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theJADE ready to preview



Our latest plan, theJADE is ready to preview at our website http://www.thesimplehouse.com

It is 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with an optional den (in lieu of the middle bedroom). Coming in at a lean 1,392 sq ft, it will be the next series of plans in our line-up.
Available for purchase in February.
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Dual Flush Toilets

One simple way to save water is with a dual flush toilet. This one, the “Persuade” by Kohler, has a standard flush of 1.6 gallons plus an optional flush of 0.8 gallons — cutting water use in half.

To word this delicately, for most of our flushes, the 0.8 gallon option will be adequate. This will save a large amount of water annually. List price for the white one is about $360. Not too bad.
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theJADE — coming soon!

I’m making progress on theJADE, our second plan series. This plan will be slightly larger at 1,392 sq ft and have 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It will be oriented with preferred south to the side, rather than the rear. It will have all of the same sustainability features and options with a few new ones (we’re learning all the time).

Still simple, still trying to change our way of thinking.
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sustainability goes beyond houses

Sustainability involves every aspect of our lives. So while our houses are important, we should also realize that saving a sheet of paper here, saves a tree somewhere and reduces how much rainforest gets cut down and that affects the livelihood of the family in South America and on and on. 

The Earth is a closed system — nothing ever truly “goes away” (like garbage and waste). 
One big item is water. Many people in the world don’t have access to clean drinking water. Not only do our houses affect this (through using dual flush toilets or water-saving faucets), but water saved here can mean clean water somewhere else. 
As Americans, we are blessed with abundance. I came across a website recently that had a powerful message. As we are in this Advent Season, check out the Advent Conspiracy at www.adventconspiracy.org

Merry Christmas!
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Feedback and Questions

I’m curious — what are YOUR thoughts on sustainability? What do you think of our blog and our website? What else would you like to see and what would you like to discuss? I’m open to suggestions for topics.

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theFERN – view from the back

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.
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sip panel construction

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 a standard 2×6 wall will have R21 insulation, the effective insulating value is much less. (R-value is the resistance to heat loss; the bigger the number, the better). A comparable SIP will have a true value of up to R29 in the same thickness. Likewise on the roof, a 12 1/2″ SIP will achieve R58 or so, while a standard ceiling will only get about R38 to R49.
So, we started there on these houses, believing that conservation at the front end will help make the energy measures we do later much more effective.
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sustainable AND affordable?

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.