Project Team Unveiled

After months of working with our architect, we have reached a point in the project to move to the next stage. Incorporating input from industry professionals in an effort to mold our Dream Home into a state of the art residence, we are proud to introduce the following members of our Project Team:

Home Owners / LEED AP: Tim & Sarah Southwell
Architect: Don Briggs (www.briggsarch.com)
CAD Professional: Jeff Stahlecker
LEED Provider: Kristin Shewfelt (www.archenergy.com)
Energy Rater: Russ Hellem (www.energetechsinc.com)
Engineering Firm: Brian Solan (www.m-m.net)
Log Home Supplier: Rick Shaw (www.culturedlogs.com)
Alternative Energy: Lee Tavenner (www.solarplexus1.com)
Home Systems Integrator: Rick Trauth (www.ghostfighters.com)
Experienced Contractor: Jim Albrecht

You will note the LEED Provider, Architectural Energy Corporation, on the list. In the past week, and becoming comfortable with their individual services, we are pleased to move forward under their direction for eventual pre-certification / certification of the project under the USGBC’s LEED for Home Rating System criteria.

In the coming month, I will post individual introductions from each team member, as you get a better glimpse into their industry focus and coupled experience with residential projects and Green / Sustainable Design.

We are also presently putting together a list of potential contractors / project managers that we will interview for the job. Via phone conversations, face to face meeting, and a strict qualification process, we are hopeful to have this individual identified soon and added to the Project Team accordingly.

Our first charrette meeting is now being scheduled for latter part April where we will dissect the current design detail and introduce many aspects of operating systems / materials which will find their way into the final project. I will do my best to recap these meetings as a way to educate viewers into understanding how our project unfolds, subject matters being discussed, the LEED for Homes process, and latest technology / green aspects being entertained for implementation. From here we will go to eventual implementation, construction, and move-in. Keep checking in, for it proves to be a most exciting ride.


Good Health and an Abundant Tomorrow to all.

Tim

LEED the Way

The project is moving forward despite the lack of details over the past few weeks. We recently met with an engineering firm in Missoula, which all but solidified the project team which will be unveiled next week. The remaining part of the puzzle, and a big part at that, is to finalize a working relationship with a LEED Provider to register, administer, and ultimately certify the project under the auspice of the LEED for Homes rating system created by the USGBC.

As Montana does not have a nominated Provider, I am contacting adjacent states to try and create a working relationship for moving this project forward. As a LEED AP, my knowledge is geared towards commercial structures through the LEED NC, CI, and EB programs. Even though I feel confident I could work inline with the LEED H criteria, I am busy communicating with various LEED Provider entities. To that note, I have presently made contact with Earth Advantage (www.earthadvantage.com) out of Oregon and Arch Energy (www.archenergy.com) out of Colorado. I am hopeful one of these outfits will show interest in the project and put forth a comprehensive overview of services customized for our project from A to Z. With our now scheduled first Charrette for the first week of April, I am pressing to solidify this relationship sooner than later. I am a firm believer in the LEED system, but must admit that establishing a working relationship within the LEED structure has been most difficult. I believe this will change as the USGBC and the LEED system grow and as more and more LEED professionals come online to offer such services nationwide.

As a result of this, I am now pursuing additional avenues to bolster my abilities to act, consult, and work on all aspects of LEED projects. In reading previous entries, you will note that under the LEED Home rating system, it is the requirement of the rating system that a LEED accredited Energy Rater work directly on the project. The Energy Rater is hired and managed by the Provider to handle site visits, collection of information on the project pursuant to criteria attainment, and culminate all materials for presentation to the Provider for review and submittal to the USGBC panel for final certification. I will be flying to Colorado where I will take place in a weeklong workshop put on by an Energy Rater firm, Energy Logic (www.nrglogic.com). The weeklong workshop will culminate with the national exam and two months of required energy rater practice to obtain the official HERS (Home Energy Rating Standard) Energy Rater status. With this knowledge I will be both educated to the intricacies of our own personal residential build, but more so will cultivate the LEED AP and Energy Rater accolades into a working Green / Energy consulting business which I will debut later this year. Fittingly enough, the name of my business is Abundant Tomorrrow.

In the next week, I will plan on unveiling the nominated project team, introducing the LEED Provider, and sharing some personal comments on our Dream Home and how I feel its design ties into the framework of the Green Building movement.

Until then, keep your dreams alive, and move forward with the Power of Intention.

Wishing you all an Abundant Tomorrow!

Tim

Research Continues

We have yet to commence the Charette process, as we have not solidified the project team in its entirety. That being said, we know what components we wish to invite on the team, it is just finding a comfortable fitting that suits our particular project.

Coming into last week, we had identified area professionals in the engineering fields that we felt comfortable with, but they were not all with the same firm. Could this propose a problem with communication, ego’s, and set timeline as the custom build rolled out? Would continuing our search for an all-in-one engineering firm be the better path for us, as the various departments (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) could easily communicate with one another as they are just down the hall from each other rather than across the city / state? This is a question we are determined to feel out prior to committing to a course of action. Next week, the 24th, Don Briggs and I will travel north to Missoula (~40 miles) to meet with one such engineering firm experienced in residential builds, while employing a number of LEED Accredited Professionals. The meeting will give us a better feel for the path we are to take, while having the opportunity to gage their mindset on luxury builds and sustainable design concepts.

On another note, I am communicating with a few LEED Providers to determine which outfit I would hire to oversee the registration and eventual certification of our future LEED Home. It has certainly been an education to date, and anyone interested in pursuing the same is advised to start researching this working relationship at this time… not months into the design process, or heaven forbid construction phase.

In closing, we modified our ‘program’ last week as it pertained to the observation deck on the 3rd floor (see article in October of last year). We have decided to downsize the space, and change its feel. We have removed the wet bar, large seating area, and billiard table, and are making plans to incorporate them into a future space in the gathering room on the first floor. The observation room will now exude an atmosphere of spirituality and meditation, as we open up the floor for meditation, yoga, pilates, reading, art work (draftsman table and easel) and just a place for rest, relaxation, and inner peace. Can’t wait to see the final design take shape; In the meantime, here is a glimpse of the front elevation still in the works.

All the best, and an Abundant Tomorrow to all.

Tim

LEED, NAHB, Raters, & Providers... which way do we go?

Another month almost behind us, and I am left wondering where it all goes. The past month has been beneficial, as I have taken the initiative to meet with and interview possible working relationships with a USGBC LEED Provider and Energy Star Rater… both professions that will be required as part of the project if we are to seek LEED for Home certification.

As I mentioned there is yet to be a nominated LEED Provider for my state, Montana, so I spent some time with Kristin Shewfelt of AEC in Boulder, Colorado this past week (www.archenergy.com). As the state’s nominated LEED Provider, Kristin shed some light on the subject of a possible working relationship. To recap, if we are to pursue a LEED H certification, we will have to work with a designated LEED Provider. As a LEED Provider, AEC offers four phases of services towards the LEED Certification;
* Energy Modeling, Review, and Analysis
* Field Testing and Performance Rating of Operating Systems
* Documentation, Calculations, Verification c/o Energy Rater
* Wrapping up all services performed c/o contractor, subs, energy rater, etc., with full submittal of same to USGBC for review / sign-off.

It is important to note that out of these four phases of service, AEC and any other LEED Provider is only obligated to offer phase #4 to move on LEED Certification. The first three phases mentioned above are simply other expertise services AEC puts forth to fine tune the green build project for the owner. It is understood that other companies (LEED AP’s, Design Consultant, Energy Modeling Firms, Engineering Firms, Architects, etc.) could play the role of offering such services short of the LEED submittal phase. For the time being, I have been instructed to supply Kristin with up to the minute design plans / specs for the build, idea of HVAC operating system, along with material ideas as they pertain to building structure, insulation, window selections, etc., so AEC can draw up an initial proposal for services to be rendered. Working with our architect this next week, I intend to do just that.

In a typical case of projects out of the area, AEC would subcontract out the role of the Energy Rater. These services would fall in line with phases #2 & #3. I had the opportunity to meet with Russ Hellem of Energytech (www.energytech.com) this past week in Montana. Russ heads up an Energy Rater firm situated in Missoula, MT and is recognized as a certified Energy Star Rater. We spent the time discussing his services, and how he could offer Energy Modeling Analysis of particular operating systems, prescribe certain energy packages to reduce cooling / heating loads per the designs, and work alongside the owner as a Commissioning Agent to see that decided upon operating systems (HVAC) were sized, calibrated, and operating per specs / ratings determined within the design scope of the project. On a personal note, I could immediately see the passion Russ brought to the table for green / sustainable design. Even though our home will be large in the context of space allocation under Green Design, he made a point of asserting that whatever the size, he would work diligently to insure the highest level of energy efficiency throughout. He also brought much attention to the National Association of Home Builders Green Program (www.nahb.org). This program is in line with the LEED program, but goes a step further to take into account local / regional conditions when considering various design aspects of building. As a result, I am now spending the next week to digest both options and decide which rating system we will target for our Dream Home build.

In the next week, we will be meeting with Don Briggs to finalize design plans so to have a working set of drawings once we enter the Charette process; we will also discuss, finalize, and invite individual members to join the project team; decide on the green rating system we wish to pursue; and solidify a date of commencing the Charette process.

Stay tuned, for the ball is rolling faster and faster each day!

All the best, and an Abundant Tomorrow to you all.

Tim

2008... Full Steam Ahead

As we enter the New Year, Sarah and I are working closely with Don Briggs, Briggs Architecture & Design, to mold our program for the dream home build, to take place this summer, so as to have a concrete starting place once we enter into the much anticipated Charrette process. Over the course of the last four weeks, we have reviewed, debated, altered, and refined how the envisioned floor plan will play out, how best to use the space allocated for each of the rooms we desire, and ultimately how such a layout works with the concepts of passive solar design; high efficiency building envelope; alternative operating systems; renewable / non-toxic materials; etc. The process has not been easy, as we are finding that there is much give and take as to what you want in a dream home, what you need in a home, how all such development impacts the land around you, and ultimately how the final design can work into the overall concept of green / sustainable architecture and design.

The following image is just a glimpse of the latest rendition of the residential plan. You are looking at an overhead view of the anticipated footprint of the home. It indicates the orientation of the home for maximum passive solar gain, while also taking into account the mountain views to the southwest. Furthermore, you get a clear picture about the sun path from January through December, and how to best plan for glazing requirements in accordance with the anticipated solar heat gain throughout the year. It is important to note that this image is only part of the latest rendition to date, knowing full well that aspects of the design will morph as we continue to fine tune the design with Don Briggs and culminating at the close of the Charette process.

The month of December was also productive as it pertained to my own personal growth in the green building industry. I completed a four month course, Green Building Certification, at Colorado State University which culminated with taking and successfully passing the USGBC’s nationally recognized Professional LEED Accreditation exam. Now as a LEED AP it is my goal to have an active role in the design of the home, development of potential HVAC and other operating systems, as well as implementation of green aspects both inside and outside the residence. As a result, I am working presently to register the home under the auspice of the USGBC’s LEED for Home rating. This procedure, as I am learning, is more involved than your typical LEED NC project. In the instance of LEED H, you have to work through a USGBC nominated LEED Provider, which in our case has yet to be designated in the state of Montana. The course of action will eventually see me have to utilize the professional services of a nominated Energy Rater and LEED Verifier as well. I am currently communicating with CSU LEED professors, LEED Providers from nearby states, and in-state LEED AP’s on the course of action recommended to move the project forward while still insuring that I, as a LEED AP, can have an active and recognized part in my project beyond paying the bills.

In the remaining month of January, it is our plan to finalize a design rendition to move forward with in the Charrette process scheduled for first part February, verify the project is registered under the LEED rating system, and continue to research the latest green industry technologies to implement on the upcoming project. Stay tuned as I continue to bring you updates from our project as they happen, as well as any learned information on the procedures directly pertaining to the LEED for Homes rating system.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and an Abundant Tomorrow for all!

Tim Southwell, LEED AP

November Wrap Up

With the infrastructure in place for the winter, we turn our attention to the design phase of the project and the various aspects it includes. The week prior to Thanksgiving (by the way, Happy Belated Thanksgiving to All), we had initial design renditions from Don Briggs, Briggs Architecture and Design. Don was putting forth the initial drawings basis the program we submitted for a second time last month. We were pleased with the initial rendition as it both answered questions we had about our initial program design ideas and prompted new aspects we had yet to think about. If anything, the first round of drawings transformed our ideas to paper which brought clarity and change to what we had thought we would like. As a result, we went back to Don with constructive comments on what we liked and what we wished to rework per our new vision. Looking back at the program (see article dated 10/21 'Reshuffled Program') we opted to revamp the basement space, make a small flow change from kitchen to great room, maximize the useable space over the garage, and downsize the observation deck on the 3rd floor. Speaking with Don, we are expecting another round of rough drafts by next week. From there we will continue to tweak the design until we have our final product.



That being said, there is much to work through before this final product materializes. Working very closely with Don Briggs we will be spending the majority of December building a project team whom will work together to start in January in collaborating on this final product. Don Briggs (Architect), Tim & Sarah Southwell (Owners), Structural, Eletrical, Mechanical Engineers, Landscape Architect, Energy rater / Commissioning Agent, LEED AP, and other industry experts will be invited to take part in brainstorming, designing, and ultimately producing a highly efficient, sustainably designed, green built home. The renditions we are working on at present will merely act as a starting point for getting the ball rolling. As we get the initial draft together for the project team and the corresponding charette process to commence in January, I will be posting the initial drawings for all to see so to better appreciate the scope of the project at large.



As always, I appreciate your comments and thank those that have put opinions and suggestions forward towards our green build. Happy holidays and an Abundant Tomorrow to All.



Sincerely, Tim Southwell

Prepared for Jack Frost

This past month we can say that we have successfully designed and installed utilities & septic drain-field aspects of the project. With the continued aid of Jim Albrecht, Iron Wood Construction (406-360-4816), we have seen North Western Energy and Qwest Telephone cables trenched, installed, and back bladed into place for future use. Transformers and pedestals have been placed for utilization at the front entry gate, alongside two drilled wells for water supply, and at the home site for future use by construction efforts and eventual living needs.

On top of this, Jim Heiland, Heiland Excavating (406-363-2357), has been busy working the property to incorporate basic infrastructure needs as well as the septic drain-field. This past week, the septic drain-field was installed adjacent to the home site approximately 300’ away. We chose a location that was burned this past August during the Tin Cup Fires, and which was used as an access for heavy machinery during the suppressing effort. We purchased and installed septic system products by Infiltrator Systems (http://www.infiltratorsystems.com/), as they produce a quality product and incorporate a green awareness in the industry.

Here are some ways Infiltrator Systems and Champion are working to improve the environment in which we live.
• We seek polypropylene, polyethylene (LDPE & HDPE) and materials (parts, purging, regrind, pellets) from the following industries: automotive, building materials, beverage and bottling, food processing, grocery/bakery, and distribution centers.
• ISI products are made of 90% recycled material.
• The post-consumer and post-industrial plastics we purchase keep 65,000 tons from going into a landfill.
• ISI has the ability to process up to 500,000 pounds of plastic daily.
• Champion is the fifth largest purchaser of recycled plastics in the United States.
• Procurement Breakdown
􀂊 32% Post-consumer
􀂊 68% Post-industrial
Quick Facts
• With our unique procurement procedure we visit dump sites to reclaim materials before they are land filled.
• Proprietary processing method allows us to utilize waste streams that are otherwise unusable to other recycling/manufacturing companies.
• Champion was honored as Recycler of the Year by the Carpet America Recovery Effort™ (CARE) in 2006.
• Champion participates in many recycling organizations and associations including the National Recycling Commission, Automotive Body Parts Association, and Automobile Recyclers Association.
• ISI named by ENR Magazine as one of the Top 200 Environmental Firms in 2006 – ranked #48.
• Total Barrels of oil saved by recycling (2005-2007e) = 1.76 million barrels.
• Tons of CO2 reduced by recycling (2005-2007e) = 228,000 tons.


Here are ‘on-location’ pictures of the installed Infiltrator System’s septic products, complete with feeder pipes and individual leaching chambers.

With the numerous traffic we have had over the past few months in fire suppression, water well installation, electric and phone cables installed, as well as septic drain-field install & road rework, it only made good sense to have our main entry road contoured to a smooth, unblemished appearance. At the close of the work performed by Heiland Excavating we had the professional services of J&J Excavating & Trucking (406-961-1511) run a road-grader along 1.7 miles of gravel & dirt roadway to cleanup the access to our property prior to the ground freezing and winter setting in for the next five months. As a result, the road will be in pristine shape when access is needed once again in the spring on next year.

As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, work on infrastructure development is coming to a close. Colder temperatures combined with snowfall will ultimately shut down physical development of the property until next spring. That being said, the project is set to take off as these dormant winter months will be anything other than a seasonal slumber. By years end we will look to solidify design drawings, register for LEED-H, and formalize the project team who will lead this residential build through to fruition.

Stay tuned as Sarah and I continue to bring you updates along the way. As usual, we invite comments / emails on our progress, as we know you might have ideas worth bringing to the table.

Good health and an Abundant Tomorrow to All.

Tim