April 2011 Update

Sunday, April 3, 2011

April 2011 Update

Happy Spring!

Turtle Lake did not get the memo nor see the calendar that it is April and snow is no longer permitted. As I am penning this, it is snowing quite heavily and there is thunder and lighting. The thunder sounds like fighter jets passing overhead. Although, I do have to admit, it is quite beautiful! Yesterday, there was a herd of deer meandering through the surrounding property.

We did receive our final HERS (House Energy Rating System) score and it remained at 36. While we were disappointed it didn't go lower, our architect says it is the 3rd lowest HERS score he is aware of in the State of MI. If you check the HERS rating chart on the right, you can see that 36 is a great achievement!

The next step is completing the process for LEED certification. Eric Hughes is our LEED certification professional as well as our architect.

We bought some new furniture and moved some from our current home. The cottage feels like home. We have been looking at kayaks to purchase and are waiting for the ice to melt on the lake. Luna Luz enjoys perching on all the wide window sills. (Georgie passed away a couple of weeks ago, but did make it up for one visit to the cottage).

Hope you enjoy the pictures! Thanks to all of you for your continued interest and following our project!

2 comments:

EileenApril 4, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Am so sad to hear about Georgie's passing!!
Your new home looks really great. Congrats on your great HERS rating.
Wishing you two many happy memories in your new home.
Love,
Eileen
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elissa myersApril 4, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Time out, cousins! That is a cottage??????????? Looks like a woodsy Palace to me!!!! What fun! It's really beautiful!!!!
Love you both,
Cousin Lisa
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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, April 3, 2011

April 2011 Update

2 comments:

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