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Dave — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:25:08 +0000

This is a test.

Bilite Aluminum Windows

Dave — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:55:24 +0000

http://www.popsci.com/environment/article/2009-10/green-dream-clearly-efficient

These could be too pricey, but something to think about. From the article:

His frames use four insulating techniques: two types of plastic thermal breaks, air pockets to help prevent condensation and three panes of glass with argon trapped between them. Since these don’t need to be as robust as commercial windows, Gordon uses thinner-walled aluminum, which keeps the price down, and dealing directly with the manufacturer (Gordon) cuts out the standard distributor markup. My total bill is around $55,000.

A simulation of the window design run by an independent testing lab showed that it would be 50 percent more efficient than a vinyl window, with a U-value (a measure of how well it conducts heat) of 0.21, low enough to qualify for an energy tax credit.

Well, We Bought the Lot…

Dave — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:49:32 +0000

Haven’t posted here for a while because we’ve been going back and forth with Banner Bank about purchasing the Vizcaya lot. Today, however, we’ll be going in to sign docs on our lot and to start the design process with our builder.

Excellent! (and scary)

Joni’s Architectural Drawing

Dave — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:18:02 +0000

Here’s Joni’s “crummy” drawing:

Click the image to see something. Still a bit blurry...

Leed Certification Requirements

Dave — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:29:23 +0000

I’d like to consider applying for at least the minimum LEED certification. This would seem to help guide us as we make decisions on items and would help to market the home in the future and will be a marketing point for Heartland Construction, I would think.

Here is the pdf that explains the certification point system. Here’s the main info page on Home LEED certification as well as an intro video below on the process:

Cool concrete colors

Joni — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:06:44 +0000

Fun possibilities with color.

http://www.thehousedesigners.com/plan_details.asp?PlanNum=7677

Sunset Western Garden Ideas

Dave — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:24:42 +0000

Here are a few scans from the Sunset Western Garden book.

Idea for back of lot. Nice home from Wyoming. I like the way they've blended the natural grasses into the natural landscape.

Example example of the kind of low maintenance landscaping Dave would like to see. Lavendar, day lillies, and grasses.

More natural landscape/xeriscaping.

Sweet looking natural hot tub. I like the way they integrated the boulders.

Wisteria is beautiful. Not too cold to grow here?

A fun fence using random objects.

Not sure that we like the ground outside firepit (fireplace might be better), but we do like the low wall that frames the outside view.

Nice gravel paths with stone borders and boxwood. We don't want something so symetrical, but concept is good.

Nice grasses with boulders.

Cistern Video

Dave — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:32:40 +0000

This short segment is from a great DVD “Building With Awareness.” I only post it here so my builder can see it, and it will be removed after our project is finished.

Maybe this is too elaborate and expensive, but it seems like a great water cistern system.

Watch the movie

Joni Homeplan Ideas

Dave — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:31:12 +0000

Passive Solar Home in Sun Valley

http://www.rfbundydesign.com/Ritzau-Harned.htm

Nice use of upper windows in kitchen views.

http://www.thehousedesigners.com/plan_details.asp?PlanNum=7677
Great 2 story plan-no basement.

Joni’s Park City Inspiration

Dave — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:53:30 +0000

Joni’s been looking through the tony Park City real estate sites and found a few things she likes (who wouldn’t?):

Nice see through breezeway/hallway.

Built-in firepit. Nice stained & etched concrete outside.

Very sweet hot tub.

Likes hooks and locker-style cabinetry for mudroom. Slate floor is nice too.