waterpower

This is a very interesting video! With the high prices on gasoline it is an even MORE interesting concept!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF__Qlhtnws

green-o-vate your existing home

LIVING GREEN doesn't mean you have to build a new HUT!

Click on the link below to access 45 tips to GREEN the not-so-new house.

http://www.greenhomeguide.org/features/45_ways_to_green_the_not_so_new_house.html

a gift from our architects

We have completed Phase One of the design process and now have a floorplan with exterior elevations. The other day we received a gift from Brett Wolfe at Specht Harpman - Brett superimposed our photos onto the front yard of our new home! It looks like we already live there! What do you think?

Wallpaper* magazine's best young architects

Our architects, Scott Specht and Louise Harpman, are currently featured in the Wallpaper* magazine

"best young architects" directory for 2008. The print version of Wallpaper* magazine is now hitting the newsstands. Check out Specht Harpman's zeroHouse and their Modern Barn at this link to the online version.

http://www.wallpaper.com/directory/862

independence day in dallas

We enjoyed the 4th of July from the 19th floor of One Arts Plaza in downtown Dallas. We could see fireworks exploding across the entire Metroplex area. What a fabulous view! We hope to make this an annual affair!

investigating the geothermal option

We're planning to install a geothermal heating and cooling unit in our new energy-efficient home. Geothermal technology uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home or office using less energy than conventional systems. According to the California Energy Commission, studies show that approximately 70 percent of the energy used in a geothermal heat pump system is renewable. Geothermal heating and cooling technology is efficient, comfortable, and quiet. The units are generally more costly to install initially than traditional HVAC units, but can produce markedly lower energy bills - 30 percent to 40 percent lower, according to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who now includes geothermal heat pumps in the types of products rated in the EnergyStar® program.

Because they are mechanically simple and outside parts of the system are below ground and protected from the weather, maintenance costs are often lower as well. The underground piping used in the system is often guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years and is virtually worry-free. The components inside the house are small and easily accessible for maintenance. Warm and cool air is distributed through ductwork, just as in a regular forced-air system.

Take a look at this video from Water Furnace which does a fabulous job of explaining how a geothermal heat pump system works for both heating and cooling. Of course Water Furnace is just one of a number of very functional units.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybfVoiN14HE

If you are interested in learning more about geothermal technology, here are some links to get you started.

http://www.geoexchange.org/

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/geothermal.html

http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/re_geothermal.htm

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/geothermal

EcoCab

My friend and client, Andrzej Kaminski, recently returned from a trip to Toronto, Canada. He sent me this photo of an EcoCab. Andrzej said "this is not a tourist attraction, it is a real cab..."

With a few adjustments would they work in Texas?

Thanks Andrzej!

power to choose

Jay and I feel it's important to select an electrical provider that uses 100% renewable sources. For this reason we currently use Green Mountain Energy and plan to continue service with them when we move to our new home. To initiate service call Green Mountain at 866.785.4668.

We've been very happy with Green Mountain & their rates are competitive. If you are inclined to compare rates and/or the level of renewable energy sources for all available providers for your area, click on the link below to see what is available in your zip code.

http://www.powertochoose.com/_content/_compare/