November 2008

theFERN – view from the back

November 25, 2008

Many of you asked “so what does the fern look like from the OTHER side?” So here it is.  You can see the covered patio with optional photovoltaic panels, large south glass for passive solar gain and just a nice patio to sit on and sip iced tea. Click on the image to enlarge. Tweet

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additional views of theFERN

November 19, 2008

I’ve had several requests over the past couple of days saying “I like the front elevation, but what does it look like from the back?” So, in response to those requests, I’m working on some additional views of theFERN, so you can have a better idea of what it will look like. Thanks for your [...]

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simple design

November 18, 2008

I guess maybe I should have started with the obvious. These plans are simple. There are a few, understated design elements and themes that carry through; just enough “umph” to give them some pizzaz, but not overdone.  For so many years we’ve overdone. With the global climate and fossil fuel issues, we can no longer [...]

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sip panel construction

November 17, 2008

Probably one of the key features of our plans is the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). These are four foot wide panels of oriented strand board sandwiching full, solid insulation. They are more expensive, but eliminate studs and several intermediate steps. They also eliminate the cold-bridge of studs in a typical wall. So, while [...]

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thank you for your support!

November 16, 2008

Wow! Your response to our announcement of our plans being ready has been overwhelming. By popular request, we will be posting some of the sustainable features of our homes in the coming days. Also, feel free to request topics or ideas you’d like to discuss here. And, to the anonymous voice mail on my cell [...]

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sustainable stock plans now available!

November 15, 2008

Well, the day has finally arrived. I have uploaded the first of our small, sustainable stock plans for sale. theFERN has four variations, from 1,024 to 1,056 square feet (hey, i said “small”)  and with or without a garage or master suite. These plans are unique in that they are designed as sustainable from the [...]

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sustainable AND affordable?

November 13, 2008

So… I called today on a great-sounding product. It’s a countertop material made entirely from 100% recycled beer and glass bottles.  It’s $125 to $175 per square foot. If this is made from “garbage” stuff, why so expensive? If sustainable isn’t affordable, it isn’t truly sustainable. Tweet

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welcome to thesimpleHOUSE!

November 12, 2008

We have just launched our blog!  The idea is to create discussion about sustainable housing  and talk about what is TRULY “green”.  The terms “green” and even “sustainable” have become buzz words –  so much so that they may lose their proper meaning.  This blog will try to filter all that. Join us as we [...]

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