Design magazines love them. So do movie stars and environmental activists. New technology, including the use of robots in factories, makes them even easier to build. So why are advocates of prefab houses still talking about “disrupting” the home-building industry? Architects, environmentalists and some forward-thinking builders embrace prefab construction — whose products run the gamut…
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Because the poor air quality of standard buildings creates a significant risk to health, zero energy homes and buildings have several health-related advantages over conventional buildings. Most conventional buildings and homes are constructed without much consideration for air quality and health issues. Many builders simply rely on compliance with standard building code. The requirements for…
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There are at least 20 amazing benefits to owning and living in a zero energy home. We call this the Zero Energy Advantage. Original Story by: Zero Energy Project
Architect Laura Nettleton is standing in a former classroom in a 120-year-old elementary school that she helped turn into one of the most energy-efficient apartment buildings in Pittsburgh. She is talking, metaphorically, about coats. Her coat — stylish and black with wide sleeves and an open collar — is the old way of building: thinly…
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High-Performance Design and Construction on a Budget Momentum behind zero energy building design and construction is increasing, presenting a tremendous opportunity for advancing energy performance in the commercial building industry. At the same time, there is a lingering perception that zero energy buildings—which produce as much renewable energy as the total energy they consume on…
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In the film Field of Dreams, farmer Ray Kinsella has a vision that compels him to build a baseball field in the middle of a corn patch. Chris Lee had a similar vision – to build a house in the middle of his corn field for himself and his wife, Judy. Several years ago, the…
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Consumers are attracted to the cost savings green features provide. Nearly half of home buyers are willing to invest between $1,000 and $9,999 for $1,000 annual savings on their utility bills, with 37 percent willing to spend upward of $10,000. This according to the 2019 NAHB survey of nearly 4,000 home buyers. To achieve their…
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The Blossom Park project will receive a financial commitment from the federal government of more than $2.9 million with 34 new affordable housing units being constructed. A new affordable housing building is getting an influx of cash from the federal government. https://www.facebook.com/1047HeartFM/videos/612090759230538/ The Blossom Park project will receive a financial commitment from the federal government…
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4 Undeniable Benefits of Offsite Construction It takes an average of four to six months to build the typical new construction home and in the homebuilding business, time is money. Complicating the issue for most builders is a shortage of skilled tradespeople, including framing carpenters, the constraints of weather-related delays, and countless other risks associated with construction…
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Factory-made components are helping builders achieve passive levels of performance. These days, it’s not uncommon for builders to construct homes from panels. They provide an attractive combination of customization, factory quality control, and reduced construction time—at a point when the industry is facing a nationwide shortage of skilled labor. All these benefits make panelization ideal…
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