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A great idea.  I just spoke to someone the other day about remodeling and her choice would be go go as green as possible...solar, total energy efficient products, etc.  Keep the ideas flowing on this blog!

maybe SIPS should be considered as one of the greatest option.:)

also DIY solar roof panel is doable by handy person. check online in google and youtube.

Leon

SIPS are an excellent choice to build a home with; however, the cost to use them are still higher than more conventional methods.  In my opinion, if you have a simple, straight forward building shell in mind, this system will be worth every penny.  If you plan to have many different roof lines and windows in non-typical locations, this system will create issues that will drive costs up quickly.  Choosing SIPS needs to be a priority before you design your home, then you will realize its advantages.

I specify spray-foam insulation into every project that can afford it.  The insulation is similar to the insulation in SIPS.  I like Hand-framing a home, and getting back to "old-school" framing techniques.  With new sprayfoam technology, we can save energy and lumber, and create beautiful and interesting spaces.  In my same breadth, I'll add that architecture is always in the details, and simple forms created with SIPS will probably become the home I build for myself, someday...soon!

Chad

interesting, would you please provide more information about spray-foam?

To me, it seems that SIP systems are more pre-fabricated in factory, thus you can save labor cost on site, while still can get high energy efficiency home.

My concern to spray-foam insulation is the labor and technical skills a DIY home builder needs to have...

I'll be testing out energy monitoring software shortly that allows you to measure your consumption within the frameworks of some of other products. I'll keep you posted.

SIPS do save lumber and provide excellent thermal protection as long as proper seals occurr at the seams.

SIPS are not really a DIY product, unless you have the time and tools to make it happen.  Experience with this building product goes a long way toward efficiency.

Spayfoam, on a large scale, not the spraycan type, is certainly not a DIY product either.  Good Installers are hard to find.  When its being installed (spayed), you need to watch the installer carefully and touch up many spots that are likely inadequate.  Review their work at least twice, BEFORE they leave the jobsite or clean up tools.

Chad...so great to finally meet you last night at LinkedIN.

Can you tell a little more about the sustainable building in downtown Green Bay.  I was very intrigued to hear about the rooftop gardens, in-unit composting, and other exiting "green" projects happening right here in our own community.  PS I passed along your name to my friend running for city council.  Everyone in District 7...vote for Ned Dorff :-)

I'm designing the renovation for a 108 yr old building into 6,000 sf street level commercial space and 8 Chicago style urban lofts ranging from 1450 sf to 3600 sf.  Private Cobblestone alleyways will lead you to a modern glass vestibule attached to the historic vine-filled facade.  11' ceilings pervade all spaces, all units will enjoy multiple historic brick walls within their homes, 3 units will have 2nd floor lofts spaces within them.  Small exterior balconies over sidewalk will be included with each unit.  A 3,400 sf roof is usable by all owners and will include gardens for tenants to grow some food, herb, and flowers; as well as, a place to have pretty large gatherings.

There is a large lobby for meetings and mail, a fitness room, storage rooms, cobblestone alleys, a huge exterior service elevator for all tenants and 2 units have private elevator access.

The condos will have a common roof top array of solar thermal panels to help heat their water.  Government and utility subsidies will decrease the cost of this system 30%, or at a cost of around $8k.

Owners will have a modern and sleek composting unit under their sink, in lieu of a garbage disposal.  You can find these at "just act natural" store in Appleton.

Bathroom sinks will capture grey water to be re-used for toilet flushing.  Sloan makes a great device for this called Sloan Healthminder AQUS Greywater system. Model #HVA6000.  All plumbing fixtures conserve more water than code permits.

Existing wood floors through out will be refinished per owners selection.

Recycled resin panels will be included as a potential design aesthetic.  These cool things can be shower enclosures, walls, cabinet doors, hinged doors, sliding doors, countertops, light shades, etc.  They can be clear, translucent, or opaque.  You can have leafs or branches, metal, cloth, or nothing infused into this resin panel.

New 1" insulated glass will replace all existing glass in the building.

The Marketing for this project will be taking off in April, if all goes well.  THe city is currently reviewing how much money will be given to the developer as TIFF incentive.

This sounds amazing.  We compost at home (behind our garage) and it is amazing how much soil we get for our garden every year.  Definitely going to check into that under the sink composting unit!  Thanks for sharing Chad...and you must meet Ned Dorff.