Turtle Lake Cottage

Friday, August 19, 2016

2016 Update - Terrapin Station

Well, here it is 2016. Another summer is coming to an end. The summer on Turtle Lake has been spectacular.

The Pileated Woodpeckers had 3 babies, all males. It has been awesome to watch Dad get suet and take it to them and share with each one. The hummers provide endless entertainment with their antics. There is a beaver on the lake; the eagles visit almost everyday. The highest electric bill all summer has been $77.00

It is with much sadness that it is time for me to start a new journey in my life and sell this little slice of heaven. My love and soulmate spent 20 months battling that terrible, horrific disease of pancreatic cancer. Jack succumbed and was able to exit his debilitated body May of 2015. I've never met a more courageous man. His original diagnosis was 3 weeks to 3 months after diagnosis and he fought valiantly for 20 months. Since Terrapin Station was our dream home and dream life, it just doesn't seem right to continue to stay here. So, I have decided to move back to Grand Rapids MI and have purchased a condo Downtown. I said I would never move again...what is that lesson about "never saying never"???

I would love for our home to go to the type of person who values sustainability, the beauty and solitude of nature while having all the creature comforts.

Here is the link to the listing: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/16698-Acorn-Rdg-Beulah-MI-49617/2098160186_zpid/.

There have been over 14000 hits on this blog. I want to thank all of you for your interest in our story and who knows, I just might build another LEED Platinum home during my next journey.

-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, August 19, 2016

2016 Update - Terrapin Station

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