Low Maintenance House
A successful build of a classic cordwood/masonry home. Nothing to do now but sit back and... well no sitting back. Let's build a greenhouse.
PV Rack
A 2010 summer project was installing fourteen 175 watt Sharp PV panels and inter-tie with the power grid. As of Sept. 6th we were suppling to the grid (above our own daytime power use) about twice as much electricity as we were using from the grid at night. Cleaner air for all.
A Quiet Building Site
Lois and Bryan used good 'ol block and tackle along with a gin pole to erect the post and beam frame of their Colorado cordwood masonry home. This eliminated the need for cranes and noise!
Timber from the Property
With the post and beam frame complete... now to construct the 40 R-value compound-angled SIP panel roof and wrap the frame with bunk wrap available free from many lumber yards. Then it's on to mixing masonry with paper slurry and stacking the 16" thick cordwood-masonry, 28 R-value, walls.
Cordwood Masonry Wall Infill
Infilling cordwood and masonry around a hanging window frame. Make note of pre-dried cordwood supplies along with the blue flexible electrical conduit for future wire runs.
A Winter Break
Lois having a sled ride blast in front of thier Colorado solar thermal heated home. Note the house before it's deck. Deck vegas cantilever to the center of the house. Part of the original design.
High Altitude Greenhouse
The only way to farm at 9400' above sea level. This greenhouse incorporates some subterranean heating methods. It is covered with twin-wall Solexx panels. The Solar Thermal Collectors on the barn roof provide ~90% of the home's heat and hot water needs.
