Green Homes

Synopsis of Key Design & Construction Features of VISION House Orlando.

1. WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER RECLAMATION

Our team is taking a four pronged approach to demonstrate wise stewardship of one of our most precious environmental resources....WATER.  First tactic is to install cistern tanks providing 7,000 gallons of rain water storage capacity underground to be used for irrigation.  Second tactic is to install a Hoot closed aerobic wastewater treatment system to capture and store used shower water, washing machine water, sink water, etc.  The Hoot system treats the wastewater and re-uses it for irrigation.  Every year, between the cistern tanks and the Hoot, for one house alone, VISION House will capture for re-use over 300,000 gallons of rainwater and wastewater for irrigation, therefore virtually completely eliminating the need to draw water from the Florida aquifer for irrigation.  Our third tactic is to implement Florida friendly landscaping principles as outlined by the University of Florida's Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.  The VISION House landscape will require minimal irrigation to thrive as compared to conventional landscapes.  Finally, we will install low-flow water fixtures (sinks, toilets, shower heads, etc.) within the home along with using the most water efficient appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, etc) all of which will significantly reduce the amount of water used within the home.

2. SIPs (STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS)

The exterior building envelope of VISION House is constructed using SIPs which are 6.5" thick foam panels sandwiched between OSB.  These composite panels are extremely energy efficient (R-value greater than 20), extremely strong which is a big plus to safeguard against hurricane force winds, and they dramatically reduce the time to construct the home's exterior envelope.  Because SIPs are prefabricated at an off-site factory, the window and door rough openings are already cut into the panels, and the panels themselves are sized by the factory per the architectural plans, so when the SIPs arrive to the job site, the framers simply raise the SIP panels into place and fasten them together to complete the home's exterior envelope, therefore reducing the amount of time it takes to build a home.  Also keep in mind that the time and expense associated with installing conventional insulation is significantly reduced because SIPs already have insulation built into them.

3. NON-VENTED, SEMI-CONDITIONED ATTIC SPACE

By creating a non-vented, semi-conditioned attic space, lined with closed-cell spray foam insulation, we'll eliminate the potential of water intrusion damage caused by hurricane wind driven rains entering through soffits and ridge vents.  When rain water gets into a home, the home owner must contend with mold and the dangerous health issues associated with it, which was the case for many homes in Central Florida after the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005.  For Central Florida's hot-humid climate, the non-vented attic space also allows us to place the HVAC ductwork in the attic and not have to concern ourselves with subjecting the ductwork to an extremely hot and humid attic space, otherwise, the air within the ducts would constantly be heated by the hot surrounding air, which in turn causes the HVAC system to work harder and consume more energy to keep the house cool.  The less energy we consume globally, the less green house gases we emit, which are the primary cause of global warming.

4. CAREFUL PLANNING OF ROOF DESIGN AND MINIMAL USE OF EAST AND WEST FACING WINDOWS.

Rather than build a typical gable roof, we opted for a hip roof design for VISION House which, due to its aerodynamic design, makes the house much less susceptible to damage from hurricane force winds.  Secondly, since the vast majority of solar heat gain into a home is the result of east and west facing windows, we've dramatically reduced the use of these windows in VISION House, therefore lessening the energy load on the HVAC system.  And for the minimal windows we do have on the east and west elevations, we constructed large roof overhangs which provide ample shading for these windows from the sun's hot solar rays.

5. PROPER HVAC PLANNING

As already mentioned, we've taken measures to avoid subjecting our HVAC ductwork to the harsh temperatures and humidity found in vented attic spaces, especially in hot-humid climates like Central Florida's.  In addition, we've made a conscious effort to ensure proper ventilation within the home to exhaust contaminated stale air that accumulates within the home, and replace this air with fresh air from outside the home which is healthier to breath.  And with the use of dehumidifiers, we will remove any unwanted humidity in the home that results from introducing fresh air from outside the home.

6. PROPER MANAGEMENT OF STORMWATER RUNOFF

The VISION House landscape will incorporate various design principles geared towards the proper management of stormwater runoff.  During heavy rains, stormwater runoff collects and carries pollutants (motor oils, fertilizers, etc) that have accumulated on impervious surfaces (streets, driveways, walkways, etc) and lawns.  Unfortunately, the stormwater runoff carries these pollutants into our public sewer systems which eventually get carried into our lakes and streams, therefore contaminating our precious surface water bodies.  With the VISION House landscape, we will incorporate pervious surfaces which allow rain water to seep through the pervious surface and directly into the ground, therefore avoiding the formation of stormwater runoff.  We will also utilize swales and rain gardens in the landscape to capture stormwater runoff which may develop during extremely heavy rainfall events.  And since VISION House is located on the shores of Lake Apopka, it's very important to us that we properly manage and control any stormwater runoff from reaching the lake, therefore supporting the St. Johns River Water Management District's efforts to restore the health of Lake Apopka.  The stormwater management principles being implemented for VISION House are a component of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.

7. LOW E, DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS

All windows within VISION House are low-e, double pane windows.  The low-e minimizes the introduction of heat into the home from the sun's hot solar rays.  The double pane feature creates a barrier of air insulation within the window panes, thereby minimizing the introduction of solar heat gain into the home.  The double pane feature also acts as a sound suppression barrier which helps to prevent noise pollution from entering the home.

8. RECYCLING PROGRAM

Recycling is an important priority for the VISION House team.  Many of the construction materials we're using are made of recycled materials, such as, composite wood decking manufactured using recycled woods and plastics, concrete containing 30% fly ash as an environmentally friendly substitute for cement, I-Joist recycled wood framing studs, etc.  We've also implemented a job site recycling program.  Paper, plastic, metal, and steel waste are separated into their respective bins and hauled away to be recycled.  Wood scraps are also separated at the job site and will later be run through a chipping machine.  The resulting wood mulch will be used for landscaping.

9. ADVANCED FOUNDATION AND HOUSE WRAP MATERIALS

VISION House incorporates an advanced foundation water proofing membrane.  This membrane provides a thick layer of plastic impermeable protection to prevent water from touching the outer surfaces of the basement's walls.  In the event water manages to somehow find its way past the first layer of defense, the membrane's dimpled structure allows the water to freely drain via gravity down to a drainage pipe installed around the exterior base of the basement.  For the exterior walls on the 1st and 2nd levels, we've installed an advanced house wrap product that operates using the same principles implemented for the basement walls.  These advanced products play a key role in keeping rain water out of the house, therefore avoiding water intrusion damage, mold, health issues, etc.

10. HEALTH CONSCIOUS INTERIOR DESIGN

The VISION House interior design will be conducive to a healthy environment within the home.  For example, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints will be used to eliminate the harmful affects of off-gassing, we will use natural woods which do not contain harmful formaldehydes, no use of non-toxic adhesives, natural fibers for draperies and floor rugs, floorings and cabinets made from wood obtained from a certified forestry, use of indoor plants for natural air purification, no products which contain PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) as a fire retardant, etc.  Many of the interior design principles we will implement are those outlined by the American Lung Association's Health House Program.

In closing, it's important to mention VISION House will be certified per the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, the Florida Green Building Coalition Standards, the Institute for Business and Home Safety "Fortified For Safer Living" Guidelines, and the Florida Water Star Program.

Environmental Dynamics, Inc.

We are long overdue in recognizing the fine contributions made by Environmental Dynamics, Inc. to Green Builder VISION House Orlando.  EDI is a recognized leader in the field of sustainable architectural design and is currently transitioning into regenerative design exploration. Ecological design is not a department...it is EDI's company mission!  EDI functions as an innovative adaptive entity that responds to climate and community.  EDI reflects the intentions and values of the people and businesses committed to exploring the positive impact we can have on Global Climate Change and the well being of the human race.

For 10 years, EDI has been leading the market transformation of the building sector to green design and construction in its design and sustainability consulting work.  We're most pleased EDI was awarded the opportunity to become the architect of record for VISION House Orlando.  We look forward to celebrating the successful completion of VISION House Orlando with EDI later this year.

To learn more about how EDI is exploring the potential for green building and construction while adhering to their company’s mission, visit the American Institute of Architects: http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek07/0518/0518d_pw.cfm

Florida's Friendly And Wild

"Living among renowned rivers of song, thousands of bass-filled lakes, and in a state engulfed by world famous beaches, it’s hard to convince people that Florida has water supply issues. Newcomers to the Sunshine State, and even native residents have trouble absorbing this simple fact: we are going to inevitably run out of potable water and it may be sooner than we are prepared for.  Impressing upon people the need to conserve water and change life-long perceptions and bad habits while they live on a beautiful lakes and canals with a lush lawn is not an easy job. Homeowners dream of ideal landscapes: their own garden paradise, thick carpet of dark, green lawn with no weeds, no insect problems, and no disease problems. "

I wrote those words this spring in response to FS-AWWA's request on water conservation and environmental education policies.  How do you teach people that water is a precious commodity and that we need to be good stewards of it?  You don't have to overfertilize, overwater, and overuse pesticides. Well, sometimes you just have to show them so they can visualize themselves being good stewards.

The Green Builder's Vision House 2008 will be a prime example of environmental awareness and good stewardship showcasing the UF/IFAS Florida Yard & Neighborhoods principles to help the builder and new homeowners reduce the impact of development on our resources!

The landscaping design of the Vision House 2008 will utilize the variety of soil and sunlight conditions to feature appropriate flowers, shrubs, and trees with efficient watering techniques.   The front of the home will highlight xeric (dry, sandy) terrain, and as you approach the entrance, the landscaping around the exterior intensifies to a sub-tropical palette with lush, colorful ornamentals (mesic conditions), in and around the koi pond and in  the backyard around the patio and pool areas.

Walking across the swale on a boardwalk out to the dock, you cross an important aspect of water conservation:  prevention of non-source water pollution.  1/3rd of all stormwater run-off in the state of Florida comes from residential homes.   Protecting Lake Apopka is one of Vision House 2008's first concerns.  The swale will prevent any chemical run-off from fertilizer and occasional pesticides from going into the waterbody.

As you head towards the lake, you'll enter the welcoming shade of native shrubs and trees, and tropical bananas surrounding the future gazebo.  Right now, with the summer heat and rain, we are fighting jungle exotic invasives aka "Audrey 2's" that grow overnight, gobbling up our macheted pathway that was hacked the week before. The landscaping for this natural area will create a more native habitat for butterflies, birds, and other lakeshore denizen that work in Nature's cycles to keep the environment balanced.

The Vision House 2008's lakefront will be restored back to optimum health by replanting of native littoral and aquatic plants and trees.  We have adopted a tussock that has taken roothold on our shoreline, well...actually the tussock adopted the Vision House after Hurricane Charlie in 2005.

 

We will be leaving some of the snags on this struggling thicket, but planting cypresses and other native trees to anchor the floating island permanently. Walking the shoreline is an experience when you can feel the top layer of ground bounce as you jump on it. This is normal because of lake fluctuations with 2006's lackluster hurricane season and the drought of winter and spring.

 

Despite all the hammering, banging, and unloading of materials on the Vision House 2008's construction site, Nature continues to keep its eye on the builders, workmen, and inspectors.  The wildlife in the middle of the day is always a surprise and exciting.

One of the wild visitors, that I've seen, making sure that everything is going well on site, has been a beautiful 5' + long yellow rat snake in the majestic neighboring oak tree.

The Florida native rat snake is beneficial in decreasing the rodent population around the shoreline. Surrounding the oak tree, on the ground, in the shrubs, trees, and even on the beams and on the second floor in the Vision House 2008, and more snake fodder, is the temporary bane of my existance, the annoying, good-for-nothing, lubber grasshoppers.

   

On any given day visiting Vision House 2008, you might espy an osprey carrying a fish over the lake, anihingas drying out after fishing, egrets dragging their feet across the water, ibises preening, cardinals and blue jays chirping and flitting between the trees, and stately great blue herons standing so still so that you can snap their best side, you can always get a beautiful photograph.

 

The tussock is a popular avian hang-out.

Ibis                                              

                                                                                                      

Egret

   Anihinga

Here's a Vanessa Atalanta, aalso known as a Red Admiral - a Florida native butterfly feasting on water hemlock.

A huge delight was found this week, when Neta Villalobos-Bell, Seminole County's FYN program assistant and I ventured onto the creaky Gourd Neck Springs community dock and lo, and behold - we espied four brand-new, days old baby gators swimming close to the boat ramp! Walking gingerly so as to not disturb them, or find Mommy Gator, I was able to snap several photographs of the back-to back National Champions in basketball, and this year, the defending National Champions in football, UF Gator mascots! (okay, I had to get that in somewhere) Enjoy the photographs.

Teresa Watkins, UF/IFAS FYN

 

   

An Environmentally Friendly Swimming Pool.

We are very pleased to announce that American Pools and Spas has joined our team to construct the swimming pool for Green Builder® VISION House Orlando 2008.  After an extensive selection process, American Pools and Spas is the obvious choice for the VISION House Orlando project.  Not only are they one of the most respected pool builders in Florida, they're also widely recognized as the market leader in the Florida pool and spa industry.  As members of the National Association of Home Builders, American Pools and Spas is committed to constructing a beautiful swimming pool for VISION House using fine products such as Pebble Tec pool finishing material, SAm and SAL lighting, Pentair IntelliTouch automation, and others.  And just as importantly, the pool will be built in a manner that demonstrates environmentally friendly pool construction principles.

To ensure the VISION House Orlando swimming pool satisfies the green standards defined by the Florida Green Building Coalition, American Pools and Spas will incorporate the following construction principles into the pool's design:  salt chlorine sanitation (Pentair IntelliChlor), oversized cartridge filter and piping, solar heat technology (Superior Solar), and high performance variable speed pumps (Pentair IntelliFlo 4x160).  It's important to note that American Pools and Spas has chosen to install the most advanced energy efficient pumps available on the market.  The Pentair IntelliFlo pump employs an advanced motor and microprocessor to ensure the pump operates at the exact power level needed, and no harder.  The result is energy consumption savings up to 90% or higher!

American Pools and Spas is not content with simply meeting the FGBC green standards, but instead, they've willfully chosen to far exceed the standards in their construction of the VISION House Orlando pool.  For example, American Pools and Spas will install an oversized Pentair diatomaceous earth filter to capture microscopic contaminants as small as 3 - 5 microns!  DE filters also minimize flow restrictions which translates into a decreased amount of required pumping power to achieve a needed flow rate.  The net result is reduced energy consumption.

American Pools and Spas has also chosen to install an advanced Paramount PV3 automatic in-floor pool cleaning and circulation system.  The installation of the PV3 will be custom designed for the VISION House swimming pool to ensure a minimum of 99% of the pool is always cleaned.  In addition, the circulation capabilities of the PV3 system provide additional environmentally friendly attributes.  Ordinary pools circulate water near the surface of the pool where chemicals and heat are quickly lost into the atmosphere.  This often leads to wasted chemicals, wasted heat energy, and poorly circulated algae-prone areas throughout the pool.  However, these problems are eliminated by efficient water circulation generated by the PV3 system.  The net result is lower operating costs in maintaining the pool by reducing the amount of chemicals and heat energy lost to the atmosphere, not to mention cleaner and healthier pool water!

The Paramount Clear O3 water purification system is the final environmentally friendly component to be installed by American Pools and Spas.  By adding the Clear O3 system to the VISION House swimming pool, ozone is generated in the pool thereby creating a water cleaning process similar to the process for purifying bottled water, and it also reduces the demand for pool chemicals by up to 70%.  By introducing ozone into the pool's pump, chlorinated compounds are removed from the pool which in turn increases the lifespan of the pool filter and other pool equipment.

Clearly, American Pools and Spas is committed to constructing an exemplary swimming pool for the VISION House Orlando project....an impressive demonstration of how a swimming pool can be both glamorous and environmentally friendly at the same time.  We welcome the fine and talented employees of American Pools and Spas to the VISION House Orlando project and we look forward to everything we will learn from them as they build an exceptional environmentally friendly swimming pool.

To learn more about American Pools and Spas, please visit www.american-pools.com

Welcome EcoDecor!

Careful planning and attention is essential to construct a true green home.  And to the credit of many builders across the country, they're willfully accepting this responsibility to ensure their homes are built in an environmentally friendly manner.  However, despite their best intentions, it's unfortunate that often times their well intended efforts are diminished by poor choices in interior design.  With the assistance of EcoDecor Inc., these poor choices will not be replicated in the interior design of Green Builder® VISION House Orlando 2008.

The highly talented team of Bernadette V. Upton and Daniel R. Giordano, principles of EcoDecor, Inc., have joined VISION House Orlando to oversee the home's interior.  Through Bernadette and Daniel's leadership, only earth friendly materials will be incorporated into the interior design.  By using, for example, environmentally sensitive furnishings, fabrics, and wall coverings with natural dyes that are both beautiful and healthy to breath, EcoDecor is committed to sustaining the integrity of eco in decor for VISION House Orlando.

Bernadette Upton is a Florida licensed interior designer, lecturer, and consultant specializing in environmental interior design.  She is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Past President of the Florida South Chapter, and a founding member of the national ASID Sustainable Design Council.  Bernadette has earned the coveted accreditation of the United States Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program which sets standards for sustainable construction and design.  She is also a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition and the National Environmental Health Organization.

Serving on the American Lung Association Southeast Florida Board for nearly a decade, Bernadette has designed numerous Health Houses and co-authored "A Baby's Breath" program for ALA, which educates expectant parents to the importance of creating a healthy nursery and home.

Bernadette's partner, Daniel R. Giordano, is an Industry Partner of ASID, a present board member of ASID Florida South Chapter, and a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition.  Daniel brings a 35 year career in custom window treatments and installations to EcoDecor.

Welcome aboard EcoDecor!

To learn more about EcoDecor, please visit www.ecodecor.com

Welcome Schwenn Mechanical.

Schwenn Mechanical HVAC Services has come on board to design and install the HVAC system for Green Builder® VISION House Orlando 2008.  With over 23 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Schwenn Mechanical is fully capable of installing the most advanced HVAC systems.  In collaboration with the Florida Solar Energy Center and Calcs-Plus, Inc., President Jeff Schwenneker will design and install a highly efficient HVAC system for VISION House Orlando which will likely incorporate geothermal technology, supplemental whole house dehumidification, air filtration, fresh air intake(s), and high performance duct work.  Ongoing energy consumption of the HVAC system will be monitored for one year by the Florida Solar Energy Center through remote data gathering computer systems.

Schwenn Mechanical has been awarded the VISION House Orlando project primarily because of their strong track record.  With a vast array of clients ranging from Lake Sumter Community College to Seminole Harley Davidson, Schwenn Mechanical's commitment to quality and customer service has allowed them to earn and maintain strong business relationships, grow their company, while continuing to provide personal service for all their customers.

The HVAC system design and installation for VISION House Orlando will be one of the most critical components of the home's overall energy efficiency performance, therefore, it was imperative we acquire a highly accredited HVAC contractor staffed by skilled technicians who have a strong reputation for delivering high quality work.  We are most pleased because we've obtained all of this and more by bringing Schwenn Mechanical to our team.

Schwenn Mechanical Commercial HVAC Services: (321) 299-3277

Florida Solar Energy Center.

It is with great pleasure we announce the participation of the Florida Solar Energy Center in the Green Builder VISION House Orlando project.  Led by Senior Research Engineer Eric Martin, FSEC will provide our team with support in the design, equipment selection, installation inspection, and ongoing performance monitoring of VISION House Orlando's HVAC system.  And on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America program, Eric will also lead an effort to evaluate the overall level of green incorporated into VISION House Orlando.  The criteria by which Eric's assessment will be performed will be based on the Florida Green Building Coalition's Green Standards.  And as a reminder, with the assistance of Green Builder Media, VISION House Orlando will also be evaluated using the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines.

FSEC was created by the Florida Legislature in 1975 to serve as Florida's energy research institute.  FSEC's main responsibilities are to conduct research, test and certify solar systems, and develop education programs.  FSEC's mission is to research and develop energy technologies that enhance Florida's and the nation's economy and environment, and to educate the public, students, and practitioners on the results of FSEC's research.

To learn more about the Florida Solar Energy Center, please visit:

www.fsec.ucf.edu

Welcome Environmental Services, Inc.

We are pleased to announce Environmental Services, Inc. is lending their support of the Green Builder VISION House Orlando project.  ESI will partner with Florida Dock, Inc. to oversee the boat dock permitting process and work with various entities (Department of Environmental Protection, St. Johns River Water Management District, Lake County, etc.) to ensure all proper procedures are followed in securing permits.

In addition, ESI will partner with the University of Florida to consult us in the lake shore restoration portion of the project.  As previously discussed in this blog, the lake shore portion of the lot will be cleaned and restored to remove all invasive vegetation and replaced with aquatic vegetation that is conducive to a healthy lake shore and fosters an inviting haven for the surrounding wild life.

ESI is a highly respected company in the field of environmental, natural, and cultural resource needs.  The suite of ESI's services cover a host of service categories, such as, ecology, forestry, marine biology, wetland mitigation, stream restoration, protection of endangered species (animals and plants), and site planning, just a to name a few.

To learn more about Environmental Services, Inc. please visit:

www.environmentalservicesinc.com

Protecting the Florida Aquifer.

Most everyone is aware there is a global need to conserve our natural resources.  One of the most precious of these, WATER - clean, potable water, is rapidly becoming a scarce and depleting resource, and one location where this concern is on the verge of becoming a major crisis is Central Florida.  Water conservation has reached a point of criticality in Central Florida, to the point that counties have already passed strict ordinances which ban the use of potable water for irrigation.

Because of the booming population growth taking place in Central Florida, the potable water draw on Florida's aquifer is only years away from reaching its maximum load.  Water experts say the Florida aquifer will not be able to provide all the needed water by 2025 without causing significant environmental damage to lakes, swamps, and streams.  Alternative sources of water (e.g. St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers) are being sought but will cost in excess of $460 million to create infrastructure capable of delivering water from these alternative sources.  The St. Johns River Water Management District, which is responsible for managing ground and surface water supplies in Central Florida, has already stated it could stop issuing new groundwater permits in the next six years to avoid serious environmental damage from growing withdrawals from the aquifer.  To quote our friend Ron Jones of Green Builder Magazine...."If you think people are upset now about rising gas prices, just wait and see how upset they'll be when water supplies run dry!"

Water conservation and reclamation is a MAJOR priority in the design and construction of Green Builder VISION House Orlando 2008.  The water crisis confronting Central Florida is too important for our team to ignore in the construction of VISION House Orlando.  Therefore, we've assembled a team of highly talented and respected consultants and sponsors who will help us demonstrate a comprehensive approach for protecting the Florida aquifer.

VISION House Orlando will employ a five pronged approach to demonstrate water conservation principles.  The first strategy is to install low-flow shower heads and fixtures in accordance with the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and the Florida Green Building Coalition's Green Standards.  Second, we will install water efficient appliances (washing machine, dish washer, toilets, etc.) that utilize substantially less water than their conventional counterparts.  Third, we will install a Hoot aerobic treatment system which captures and treats water from the showers, faucets, and washing machine, and subsequently re-uses this water for irrigation.  Fourth, we will install cistern tanks capable of capturing and storing 7,000 gallons of rain water to be used later for irrigation.  Fifth, we will employ the principles outlined in the University of Florida's Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program to ensure the VISION House Orlando landscaping is designed and installed in such a manner that minimizes the need for irrigation.  This five pronged approach will certainly demonstrate water conservation and reclamation principles that everyone in Central Florida should take note of.  In fact, the total water reclamation we expect to achieve from the cisterns and the Hoot system alone amount to over 300,000 gallons of re-used water per year.  Imagine how much water we can avoid drawing from the Florida aquifer if these principles were implemented in a larger scale by several builders in Central Florida!

The Green Builder VISION House Orlando team is extremely proud and pleased to welcome the following sponsors to our team who will make our water conservation/reclamation strategy a reality.  Our fine sponsors are: The University of Florida, Averett Septic Tank Company, Inc. who will provide the Hoot system and the cistern tanks, Resource Recovery, Inc. who will provide a cistern pump and consultation services in the design of the cisterns, and Metro Environmental who will provide installation support for the Hoot system.

Please visit these fine sponsors at the following websites:

www.averettonline.com

www.h2orr.com

http://cfyn.ifas.ufl.edu/

www.metrowasteservices.com

SIPS AHOY!

The Structural Insulated Panels arrived late yesterday afternoon courtesy of: FISCHERSIPS out of Louisville, Kentucky. I want to thank Damian Pataluna of Fischer Sips for expediting the process.  The Framers will now spend the next several day's erecting the Sip walls, framing the first floor, setting the second floor-floor system, framing the second floor and setting the roof trusses.  This is an exciting time for VISION House. This is where things really start to take shape.  Now let's get you caught up on the last two weeks.  While waiting the arrival of the SIPS, we've been busy prepping the foundation.  We installed DELTA DRY MS to the foundation for our waterproofing. In addition, we installed the drain system at the base of the foundation using recycled crushed concrete stone for our aggregate. We then carefully backfilled the walk out basement walls, which brings us right up to date with the project.

I'll talk next time about the Institute for Business & Home Safety. 

Jim Rahman