Material Buying Guide: What to order When

An attempt to demystify the sequence & process of ordering materials. I've also shared some things I've learned about how to reuse/reduce/recycle.

And then there were forms

Here's the latest set of photos from the site visit!

Rugs made better

Solid surface flooring like polished concrete or wood or stone can be more durable and healthier for indoor air quality. But these are hard surfaces—what if you want something soft or cozy or need sound absorption? The answer is: a good rug! I've come across some really neat rugs that I wanted to share.

Is there a better choice for the bathtub? Here’s four.

Question everything. That's been my motto, mostly because I have the time and the interest. Just because everybody installs something that way or with this material, doesn't mean that's the only option. It may take awhile to find someone knowledgeable on the subject, but you will eventually find a useful thread buried deep in a … Continue reading Is there a better choice for the bathtub? Here’s four. →

Can hardly escape making progress

It feels excruciatingly slow (compared to the start-up tech world I've been in), but I have to remind myself that this is a measure 1000 times and cut once industry. Unless, of course, you're comfortable paying for things to be ripped out, started anew. I'm sure I'll have some of those opportunities, too. Yikes! I … Continue reading Can hardly escape making progress →

Earth friendly insulation

There's an ocean of debate threads on the topic of eco-friendly, sustainable, energy-efficient insulation. The way you construct your roof, attic and walls directly impacts your material options. The goal is to create a tight building envelope with strong thermal and acoustic insulating properties. We've got a few different roof styles in the house, which … Continue reading Earth friendly insulation →

Authorization to Build

...a septic system. So read the subject heading of the email from the Hays County Development office. Some tasty click bait. It wasn't a total hook, line and sinker. We do now have the only government permit we need to start building. But, since we're part of an "HOA", we just need their approval and … Continue reading Authorization to Build →

Eco-friendly wallpaper

On the interior walls I'm using a mix of clay plaster and MO drywall. Anywhere that I'm not using plaster, I could use wallpaper. So, I'm on the hunt for eco-friendly, non-toxic wall coverings and there's actually a lot of options, in both permanent removable categories. Here's some of the brands I've found and what … Continue reading Eco-friendly wallpaper →

Green Building Reading List

From the Library: Passive Solar Architecture: Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, Daylighting and More Using Natural Flows, by David Bainbridge The Passive Solar House: The Complete Guide to Heating and Cooling Your Home by James KachadorianBuilding Your Home: A Simple Guide to Making Good Decisions -- Super helpful primer on all the decisions one must make when … Continue reading Green Building Reading List →

Mason Greenstar Blox: thermal mass + insulation

There are so many alternative building systems available. We have selected a locally fabricated masonry material made of Portland cement and recycled paper.