Durability Not Digestability

To ensure the durability and life span of the structure, the wood will be treated with environmentally sound borate foam to prevent termite infestation. The borate mineral salt (in foam form) diffuses into the wood providing immediate and residual protection preventing the insects from using the wood as a food source. Best of all it’s non-toxic and there’s no offgasing so the builders,occupants, and neighbors will remain happy and healthy.

Good Wood

All lumber used in the construction of the Go Green Home is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified. This guarantees that the wood is from a certified well-managed forest, encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests. We know that logging still contributes to habitat destruction, water pollution, and displacement of indigenous peoples and wildlife, so by choosing FSC certified lumber we are guaranteeing that we are not supporting these practices.
http://www.fscus.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7NpAhDFhNs

40% lumber saved

Framing obviously requires a lot of resources. However, thanks to our insulation and advanced framing techniques we were about to reduce the lumber requirements by about 30%.

With our spray foam insulation we can build 24” on center instead of 16” on center because the structural value of the foam itself provides the extra support.

In addition to having a high structural value(R-value) of 6.7 per inch, the spray foam is extremely efficient because it creates a complete insulation envelope. The insulation attaches directly to the frame so there are no gaps for air to infiltrate.

By using this thermally-efficient product, we will be able to shave off about 40% of energy costs.
Locals may be interested to know that we will be having an open house once the insulation is installed in September so you can have a chance to see it and feel it in action before the drywall goes up.

Moving forward and up!

For the next two months we will be framing the house using FCS certified wood from Jones Lumber. We've been on the ground for a while now, and excited to move up to the roof top soon. Some nice views are in store!

Foundation Wears Many Hats

The concrete foundation we poured is efficient, economical and multipurpose...

1. Made with fly ash content, this concrete is extra strong and durable and is diverting waste from landfills .
2. The concrete foundation will double as the finish for the bottom floor: simple and aesthetically pleasing.
3. This large solid concrete mass also serves as a natural medium for passive heating and cooling.
Simple and so effective!