Building Green From The Ground Up
Tough economic times are just that... tough! However, within the context of hard times also comes opportunity. As our country goes through this economic correction, we are all getting back to basics and reassessing our way of doing things. In short, we are planting new seeds in new, fertile ground, and signs of green are going to start popping up everywhere! I am confident that this country has the will, technology and vision to correct our course and be much better off for it in the end. |
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To that end, a great emphasis has been placed on being more energy efficient on every front. From automobiles to appliances to new building materials and techniques, we are going green, green, green! And not a moment too soon! Though it’s true we have been going through a credit crisis, which is still working itself out, and hence, a slowdown in building, demand for quality living has not waned. And as these issues right themselves, people are looking to build smarter and live smarter. It’s good for our economic health and the health of our planet. About Jerry and the CGP RatingJerry Sjoberg of Home Design Mfg. has embraced the green concept for over two decades now and has recently finished a series of classes to procure the status of Certified Green Professional (CGP). For a Certified Green Professional rating, one needs to attend 3 ten hour classes with a written test from each of the three days. Some of the subjects covered in the classes include energy efficient windows, insulated sheathing options, more sustainable siding and roofing products, foundation and whole house insulated concrete form systems, solar technologies and passive solar designs, waterproofing research and systems (particularly for basements/foundations), low flow toilets and showerheads, tankless hot water heaters, community sewage treatment facilities, manufactured floor joists, finger jointed studs, no or very low VOC paints, non-formaldehyde adhesives, recycled content carpeting, decking, insulation, improved insulation systems (both R-rating and air sealing) more energy efficient lighting and very high efficiency air filters and heat recovery or energy recovery ventilations. It’s easy to see, CGP certification covers a wide range of “green” technologies and products. Jerry received his BA in Architectural Design from SIU in 1972 along with his Commercial Pilot¹s rating from the SIU school of Aviation. He accomplished 6 years of schooling in 5 years. In the SIU school of Design, Jerry studied under R. Buckminster Fuller, the inventor of the Geodesic Dome & the Dymaxiom Air Ocean World map made up of 20 equilateral triangles which is an Icosahedron. "Bucky" was a world famous inventor, designer, ecologist, philosopher & artist. He coined the phrase a triangle is the strongest structure in the universe of which the tetrahedron (a 4 sided equilateral triangle ) is the base of all spherical geometry." Fuller's life credit works are on display now at the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Chicago until the Summer solstice. |
Pictured above: The Alpine House, Williams Bay; Lindal Design, Galena, IL; Geneva Lake Queen Ann Victorian – Kayes Park; Whitewater Lakes Lindal Cedar Home |
Go Natural with LindalJerry Sjoberg is a certified Lindal Cedar Home dealer and has built many, many custom Lindal Cedar homes in southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Lindal and Jerry work together closely to ensure a quality built, energy efficient and environmentally-friendly home. Lindal Cedar Homes, established in 1945, is the largest designer and manufacturer of custom cedar homes in the world. Lindal Cedar Homes are sold through a network of independent, trained business people. They share the manufacturer’s 63 years of experience with home buyers addressing everything from design and pricing to building codes and financing. Environmental consciousness has been a cornerstone of Lindal Cedar Homes long before green was keen. In the 70’s they encouraged passive solar homes and were dedicated to the use of thermal glass and larger roof overhangs for shade. They encouraged ‘under-grounding’ and active solar systems. The goal at Lindal is to ensure sustainability for generations to come. One of the ways they contribute towards that goal is to fund the planting of thousands of trees each year more than enough to replace the material used in their homes, and they¹ve been doing this since the mid 90’s. Rising energy costs, climate change, and a new social awareness is bringing the focus back to the subject of construction and the environment. So if you are interested in learning more about this subject and other building related topics, sign up for the Lindal Experience electronic bulletins to learn more about how to build Green with Lindal in regards to your:
Additional topics in Lindal’s monthly Bulletins will include:
Organic ArchitectureJerry’s favorite great architect is Frank Lloyd Wright. He is the gentleman that said “Let Nature be part of your home and work with local material to form organic architecture.” I strive to be one with the environment. You can experience this in our 20 acre white oak and evergreen nature preserve forest where I have nestled in my model Home-Studio and Design Center workshop, located N2002 Hwy 67 Fontana, WI. Green from the Ground UpJerry Sjoberg’s commitment to building green goes far beyond just choosing environmentally-friendly materials, it involves a comprehensive vision of the project from the ground up, to, and including, yes... even the Sun. Or you might even say, especially the Sun! Jerry is very cognizant of the seasons and how the Sun changes angle via the summer and winter solstice and understanding and taking advantage of its ‘angle of incident.’ Knowing how this will affect your building project is essential when your objective is to blend with Nature. Maximizing the effects of the sun in relation to energy savings is an essential part of the green endeavor, and Jerry begins with analyzing the building site, placing the building in the proper position, and designing it with the correct size overhangs, properly placed windows and doors and so much more. All of these factors work in concert to accomplish the ultimate goal of energy efficiency. Match these objectives to a design that blends well with what Mother Nature provides, and is also designed with the lifestyle of the owners in mind, and you have a win/win scenario. When building a new home or outdoor project, you are in the best position to make many green choices from the start that will prove beneficial to the environment in years to come. Here are just a few tips to consider when making these decisions:
A Healthy ChoiceJerry also places a special emphasis on building a healthy structure. “I won’t use OSB (oriented strand board). I only use plywood,” says Jerry. “The extra cost is really very minimal and it’s a much healthier choice. OSB emits toxic gases, so I just don’t use it,” he adds. “My goal is to build a healthy, nature-friendly home that even your grandchildren will enjoy.” Other building standards Jerry adheres to are 2x6 exterior walls yielding R20 insulation factor along with double caulking (inside and out) of windows and the taping of door and window flanges to keep moisture, and thus, mold out of the structure. Jerry also emphasizes that they use 14” roof rafters instead of 12’, giving a full 3’ of air space above the insulation cavity, again yielding better energy efficiency and protecting the home from condensation. Additions, Remodeling & More!Home Design Mfg. has recently placed a special emphasis on their outdoor projects. Jerry and his team can design and build any outdoor project you might have in mind. The company not only builds Lindal Cedar Homes from start to finish, but also is known for their quality additions, sunrooms, decks, windows and more. If you are thinking of “going green” with your next project, Jerry Sjoberg and his crew of ten can bring it all together for you. For further information, phone or visit Jerry Sjoberg at Home Design Mfg., at N2002 Hwy 67 in Fontana. 262-275-2200. Or visit their web site at: www.HomeDesignMfg.com Home Design Mfg. is located on Hwy 67, Fontana. Phone 262-275-2200 for more information or a project consultation. Thank you. |
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