Lessons Learned on Z-Home – Podcast
Z-Home has been in the spotlight recently as the first zero-net energy and carbon neutral multi-family development in the United States. Now that construction is complete, we examine some of the lessons learned from this first of its kind development. Z-Home project manager Brad Liljequist of the City of Issaquah’s Resource Conservation Office joins Terry on The Eco-Logical Home to share his insight in this 30-minute interview. Follow this link to...
read moreReclaimed Timbers
Check out our latest Podcast on Reclaimed Timbers, and interview with Jake Jacob of Pacific Northwest Timbers in Port Townsend. It is posted as Part One and Part Two on our Eco-Logical Home...
read moreAdventures in Reuse
We all know the RE trilogy by now – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. There is a reason they are listed in this order – Reducing our consumption is the most important of the three. If we Reduce the amount of stuff we bring into our homes, there is less to Reuse and Recycle later. In a consumer society Reducing is often the most difficult to accommodate – the other two are easier. Recycling has gotten quite popular since the process is so familiar – you can still buy just as much stuff but by separating your trash you can now clear...
read moreStraw Bale Homes for Disaster Relief
When people find out we design and help build straw bale homes, the response varies from uncertain curiosity to animated glee. The first question is always “do straw bale homes work around here?” and my answer is always “yes, on most sites,” followed by an explanation of our approach depending on the situation. We never push it, but are happy to help people find the best solution using straw bales if that fits their dream. Straw bale homes aren’t for everyone around here, but there are places in the world where they are so much...
read moreNatural Instincts – One Client’s Journey
Elona Raven and Ralph Davis had a dream of building their own home on land they share with her brother. It was important for their new home to improve their health, and be economical both to construct and to live in for the rest of their lives. We were honored to help them on this journey, and pleased to share their story here with you.
read moreConnective Thinking
I spent this past weekend with my tribe, as one of 90+ members of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild who gathered at Pilgrim Firs Retreat Center in Port Orchard, WA. This annual event is our venue to share stories, ideas, and camaraderie – and I’m still buzzing with the higher vibration created by our time together. Made up mostly of very small business owners in the sustainable design and construction industry, this group’s kinship is rare and necessary. In clear contrast with the typical gathering of industry professionals, where...
read moreJumping into the Water
I stand at the edge of the pier looking across the horizon and down into the deep water. My toes are curled around the cool aluminum edging as I anticipate the freshening wash below. Deep breath, ready, and … dive in! A new world suddenly envelopes me that looks, feels, and sounds at once alien and hauntingly familiar. Welcome to our new blog, Eco-Notes. We’ve been talking about a blog for years and are excited to now be in the swim. We know there will be different strokes needed to move us through the waves; sometimes we’ll...
read moreMaking Green Affordable with Fiona Douglas-Hamilton
Everyone wants to live in a healthy, energy efficient home filled with natural light, but many people don’t think they can afford one. From food to housing, green choices are expected to come with higher price tags. Fiona has been exploring barriers to green building and has found how green can be made affordable by employing good design practices and smart market strategies. Podcast: Play in new window |...
read moreThe Pomegranate Center with Milenko Matanovic
The Pomegranate Center changes communities and lives. By using a unique community building model, they bring together diverse and often disenfranchised people and work alongside them to create places of pride and resiliency within and beyond the neighborhood. Listen in as Terry has a conversation with founder Milenko Matanovic about their amazing and important work. Podcast: Play in new window |...
read moreTransition Towns with Britt Conn
The Transition Town movement is gaining momentum, giving communities the tools to increase their resilience, reduce carbon, and strengthen their local economy. Several communities around the Pacific Northwest have joined this movement, including South Whidbey Island. Britt Conn of Transition Whidbey joins Terry on this intriguing episode. Podcast: Play in new window |...
read moreThe Media Cafe
Living Shelter Design Radio
For our ongoing audio programming, follow The Eco-Logical Home on its own website.
