The Pretty Good House
Subtitle: Finding the right balance between construction cost and energy performance Images: Energy Star. LEED. Passivhaus. There are many programs with different metrics for determining how green...
View ArticleRegional Variations on the ‘Pretty Good House’
Subtitle: Suggested specifications for Northwest Ontario, New Mexico, Sacramento, Florida, and North Carolina Images: The building-science-and-beer group that meets every month in Portland, Maine,...
View ArticleThe Pretty Good House, Part 2
Subtitle: The building science group in Maine has a second meeting to discuss specifications for the Pretty Good House Images: What is truly important when designing and building a green home? Some of...
View ArticleIs the Pretty Good House the Next Big Thing?
Subtitle: And what might one look like in a mixed-humid climate? Images: I love the Pretty Good House concept! The folks up in Maine who've been developing this idea in their monthly green building...
View ArticleIs the Pretty Good House the Next Big Thing? Part 2
Subtitle: A look at water use, home performance, verification methods, commissioning, and homeowner education Images: Let's get back to the Pretty Good House concept now. Last month I wrote part 1,...
View ArticleThe Pretty Good House: A Better Building Standard?
Subtitle: At NESEA’s annual meeting, a panel discusses the ‘pretty good house’ concept Images: The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEANorth East Sustainable Energy Association. A regional...
View ArticleGreen Building for Beginners
Subtitle: Are you are embarking on a construction project, but still uncertain about how to make your home green? Here is some guidance. Images: Green building websites can be confusing. One site...
View ArticleAn Update on the Pretty Good House — Part 1
Subtitle: A commonsense approach to designing and building a green home Images: The status quo of newly constructed homes here in America is, well, disappointing. Despite some strong...
View ArticleAn Update on the Pretty Good House — Part 2
Subtitle: A commonsense approach to designing and building a green home Images: Cocktails in hand, Phil and I pick up the conversation about the Pretty Good House. Be sure to check Part 1 of this...
View ArticleMartin’s Pretty Good House Manifesto
Subtitle: Ten principles that green designers and builders need to keep in mind Images: One of the presentations I attended at the Passive HouseA residential building construction standard requiring...
View ArticleMaine Hosts a ‘Pretty Good House’ Conference
Subtitle: The day-long seminar will help builders balance energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and cost Images: Designing a house that balances the competing interests of performance and cost is the...
View ArticleConvincing Clients to Upgrade to Pretty Good (or Better)
Subtitle: What are the most compelling arguments for investing in a Pretty Good House — that is, one that exceeds minimum code requirements? Images: How do you convince clients to upgrade from...
View ArticlePretty Good, Not So Big Maine House
Subtitle: A couple decides to shed a house that's too big and build a smaller, more energy-efficient version nearby Images: After adding a big addition to our already too big house in 2006 (what were...
View ArticleSite Work Begins for a Pretty Good House in Maine
Subtitle: At our ‘pretty good, not so big’ house, the site is evaluated for a septic system and the foundation footings are poured Images: This is Part 2 of a blog series describing the construction...
View ArticleFramed Walls and Air Barrier Membranes for a Pretty Good House
Subtitle: Despite inevitable weather delays, the house is framed and roofed Images: This is Part 4 of a blog series describing the construction of Stephen Sheehy’s house in Maine. The first...
View ArticleWindows and Floors at a Pretty Good House in Maine
Subtitle: Work continues with the installation of windows, polished concrete floors, and a blower door test that leaves everyone smiling Images: This is Part 5 of a blog series describing the...
View ArticleTen Essential Steps to a Pretty Good House
Prime: prime Subtitle: Going above code isn't hard if you do these things Images: My friends up in Maine came up with the concept of the Pretty Good House a few years ago, and I love the idea! Not...
View ArticlePouring the Slab and Framing the Walls
Subtitle: Contractors building a small house in the White Mountains begin construction work Images: Editor's note: This is the second in a series of blogs chronicling the design and construction of a...
View ArticleWindows, Housewrap, and Roofing Underlayment
Subtitle: Brian and Kyra make progress on their house in the White Mountains Images: Editor's note: This is the third in a series of blogs chronicling the design and construction of a house owned by...
View ArticleA Low-Energy House for Northern Minnesota
Subtitle: A self-described ‘architect and building science nerd’ designs an affordable house that takes advantage of the sun Images: I am an architect. I have spent the last five years thinking about,...
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