One of the cornerstones of an energy efficient building is an air tight envelope.  Any leak in the building envelope will allow heat and moisture to exit in the winter, and enter in the summer.  The tighter the building envelope is, the less energy is needed to condition the indoor environment (because we are not losing the conditioned air to the outside).  While a “perfectly sealed” building if more efficient for heating and cooling, it is not good for occupants.  We need to bring fresh air in and exhaust both stale air and airborne contaminates in order to provide a healthy indoor en

After years of planning and months of work, we finally took occupancy of our new SIP/modular hybrid home in early 2009.  After living in the home for several weeks we have had the opportunity to put the house through its paces.  Now I can say with certitude, “Why wouldn’t everyone want to build this way?”

Despite only being in the house for a few weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to experience living in the house through rain, snow, and outside temperatures ranging from ~0º to ~50º Fahrenheit.  Here are a few observations:

Sorry everyone, there has been a lot going on with our project.  Between work, home life, and working on the house I have been burning the candle at both ends and have had little time to write.  I have a lot of things to report on since my last update.

Progress has been slower than expected, but we are making progress.  Much of the electrical work has been completed, and we are hoping to get power to the house this week.  We are simply waiting on the electrical inspector to give the okay and the electric company to connect the lines.

Scales Well and Pump installed our well pumps, tanks, and variable speed controls.  Once we have power, we will have water.

It’s been a while since I provided any sort of update except in pictures. Things were slow today so I figured I’d take some time to catch you up…

It has been exactly one month since the modules were set on the foundation. We continue to wait for Penn Lyon to pick up their trailers in order for us to backfill the left side of the foundation and dig the electrical trench.

We are also waiting for the Penn Lyon service crew. They need to:

1. Replace the front main roof (misaligned shingles)

I was going to avoid writing about this, but after much contemplation, I came to the conclusion that I should. I feel it important for everyone to understand that – every – building project has its unavoidable problems and setbacks, and this project is no different.

I have been way to busy to write much lately.  Hopefully the pictures provided will be worth more than any words I could write.  Please enjoy...

http://www.gouingreen.com/node/30

Ed 

Before we began this adventure I did extensive Internet research
looking for someone who has built a home like this before (using SIPs in a
modular factory) – because I wanted them to build one for us.  I had no luck.

I visited the Oasis precast foundation factory on Monday (6/9/08) and watched our foundation being poured. I was fascinated by their process, and the thoughtful detail that goes into their product. This product already uses 70% less concrete than a poured wall, provides a true R10 system, includes mold-proof wallboard, and it does so with very little to no waste. The forms look impressive. I can’t wait to see it installed tomorrow (6/12/08).