Turtle Lake Cottage

Friday, May 11, 2012

Our House was on TV!

Jack sent out press releases to announce our LEED Platinum cerification. The response has been very good. Our local NBC affiliate asked to interview us and yesterday Brody McConnell interviewed us and it made the Morning News. It was all very exciting.

Here is the link to the interview and story : http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=752483#.T60iW3TsWHA.gmail

Monday, April 23, 2012

It has been a long time coming, but today we received official notification that Terrapin Station achieved LEED Platinum Certification US Green Building Council (USGBC). Our home is the first single family home in Benzie County and only the 28th in the entire State of MI to achieve Platinum, the highest level available. Our score was 8 points above the required to achieve Platinum. Needless to say, we are overly excited and delighted.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Holidays 2011

I am penning this from Orange Beach AL where it is in the 70's. We are listening to the Reverend Jimmy's Christmas Island album. Those of you who are parrottheads know to whom I am referencing...for the rest of you, it is Jimmy Buffett.

We are waiting on the final determination of our LEED Platinum certification. We sure thought it would be completed months ago but.....stay tuned as hope to know in the next few weeks. Not that we are over zealous, but the champagne is on ice :)

Jack and I absolutely love our cottage on Turtle Lake and are very happy and peaceful there. We were so glad that many of our family and our dear friends came for a visit.

I've tried uploading a cool slideshow I made showing the wildlife, but everything I have tried doesn't work...I'll keep trying and if you have any suggestions, I would appreciate it.

Thanks for your continued interest...we really appreciate it!

Barbara

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Education Session -- HERS House Energy Rating System

A Home Energy Rating is a measurement of a home’s energy efficiency, used primarily in the United States. Home energy ratings can be used for either existing homes or new homes. A home energy rating of an existing home allows a homeowner to receive a report listing options for upgrading a home’s energy efficiency. The homeowners may then use the report to determine the most effective ways in which to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency. A home energy rating of a new home allows buyers to compare the energy efficiency of homes they are considering buying.

Ratings provide a relative energy use index called the HERS Index – a HERS Index of 100 represents the energy use of the “American Standard Building” and an Index of 0 (zero) indicates that the Proposed Building uses no net purchased energy (a Zero Energy Building). The lower the value, the better

Education Session - ICF Foundation

Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are formwork for concrete that stays in place as permanent building insulation for energy-efficient, cast-in-place, reinforced concrete walls, floors, and roofs. The forms are interlocking modular units that are dry-stacked (without mortar) and filled with concrete. The forms lock together somewhat like Lego bricks and serve to create a form for the structural walls or floors of a building. ICF forms are currently manufactured from any the following materials:Polystyrene (Expanded or Extruded) - most common Polyurethane (including soy-based ones [1]) Cement-bonded wood fiber Cement-bonded polystyrene beads.
Concrete is pumped into the cavity to form the structural element of the walls. Usually reinforcing steel (rebar) is added before concrete placement to give the concrete flexural strength, similar to bridges and high-rise buildings made of concrete. Like with other concrete formwork, the forms are filled with concrete in 1–4 foot "lifts" to manage the concrete pressure and reduce the risk of blowouts. After the concrete has cured, or firmed up, the forms are left in place permanently.

The form material on either side of the walls can easily accommodate electrical and plumbing installations. Backing for gypsum boards on the interior and stucco, brick, or other siding on the exterior

Education Session - What does LEED Certification mean?

LEED Certification stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Certification assures that a building project is environmentally responsible, profitable, and a healthy place to work.

LEED-certified buildings:
have lower operating costs
have a higher asset value
conserve water and energy
are healthier and safer for occupants
reduce greenhouse gas emissions
show the owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility
In addition, LEED-certified buildings qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Our House was on TV!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Holidays 2011

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