Early March Update

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Early March Update

Things are nearing completion at Turtle Lake. It is so exciting to see it all come together.

The back hallway was repainted the correct color and looks awesome. We've started moving some items in. This coming week, we will have a load of furniture from our present house moved and then new furniture is to be delivered this week. So, I'll have some great interior pics next week.

The most exciting news this week is that the LEED rater came to inspect the house. We are hoping to achieve Platinum LEED certification, which is the highest achievable level. Part of achieving Platinum is the HERS score. HERS stands for House Energy Rating System and it is the level of energy efficiency our house has achieved The lower the score, the better. Well, our initial score is 36 and it will most likely go below that once the final Geo-thermal specs are reviewed. We also have enough points so far to achieve Platinum. The lowest level our LEED consultant has achieved so far is 34. Be sure to check out the Education session on the right side of the blog for more information on HERS and a picture of the rating scale.

Have a great week!

Barbara

2 comments:

NancyMarch 6, 2011 at 8:19 PM
We are so excited for you! Met with Joel yesterday at his home in GR. It is awesome, with so many beautiful finishes, especially the different woods. Thanks for the referral. Congrats on your LEED rating!
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ShariApril 1, 2011 at 1:48 PM
Hi Barbara!

I was just doing a search for images of Turtle Lake and saw your website about your cottage!

I purchased an acre on Turtle Lake in 2009 - Lot 18. I noticed in November that you were building! It is such a beautiful cottage - I hope to meet you this summer and maybe get some tips for building green in the future. I won't be able to build for a couple more years, but my intention was to use green and/or all recycled materials.

Your website and photos are an inspiration!

Peace,
Shari Murgittroyd
East Lansing, MI
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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.

Turtle Lake Cottage - Building Our LEED/Green Home

Turtle Lake Cottage

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Early March Update

2 comments:

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