Steve Thomas (of This Old House) to visit BHB

Some of you have already heard that BHB has been selected to be featured on the new cable show "Renovation Nation", hosted by Steve Thomas of This Old House fame. Renovation Nation is a new show on the new Discovery Channel network Planet Green, described as "the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network". Renovation Nation will try to tap into the excitement of the "Green Building" movement and feature homes that have taken environmental concerns into account in design and construction. Noah Grunberg (our own "green" architect), passed us along to the producers of the show. Long story short: they liked what they saw on this blog, contacted us, and after something of an interviewing process, decided to feature BHB on one of their upcoming episodes. They will be here in early June to film the segment. The short video above is the "screen test" we had to film as a part of the process.

So, you may be wondering what makes BHB a "green" home. Valid question. Consider the following:

- The barn frame (salvaged, repaired, and modified for use as a home) is, in effect, a "recycled" building (you never knew the "three Rs" could apply to a home did you?)
- The finish work incorporates reclaimed wood siding/roofers from the original barn (reused as roofers and wall sheathing)
- Also: reclaimed and reconditioned barn floor planking (reused for flooring on second floor, fireplace mantelpiece, vanity tops)
- Layout of interior spaces. In the words of our architect, “Modern design utilizes dynamic spaces in an efficient way for a family of 6. The barn footprint is only 1080 square feet, and total livable floor area is 2460 square feet on 4 interlocking levels.” Small footprint = minimal impact.
- SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) provide superior insulation
- Large attic fan (eliminates need for A/C – we hope! – by drawing cool air in from the windows on the ground floor and venting it out near the peak of the rear of the house)
- The siting of the house and window design and placement capitalizes on solar gain (as well as maximizing privacy and taking advantage of the views)
- We have used non-toxic interior finishes where ever possible
- Reclaimed wood siding (reused for parts of exterior sheathing)
- MDO panels (when properly painted will last far longer without repainting than other painted surfaces, reducing the frequency of paint application)
- Galvalume metal roofing (for longer life and cleaner water runoff)
- “greenscaping” (ecologically sound landscaping/lawn design)
- Sweat-equity! (The financially sustainable way to build a house!)

When I was asked why it mattered to me to be as green as possible, my honest answer was that in this day and age, it just makes sense. It doesn't have to cost more money to make minor changes to your lifestyle and these choices can make a major difference in your quality of life. When these minor changes are multiplied by millions and millions of similar choices by like minded people, this adds up to a significant impact world-wide.