Dec
10
Finishing Details
From water-collecting rain barrels to soy-based spray foam insulation, discover the eco features that make this year’s HGTV Green Home exceptional.
Got a great green idea of your own? Post pics right here.
There's Jack waving from the tower stairs window….just like many had guessed.
The cold temps have really hit a lot of the midwest and the eastern states. The insulation being shown came at a needed time for many who want to think of WARMing thoughts.
I like seeing the pinecones in the first photo. Our neighbors' evergreen shed some of its cones into our backyard. I decided to used them as "natural" decorations on our tree. So….I see some new decorations available for the winner's mantel next year!
Thank you Mary for posting all those great pictures! It is wonderful to see all the care that is going into the construction of the 2010 Green Home. The low maintenance siding and decking are beautiful choices, and I especially love that pine ceiling in the tower! This is going to be such a lovely and cozy home for some very lucky winner! By the way, I noticed three very large rocks in the foreground of the latest construction camera photos on the Pro Site. Are these going to be used in the landscaping?
looks like another successful green home construction… I'm looking forward to more photos of the landscaping and interior finishes.
Jack – I knew you were in the tower (Photo #6)…waving back atcha!
Mary – Thanks so much for the photos….just beautiful…lovin' it!
It is a bit nippy here in PA today. I sure could use some of the soy insulation blown into my 100+ year old home!
I love the Azak decking…it will never rot like wood porches, never need painting, and those annoying scuff marks would never be a problem again…TERRIFIC!
Love it…keep them coming!
Living the Dream!
Very nice. I wish they would update the Green Cam, so we could see the big picture. The tree in the picture must have been transplanted. The original site looked like it was stripped bare. Like Lynn I could sure use that soy insulation in my 110 year old house in Oregon. Highs in the 20s & 30s the past week are miserable in a leaky old house.
Thanks for the exterior finish photos, MARY. First impressions: I'm intrigued by the BodyGuard wood trim—since it's warranted for 30 years against decay, I think it's something I could sure use—as a spray-on body formula, perhaps?
And yes, in photo #6, there's Jack T in his infamous tower window pose. I assume that, as opposed to the four tower walls during construction, Jack was not forklifted into place, but rather took the stairs.
Now, on to photo #8, the oak wine barrel with brass spigot for water collection. That would come in very handy on hot summer days—simply fill the keg with your drink of choice, run a hose to your patio lounge chair, and enjoy liquid refreshment as needed. How perfect!
All in all, this Green Home is going to be a very sought-after prize. I can't imagine missing a single day's entry!
What more can be said, except that Plymouth Rocks! Bravo, and now, for the encore, let's see what surprises are in store for us after Linda Woodrum and Friends work their magic on the interior.
Random Thoughts from a Potential Pinehills Pilgrim Dreaming of a Picture Perfect Prize.
Love the windows! Will make more comments when I return. Gotta go now.
I'll try not to complain anymore about recent temps in S CA!
Speaking of the weather these days, is it a bit too chilly in Plymouth? Maybe it's time to visit the 72 acre Franklin Park Zoo's indoor Tropical Forest, with thousands of plants and hundreds of animals—a must see is the gorilla exhibit. Innovative and intimate, visitors can stand virtually face-to-face with the Zoo's seven Western Lowland Gorillas. (Christmas gift exchange is optional!)
The Zoo is located in, where else, Boston's Franklin Park!
Of course, a drive by the 2010 Pinehills Green Home is still in order, but definitely no monkey-business or unauthorized peeking allowed!
Plymouth Rocks!
Couldn't forget to comment on the New England fall color foliage shown in the roof shingle photo #3. Southern California's palm trees are stately, but they can't match those beautiful autumn colors of colder climates.
Still, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with snow in our mountains to give jaded Californians a sense of winter's wonderland.
Time for a drive up into the nearby peaks for a taste of real Christmas weather and some playtime in Julian, or even Idyllwild, both charming mountain communities with unique year-round attractions.
I'm Dreaming of a Turquoise Christmas!
If you make it to Julian have a piece of their famous apple pie for me Coop. It's been a long time since I have experienced Julian. You could stop in the Santa Isabella bakery, before you climb the mountain and savor the fresh baked bread odors too. If it gets much colder up here I may have to move back to Ramona!!!
Question: Why use to types of insulation–soy and fiberglass? What's the advantages of each?
Why rubber hot and cold water pipes in the bathroom? Are they used anywhere else?
About those windows, which I love, there seems to have been great attention to insulating the home. Will all the windows affect heating and cooling in any way?
Yipee!!! Hooray!!! We not only received an update, we get to enjoy wonderful pictures to boot!!! THank you!!! I love the New England field stones on the fireplace and the colors of the home, trim and porch!! It is so what I have always envisioned in a home!! I love white!!! Amazing wood planks are being used on the Tower ceiling. And the Green technology being used is some of the best available! I would like more information on what type of coated copper roofing material was used on the porch and tower. I am sure that HGTV used the new, eco-conscious product that has recently become available to prevent toxins in the soil and rain barrels. I am imaging myself enjoying one of those Mint Juleps that Marie is always talking about!! I know that once she see these pictures, she is going to run and put on her "Scarlet O'Hara" Dress, mix up a few Mint Juleps and then use her very best Southern accent to say "My, my this is my very best Green Dream Home, that I have had dreams of for numerous years"! Coop, it looks like California is getting pounded!! We are in the high 80's and still no cool air… I need some cool air to put up the Christmas tree today!! And I agree with you….. The colors of the trees in Plymouth are breathtaking!! Ed, stay warm… Maybe, we should send you a snuggie or slanket for your computer time, HGTV watching time and sneaking to the fridge time!! Lynn, it is a Dream Green Home!! And I can't believe that we were all correct about Jack's location!! I think that we are all dreaming of walking up those stairs to peek at the views through those amazing windows in the Tower!! Lessie, Great questions.. I have a few answers for you… but, I will let Gail or Mary get those answers for you!! I am sure that you want to hear from them!! Love life by living green and having a dream!!! A Green Dream!!!
Katydid, I posted a few books for your Grandson on the previous thread.. I hope that you get the information. If you need additional books, I will ask my Son for a few when he returns from school… or you can also visit scholastic online; they will give you books by reading level.. plus, they have great specials and your Grandson can earn his AR points for school.
I'll get my camera out and head over for full house photos – see if I can figure out how to get the pictures available for viewing – any suggestions or help getting them somplace to see will be apreciated……..
BBSteve, thanks for taking the time to get pictures for us Hopefuly you'll find a place to post them.
Renee loves and lives green, I value your opinions. Please feel free to share them!
What's with all this cold weather we're getting here in CA? It's 15 degrees colder than normal for this time of year. It does make it feel it a bit more like Christmas, but I'll get over that real quick!
It's time this cold and rain left for the Midwest and Northeast where it belongs! When I left for my cruise, it was in the 80's, and I came home to the 50's—no time to adjust, just fire up the central heat and pile on the layers of clothing.
Happy Holidays—Red, Green, and Gold!
Today's weather, compliments of Show Me, to whom such statistics are of vital import (why, I don't know!)—expected high today at the Green Home in Plymouth, MA is 29! For the Dream Home in Sandia Park, NM, the high will be a toasty 35!
Well, as they say, when the weather outside is frightful, sitting by a cozy fire's so delightful….so, let it snow, let it snow, let is snow.
In the meantime, I'm bundling up to venture outside into our own unseasonably cold S CA weather, where it's currently struggling to get into the mid 50's. At least the sun has broken through the clouds for the time being.
Another Chilly Pinehills Pilgrim Pining for Phuket's tropical sunshine!
Good luck with your scouting mission, BBSteve. Thousands of anxious viewers are waiting at the edge of their seats!
Renee, I found your post and the books sound delightful. I'm going to search for them now. Thanks so much!
Haven't had time to catch up on all the posts, but would never want to let you down and not leave my MGTOTD:
For added crunch with fewer calories, use cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs to coat fish fillets. Not only do cornflakes contain fewer calories than breadcrumbs, they are less absorbent and give a lighter covering, so will absorb less oil.
Happy cooking my friends!!! I'll catch up tomorrow when I get home!!
Whew, good thing you checked in with an MGTOTD, Marie Miller. All of your blogger fans were beginning to get worried—thought we might have to send out an APB for a Southern Belle traveling about in a horse and carriage. Who would believe us?
Thanks for another Pinehills Pilgrim Ph-ish Tale!
Now we can look forward to some exciting details of the Green Home interior ph-inish coming soon. No crumbs or flakes please, just the facts, photos, and figures for inquiring minds that want to know.
Plymouth Rocks!
Excellent photos and updates. It was a long wait, but great features now exposed.
That decking should be something. It's a newer arrival and I know the basics as they are quite a few different manufacturers with this type recycleable decking. The windows are just perfect. I love square and transoms. I'm trying to imagine all that sand everywhere as it's got to be so different to work with. I lived all around it, but never directly on it as this home seems to be. The siding, the eaves, the lights seen as I see it very traditional and nice placing.
I have question: Why all the various types of insulation? Soy based chosen in tower as stipulated for air filtration? Fiberglass, with vapor barrier and other fiberglass without vapor barrier? Foam insulation at and around electrical? Foam elsewhere? Please explain so it can be divulged.
Love the water hand pump, not have seen one in years and years.
I'm sure the builder has done the energy calcs, and all those windows will add beauty, interest, and great views to the Green Home without significantly reducing its insulation values.
Still, a good question for our Super Fan GAIL to investigate!
The insulation question is definitely an intriguing one, and I bet GAIL will be the one to bring us all of the answers. The soy based foam insulation is a new product for me. Curious to know what else goes into it to give it the insulating quality.
Living Lean and Going Green!
Mary: Thank you for giving me ten more reasons why I love the DH2010! The photo gallery is wonderful…from the completion of the framing, to the control air infiltration in the third-floor tower! I love the attention to detail! Like, the Andersen windows reducing the heating and cooling demands; the Maintenance-free exteriors and prefinished interiors; the Energy Star-rated shingles by CertainTeed; the metal roofing (just beautiful with that true New England style); the solar panels that have been installed on the tower; the side walls with both white cedar shingles and cedar clapboards; the porch ceilings and overhangs crafted with beadboarding; the three-story tower with Jack in the window (does this mean he comes with the house?); the reclaimed New England fieldstone (a big WOW); the oak wine barrel to collect overflow rain water; the cement board, chosen for its water-durable and mold-resistant properties in the Master, and lastly, the soy-based foam insulation! WOW! WOW!! Much to be excited about with this fabulous Green Home 2010!!! Okay, eleven reasons to Gream about the magnificient home!!!!
I do have a green idea: How about starting a neighborhood food sharing program? I've heard of neighborhoods where residents who grow their own vegetables share with each other in a very organized way. One of the challenges of growing your own food is the feast vs. famine scenario! At certain times you'll have far too much of a certain veggie, and none of another variety. People in food sharing programs get together and figure out who will be planting what and when, and share the harvest with each other. It's a great way to cut food waste and ensure a steady supply of fresh fruit and vegetables! Sharing is not only a great way to lessen your impact on the environment, but can also save you money!
Shall we have a garden planted for the next Green Home winner?
A very wise and green idea, Marie, especially if the neighbors will cook the homegrown foods for me before sharing!
I'll be more than willing to share my bountiful crop of grapefruit, lemons, and oranges. (Well, actually the orange tree is just getting a start on life, with a total of 3 oranges produced this season! However, the grapefruit and lemon trees produce prolifically.)
My green tip of the day: juice all of the excess citrus as it ripens, freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes into freezer bags. That way, you can use them to flavor drinks or make your own "fresh" citrus juice year round.
Eleven reasons, Marie? Why not make it a baker's dozen number of reasons to love (and win) the Green Home: you'd have a tower to practice your lighthouse skills in, AND you'd become an official Plymouth Pilgrim!
Now that ROCKS!
PS—two thumbs up for the Green Neighborhood Garden idea!
Excellent citrus fruit juice Coop. Thanks.
Well, with my daughter's help, I was able to get a few pictures of the 2010 Green Home on Facebook – go to Steve Harunk, and check the 2010 Green Home album – I attempted to get a web cam view – let me know if there are any difficulties viewing the pictures – by the way, the last 2 photos are of the Market (strictly wonderful) and the adult beverage store, which are about a three minute walk from the 2010 Green Home
Marie…. Great blog that you posted.. I have a few friends here in South Florida and we always share and bring food when visiting!! We like to purchase extra at the Farmer's Market. Then when we go over for a Dinner Party we bring veggies, fruits, baked goods and homemade jams. Remember that you can always freeze fruits and veggies and just steam them or thaw to enjoy.. Do not put in the microwave… you lose all of the wonderful nutrients and add radiation. Keep it Green!! BBSteve,, thanks for sharing.. I always forget about Facebook ….now, I must go peek!! Oh.. first.. I have to go back to the Dream Home to see if the virtual tour is up!!! Love life by living green and having a dream.
Thank you reneelovesgreen: Your post is well-taken and I'm soooo happy to see that you are actually living up to your name!! Have a great day my friend!
Diamonds can be cleaned in a bit of undiluted dishwashing liquid. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse in lukewarm water to remove any detergent film. Drain on a towel and buff with a chamois. Amethysts, rubies, and sapphires can also be cleaned in this way!
Now this is a wonderful practical tip which is immediately useful. Thanks Marie.
Has everyone checked out the 360 Tour of the Dream Home? Gail has a new video asking how many windows are in the home. Be the first to post the correct answer and you'll win….the favor and gratitude of all those who are unwilling to find the answer for themselves!!!
Know that I'm included in that lazy number.
And here I thought you were busy counting windows….
Absolutely great photos of the Green Home. What a treat to see so much of the home from every angle. It really appears larger than the HGTV photos let on.
Good job, and much appreciated by all, even if many bloggers are currently distracted by the virtual tour reveal of the Dream Home.
Again, thanks for the photos. I had no problem viewing them. Well done!
I know we're all busy with the magic of the Dream Home reveal, but don't you think BBSteve did a great job with the Green Home photos?! It's clearly larger and much more attractive than I had even imagined from the cam photos.
Another exciting milestone in HGTV blogland….
Okay, so diamonds are reputed to be a girl's best friend…but special occasions sometimes call for the man to wear them as well. Diamonds are gender-blind I'm told, and look great on any hand, male or female.
So thanks for the diamond cleaning tip, Marie…and scrub ever so gently so as not to scratch the settings.
The Dream Home 2010 is giving the Green Home a run for the Green!
Wonder if the GH will ask how many windows it has. Should we start counting now?
After spending all my time engrossed in the Sandia Park Paradise, it leaves very little time, but yes, I do have time for a MGTOTD:
If you want your windows to look frosted this holiday season, just mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to 1 cup beer, and brush on the window with a small paintbrush. When you're ready to remove the "frost", just wash it off with ammonia and water!!! WOW!!
Coop… I looked and I can't find the pics… What am I doing wrong?
Marie, is there any substitute I can use for the beer? I hate the thought of using it on my windows—that's just too painful to contemplate….
Of course, you must first login to your facebook account (or create one), then in the upper right SEARCH box, type the name Steve Harunk, click go. When his main page comes up, click on his name (in bold letters), then click on the "WALL" tab, which brings up the Green Home photos. They are just great, and give super perspective on the home.
Good luck and happy prospecting!
Looking to experience yet more genuine early American history? Visit the Fairbanks House in Dedham, MA, about a 33 mile drive from the Green Home in Pinehills.
"The Fairbanks House in Dedham, MA is thought to be the oldest standing timber frame building in North America. Built circa 1637-1641 for Jonathan and Grace Fairebanke and their six children, it was home to eight generations of the Fairbanks family. The Fairbanks House is now a historic house museum, open annually May 1 — October 31."
Of course, for comfort and modern conveniences, I'll take the Green Home, but the Fairbanks House definitely has a strong draw for me.
Another Pinehills Pilgrim with Massachusetts History on his mind!