EcoSeal. Here are a few pictures of EcoSeal in action... (Note the blue smurf tube in the 3rd picture which is the conduit for a future PV system)

3 Steps to Great Envelope Performance

2011-05-04T04:05:57Z

Below is a quick outline of the steps we are taking to increase the thermal performance of our building envelope in a few key tight locations. We will post additional pictures soon on how we are addressing the rest of the walls. With the help of our insulating contractor, we are building the tightest, most energy efficient building envelope that our means will allow.

Step One: Seal the edges of each stud bay to reduce the range of convective air currents within the wall.

Step 2: Insulate with Formaldehyde Free Fiberglass Insulation. Staple craft paper facing tight to stud edges.

Step 3: Seal the face of the wall with foil-faced rigid board. Tape the joints closed with foil tape for optimum resistance to heat radiation through the wall.