Log Home Industry Goes Green
I found this article about a log home manufacurer who has begun incorporating green building techniques into their building process. I know that it sounds like an oxymoron, but residents of log homes tend to be some of the most environmentally conscious folks around. It’s just that there is the issue of all that timber and where it came from. Most responsible log home companies get their timber from tree farms, thereby contributing to the preservation of our natural resources. Many of the steps outlined in the article above can be applied to any house, making it a relevant article for just about anyone. As soon as I gather some links regarding many of the techniques mentioned in the article then I will post them here on this blog. Another article you may find interesting is this post by David Pogue of the New York Times. Here he has posted an interview with Michael Sykes, the creator of the Enertia House. Michael Sykes has designed a house that uses convection currents to regulate the temperature inside the home. The design is compelling but I would like to see more studies done on it to back up some of the claims that are made on the website.
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This blog is dedicated to keeping you abreast of all the latest news and trends relating to your mountain or lake home. This wil include design trends as well as architecture and engineering trends. Low maintenance homes are a priority for me, after all, I believe that we come to our rustic retreats to relax. Also, finding ways to incorporate environmentally friendly features in our homes will be a priority. I believe that we must all help to preserve the land that we have come to love. Please feel free to leave me any tips, links or comments which are relevant, I would really appreciate it.
This in true. In fact, a lot of companies (Katahdin Cedar Log Homes comes to mind) are really embracing the “green” concept. But they’ll never call it that. In fact, most of the “loggies” I’ve met detest the word green and see the word as a fad. But the concept behind it is something they embrace.
Good post and green seems like the new buzzword, espeically in building. I think the company you bring up (Davis Timber Frame) is more of a timber frame company rather than a log home? Maybe I’m wrong.
We grew up in a timber frame home in Maine and my father built a new one with a company (no names) and the “green” part comes from the use of SIPs – or structural insulated panels which apparently reduce heating costs by 20-40%, depending on what/who you believe. It must be due to the thick panels and insulation.
I remember the big roof panels being laid down with a crane – pretty cool to see. My dad also used reclaimed wood which I guess adds to the green factor. Looking at Davis Timber Frame’s website, they seem to be pushing the green side. Anyhow, these homes are certainly something to see, including my dad’s.