Getting Insight into the Site

Over the past week we have seen an increase in activity on the project site. Lee, from SolarPlexus, toured the proposed Renewable Energy Site to gain better understnading of existing orientation for maximum solar gain as well as potential wind generation. Concerning the latter, Lee has selected a location as a testing ground to mount a barometer to research average wind speed over a certain time allotment. In doing so, we can better determine the feasability of investing in wind energy as a sourse of our overall renewable energy package.

Morrison Maierle had their surveying division in and around the homesite to shoot various lines for a comprehensive property survey to map all facets of the existing terrain (ie. contours, well & electrical locations, as well as roads and the suspected renewable energy power site). Upon receipt of the survey, it is the idea to work off of the information to create a Master Plan for the present and future development of the property. beyond just house... we must look at potential desires such as shop, garden & orchard, pond, guest house, etc. When these will be constructed on the property is hard to say, but it makes perfect sense to identify these possibilities now, so that infrastructure can be laid down once, with little reason for disruption and rework in the future.

Most recently, we hired the services of Strata (http://www.stratageotech.com/) as a means to offer a geotechnical engineering evaluation of the homesites characteristics. This includes a comprehensive exploration and evaluation of subsurface conditions at the homesite, and to develop geotechnical engineering opinions and recommendations to assist project planning, design, and construction. Starta is set to commence testing on the 21st, so I hope to have photos and a recap of initial findings.

Finally, we recently met our deadline for the initial round of RFQ submittals (5/19). We are presently reviewing the seven candidates with purpose to create a 'short list' of three or four for follow-up interviews, as we move closer to selecting a Construction Manager / General Contractor. We are hopeful that such a key component will be in place by mid June, when our second round of project team meetings are tentatively scheduled.

Thanks to all those that voted in the recent poll on the most important aspect to a sustainable / green build. Energy Efficiency won hands-down with 78% of the vote. Not suprising with crude trading at over $120 a barrell. This is why I am personally a huge believer in putting time, effort, and upfront cost into a sound building envelop, there by increasing indoor comfort and reducing monthly utility bills for the life of the structure. Just wait until crude is trading at over $200 a barrell, you will be glad you did the same!

Wishing you all the best,

Tim