grid-cabin-hot-tub / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

Snowboarding pioneer and photographer Mike Basich built himself an epic Tiny off-grid cabin. Without a bedroom or bathroom per se, but equipped with a hot tub and chairlift, this gorgeous Tiny House is most perfectly situated in the heart of the Sierras.  © Mike Basich Basich began his career as one of the p...

There seems to be a design trend of trying to out-cool the previously coolest tiny house, and as long as that keeps happening we will keep having great stories and photos to share. Today's winner is the Fun Box, available for a luxurious weekend rental as of the summer of 2013. Made by Le Vertendre, the Fun Box is a 36...

To buy, or not to buy, a tiny house on wheels? That is the question... I’ve recently been looking at Tiny Homes for sale, mostly THOW's, but first, the background. As a single woman approaching the “big 3-0”, and especially with current events forcing changes in everyday life, I realize how lucky I’ve been to spend the...

We found this video at Whole Systems Design, a New England based company who identify, design, and develop human habitats. In their own words from their website : "We design and implement regenerative food, fuel, and shelter systems that operate on current solar energy. These are homesteads, farms and schools fit for a...

Energy efficient & Eco friendly swimming pools - are they even a thing?!  The current global  situation puts renewed value on staying fit and healthy, and enjoying time with our families, mostly at home. In light of that, we’re going to assume that many people will want to relax in their own pool or spa, despite th...

This is the fifth piece in a blog series written by Craig Anderson as he documents the design and construction of an off-grid LEED Gold passively-heated home. See post 1 of the off-grid homes blog here, the overview . or post 2 in the off-grid homes blog here covering design and construction choices. or here see post 3...

  Solar thermal panels in cold climates are at risk of freezing in winter, so in the North, we use a glycol mix as a heat transfer fluid. This prevents panels from freezing but introduces new problems in the summer months when they are at risk of overheating.  There are two main types of residential solar thermal heate...

So, a little background story, I always called my mom "Laurence, the guardian angel of laundry", as she can always rescue any clothes she puts her hands on. She still wears many of the same clothing basics she's had since I was born, and I never understood how.  Recently, after much pestering, she finally told me one o...

Insects & Rodents, how to show them the door... Below is a list of some of the more common rodents and insects that invade homes, and some ideas on how to rid yourself of the offending guests. We would certainly advocate for the most humane and non-toxic solutions first, but we have included other options if the hi...

This is the third piece in a blog series written by Craig Anderson as he documents the design and construction of an off-grid LEED Gold passively-heated home. See post 1 of the off-grid homes blog her, the overview . or post 2 in the off-grid homes blog here covering design and construction choices.  For better or wors...

So are skylights a good or bad idea? It has been said that there are two kinds of skylights; those that leak, and those that are going to leak. This is not a true statement, but it is one that is derived from a truth of sorts. No, not every skylight will leak, but a lot of them will and a lot are going to look like the...