New Energy Works Awarded New Home of the Year
Farmington, NY (May 11, 2011): New Energy Works Timberframers received Fine Homebuilding’s New Home of the Year Award for The Vermont Street Project, a sustainably designed and built timber frame home in Portland, Oregon. The home is featured in Fine Homebuilding’s 2011 HOUSES issue along with 11 finalists.
Inclusion in Fine Homebuilding’s Annual HOUSES (http://www.finehomebuilding.com/pages/020219.asp) is one of the most prestigious honors a design/build professional can receive, while winning New Home of The Year is akin to winning The World Series. HOUSES features just twelve homes out of the hundreds of applications sent in from around the globe.
Fine Homebuilding special editions editor Charles Miller comments on this year’s winner, “The house expertly balances a contemporary floor plan with traditional detailing rendered in sustainable materials. And its state-of-the-art mechanical systems will substantially lower its demand for energy and water usage for decades.”
“The Vermont Street Project is a living example of greater sustainability in a design and craft intensive home,” says Jonathan Orpin, President, New Energy Works Timber Framers (http://timberframe-postandbeamhomes.com/).
Design and construction of the project was approached with the principle that a well built home stands on four legs:
1: A long-lasting, thermally efficient structure
2: Advanced and efficient mechanical systems
3: Sustainable structural and finish materials
4: A plan tailored to the family’s needs and to carefully crafted, coherent detailing
Features include: a reclaimed Douglas fir timber frame; reclaimed elm and oak flooring; interior woodworking (link NWW) using reclaimed walnut (cabinets/interior doors); solid wood framed windows; recycled redwood siding; antique barn siding; photovoltaic panels; solar hot water panels; rainwater collection system; SIPs panels; recycled wood and cement form blocks; natural plaster wall coverings; a high efficiency boiler, and more. For details visit The Vermont Street Project (http://www.newenergyworksplatinum.com/).
Partners who collaborated on this project: Pioneer Millworks, Basco Appliance, Chown Hardware, Custom-Bilt Metals, Dimensional Millwork, Inc., ecohaus, Evolution Floors, GLD DesignStudio, Imaginenergy, Landscape East & West, Loren Nelson Photography, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Traditional Natural Plaster Company, Premier Building Systems, and Shelter Works.
New Energy Works Timber Framers have been designing and building environmentally responsible timber frames across the USA for nearly 30 years from their facilities in New York and Oregon. Offerings include: Timber Framing (design, engineering, manufacturing, build), Enclosure Systems, Fine Woodworking, Recycled and Sustainable wood products. New Energy Works has 2 LEED AP staff members, is a member of the US Green Building Council, and is FSC Certified in three categories.
For more information contact:
Jennifer Young: jennifer@newenergyworks.com, 585-924-3860
Bonin Architects Receive Merit Award for Residential Architecture
Manchester, NH - January 23, 2011 – Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC, New London, NH, received the Merit Award for Residential Architecture for their Lakefront Cottage Renovation. The project was also awarded the People’s Choice Award. Each entry is judged on overall design excellence including aesthetics, clarity, creativity, appropriate functionality, sustainability, building performance, and appropriateness with regard to fulfilling the client's program. The entries were also previewed in the January/February 2011 issue of NH Home Magazine. Winning entries will be featured in a future issue.
Residential Architecture: Lakefront Cottage Renovation
Architect: Jeremy Bonin, Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC
Client: Gerry and Sheri Weber
Merit Award and People’s Choice Award, Residential Architecture
Project Description:
Originally one of eleven cabins on “The Point”, the recently subdivided property left this and one other cabin in close proximity to the beautiful beach and lake. Removal of the ‘point’ cabin allowed for a meandering path from renovated cottage to the dock as well as substantially opening the view to the lake from the remaining cabin. A newly exposed cathedral ceiling is warm and inviting as are the reused and repositioned windows and doors for capturing lakeside views and breezes. Salvaged and refinished from the cottage are framing lumber, T&G boards and floors. Finishes and materials are low or no VOC products and even the woodstove is a found item making a new home in this beautiful location. With material reuse and minimal site impact as two principal goals throughout the design and renovation process, the resultant cabin provides for three seasons of comfortable lakefront access and family gatherings.
The 2011 jury was comprised of representatives from the State of Maine’s architecture community: James A. Sterling, AIA, Portland; Ellen Belknap, AIA, SMRT Architects, Portland; and Walter Arsenault, AIA, Fraser Matson Architecture & Planning, Falmouth.
Juror Comments: “Understated, simple, cost effective renovation. Excellent use of limited space. Restrained and authentic in use of materials and details. In some ways, this is the most appealing project …. maybe it speaks to the desire for simplicity in all of us.”
“This project was fantastic to work on,” commented Architect Jeremy Bonin, AIA NCARB LEEDAP. “It involved preservation, restoration, adaptive reuse and repurposing. The process of working with a site and existing building always presents unique challenges and opportunities for creativity in the design dictated by necessity.” Bonin Architects’ Principal Partner Kimberly Bonin added, “The owners were very considerate of the environment throughout the whole project, and took into consideration the site’s future use in site planning, as well as its historic precedent. We were thrilled to contribute toward the stewardship of the Point, a landmark on Pleasant Lake.” When asked about the key to success in the quality of this project, Jeremy Bonin commented, “In any project the first step is design itself. A careful consideration of the existing conditions of the property, the collaborative design process with the owners, and an on-going relationship between the owner, builder and architect all brought about an award-winning project.”
More photos of this project can be found on Bonin Architects & Associates website.
About The American Institute of Architects
For 150 years, members of The American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. AIA members have access to the right people, knowledge, and tools to create better design, and through such resources and access, they help clients and communities make their visions real. www.aia.org
Cabin Creek Timber Frames Launches New Website
Franklin, NC - November, 2010: Leading timber frame company Cabin Creek Timber Frames is proud to announce they’ve released a new website spotlighting their more than 15 years of excellence in custom timber framing throughout the United States.
The dramatically redesigned site, www.cabincreektimberframes.com, is user-friendly and highlights Cabin Creek’s custom homes including architectural designs, floor plans, unique additions and interior and exterior renovation projects. The site’s homepage welcomes visitors with bold new colors, a clean uncluttered design, and an upgraded photo gallery with featured content and articles to inspire lifelong learning about green building and awareness.
With the new website, visitors can browse Cabin Creek’s photo gallery to view custom frames hand built by the team at Cabin Creek Timber Frames. “Since building our first timber frame as a company 15 years ago, we’ve been dedicated to providing top quality service and craftsmanship to our clients,” says Dr. Joe Bell, owner of Cabin Creek Timber Frames, along with his wife, Miss Jo Bell. “The new website allows us to showcase examples of our fine craftsmanship and quality materials with a commitment to exceeding customers’ expectations in building their dream homes.”
Dr. Joe Bell adds, “Many customers have said building with us was an unbeatable experience and with the new website, we want to provide that same experience to more consumers. We hope that our customers will enjoy our new site and find it easy to use.”
The Cabin Creek Timber Frames facility is located in Franklin, NC and offers consumers tours of their 9,250 square feet beamery, where frames are hand cut and preassembled for exact fit before being shipped to clients’ home-sites. For more information on Cabin Creek Timber Frames visit them online at http://www.cabincreektimberframes.com, contact Dr. Joe or Miss Jo Bell at (877) 369-5899 or stop by their facility at 6624 Georgia Rd. Franklin, NC 28734
Timberpeg Regional Sales Manager and BENSONWOOD'S OBPlusWall™ Awarded Top-10 Product for 2010 by BuildingGreen
It was announced today at the GreenBuild Conference in Chicago that Bensonwood’s innovative OBPlusWall™ has been selected as one of BuildingGreen’s Top-10 Products of the Year by the editors of Environmental Building News and GreenSpec®.
Our OBPlusWall™ is now a standard on all our new offerings where R-35 performance is indicated. Along with
the superwall's extraordinary insulative properties, its advanced gaskets and fastening elements create a
tighter thermal envelope for unmatched performance. In recognizing this industry-leading design that creates superior energy-efficiency, drastically reducing heating and cooling costs, BuildingGreen also noted Bensonwood’s Open-Built® system that disentangles the layers of the home.
In addition to the OBPlusWall™, Bensonwood is continuing to roll out innovative and customizable home plans. Recently we unveiled the modern
Alliance™ Series and we are continuing to expand our offerings within our
Lifestyle, and
Unity Series. Fifteen of these homes are pre-designed for maximum value, and 10 plans within the Lifestyle and Unity series are
net-zero capable.
Timberpeg Regional Sales Manager and Independent Representative featured on Morning News Program
Timberpeg Regional Sales Manager, Bonnie Capwell, joined Independent Representative, Don Wolkins of Raven's Nest and Co, July 30, 2010 on Omaha, Nebraska's "The Morning Blend." The duo talk about Timberpeg's pairing with lakeside community Raven's Nest to provide high-end construction in a beautiful wooded location, rare in the Cass County,NE area. The homes feature vaulted ceilings, open-floor plans, walls of windows and energy efficiency. To see what Bonnie and Don had to say, view the interview on The Morning Blend's website by clicking here.
About Timberpeg
For over 34 years, Timberpeg has designed and delivered over 3,000 timber frame packages. Residential or light commercial structures; east and west coast plants; on-staff architect and structural engineer; Independent Representatives nationwide.
Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc. wins GuildQuality's 2010 Guildmaster Award with Distinction
LITITZ, PA, May 3, 2010
Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc., a leading timber frame company in Lititz, PA, announced today that the company has been awarded a 2010 Guildmaster Award with Distinction for exceptional customer satisfaction. Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc. was one of 139 home builders, remodelers, developers and contractors throughout North America recognized for their superlative performance. Their customer report can be viewed here: Customer Report for Lancaster County Timber Frames
“While we have always strived to exceed the expectations of our clients it was only after engaging with GuildQuality, an independent third party evaluator, that we could measure our success with verifiable data.” Says Tonya Zaya, President at Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc.
About Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc.
Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc. is a highly regarded timber frame company whose work has appeared on the cover of a dozen magazines. The company’s projects have received numerous local, state, national and international awards. More information can be found at www.lancotf.com.
About GuildQuality
North America’s best builders, remodelers, contractors and real estate developers rely on GuildQuality’s customer satisfaction surveying to help them monitor and improve the quality of their service.
About the Guildmaster Awards
Once a year, GuildQuality recognizes exceptional customer service with the Guildmaster Awards. Visit the Guildmaster section of the GuildQuality website to see information about all 2010 Award Winners and read about the award qualifications.
For more information, visit www.guildquality.com or contact marketing@guildquality.com
Normerica's Timber Frame Day Lodge will host the Snowboard and Freestyle Skiing competitions of the 2010 Winter Olympics
This incredible 48,000 square foot building is the first large permanent structure of its type within the Cypress Provincial Park. The massive timber frame building is designed to reflect the beautiful mountain terrain of the site and is enveloped with Normerica’s environmentally sensitive, highly efficient, insulated wall and roof systems. The design features six large gables to provide an enormous expanse of windows through which to enjoy the mountain vistas surrounding the base area of Cypress Mountain.
Taking on such an enormous task within a very tight time frame would be a huge undertaking for most companies but it’s all in a days work for the all-Canadian owned Normerica. “We have designed and built large commercial structures, clubhouses and resorts all over the world for more than 30 years,” says President David McFarlane. “This is what we do and we do it well.”
Beyond winning awards for these fabulous timber frame buildings, Normerica receives even greater accolades in the form of return business. Many customers come back a second or even a third time.
The Cypress Creek Day Lodge will provide skiers with a 600 seat cafeteria, the Crazy Raven Bar & Grill, a 208 seat pub, two semi-private meeting rooms seating 10-to-12 people each and a third floor mezzanine level suitable for private functions. The lower level includes the sales and information office, rentals, snow school, retail and public washrooms.
About Normerica
Since 1979, Normerica has been setting the standard for exceptional timber frame structures in Canada and around the world. Normerica’s unique system offers state-of-the-art design engineering coupled with traditional handcrafted quality. Initially established as Upper Canada Post & Beam, Normerica has created thousands of extraordinary buildings that each showcase the warmth and integrity of the timber frame structure, which is at once both modern and timeless. Normerica is located 1/2 hour north of Toronto, just east of Aurora. For more information, please visit www.normerica.com.
Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc. Named to the Exclusive 2009 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
NEW YORK, August 12, 2009 -- Inc. magazine today ranked Lancaster County Timber
Frames, Inc. (LCTF, Inc.) on its third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's
fastest-growing private companies. For LCTF, Inc, this is the second time to be ranked on the
Inc. 5000. The list not only represents the most comprehensive look at the most important
segment of the economy (America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs), but it also serves as
a unique report card on the U.S. economy.
Despite the ongoing recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually
increased to $214 billion, up $29 billion from last year. With the third edition of the Inc. 5000,
business and economic headlines can start to be seen and trends are forming. In 2007,
construction and manufacturing industries occupied the number one and number two positions
as the leading industries, each with 500 companies. These industries slipped to number three
and four last year. This year, construction and manufacturing can be found in the fourth and
fifth rank, each with less than 400 firms.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that
can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000
“Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the
best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide
variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still
expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That’s why our
list is so eagerly anticipated every year.”
Click here to read more.
Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc. Named Finalist in 2009 Best of the Web Awards
Lititz, PA (July 10, 2009) – Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc. (LCTF, Inc.) will be recognized as one of three finalists of the “Real Estate and Construction” category at Central Penn Business Journal’s 2009 Best of the Web Awards on July 27, 2009.
LCTF’s Web site, www.lancotf.com, was selected by an independent panel of judges for its functionality and usability; information and content; technical innovation; visual design and creativity; and its overall user experience.
“We are very honored to have been chosen as a finalist for this award. Over the years, we have attempted to create a website that is informative, inspiring, and entertaining without being overbearing and/or difficult to navigate.”—Amy Good
The Best of the Web awards luncheon will be held as part of the Internet Summit event taking place on Monday, July 27, 2009, at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center in Camp Hill, PA from 7:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The summit will begin with morning presentations from Web experts on topics including social media marketing, e-mail marketing, search marketing and SEO, Web site design, as well as Disaster Recovery & Security. During breaks, attendees will have the opportunity to visit and network with exhibitors. Following the presentations will be a luncheon and the Best of the Web Awards, where finalists will be recognized and the winners of each category revealed. Awards include several industry-exclusive categories, as well as “Best e-Commerce Process,” “Best Use of Technologies,” “Coolest Web Site,” “Web Site of the Year” and “Design Company of the Year.”
The Internet Summit and Best of the Web Awards are programs of the Central Penn Business Journal and are sponsored by D&E Communications, Inc., Embarq, Maltese Process Management, and
TECHQuest Pennsylvania. For more information or questions about either program, contact Colleen Jones from the Central Penn Business Journal at (717) 236-4300 or ColleenJ@journalpub.com.
Despite housing market woes, Portland company to build area¹s first LEED H Platinum timber frame.
Oregon’s first LEED H Platinum timber frame candidate is being built on an urban flag parcel in SW Portland, just 200 feet off of busy Vermont Street. Aptly named the Vermont Street Project, this ultra-eco home will serve as both show home and studio for New Energy Works Timberframers. The public is invited to watch the timber frame “raising” on Saturday, May 2 between 9 am and 3 pm at 5078 SW Vermont Street. Visit newenergyworks.com/vermontstreet.
Jonathan Orpin, owner of New Energy Works says, “A raising is a special event, celebrating both craft and shelter. It’s especially significant to us as it marks our commitment to grow our business in Oregon.”
The company will be showing the home during the entire construction process and after, starting with the raising event on May 2. Once completed, visitors will be invited to tour the home, even stay onsite at the design studio/apartment. Several local manufacturers are also involved in the project, including Imagine Energy; Shelter Works, Chown Hardware, and MP Plumbing. In addition Kolbe Windows & Doors and Pioneer Millworks are participating.
This project is the result of nearly three decades in the business of custom timber work and environmentally sensitive construction. It is a collaboration of craft intensive design/build team members, reclaimed and natural materials, energy efficient materials, and recent technologies. It is a hybrid timber frame structure with a series of integrated and innovative sustainable building systems, including structural insulated panels, cellulose insulation, quality wood windows, and reclaimed and sustainably harvested wood for structure and finish. A few less common products are also being used, like the foundation system made from de-mineralized wood fiber (manufactured in Philomath), rainwater catchments systems, a living roof, and a heating system that includes solar-assistance and ultra-high efficiencies.
VT Green Architects Bonin Architects & Associates offering free seminar in Brattleboro, Vermont on building a new home with SIP Panels
Brattleboro, VT: Green architects Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC announces an Open House Tour and Free Seminar on Building a Home with SIP Panels, to be held Saturday, May 16th in Brattleboro, Vermont. SIP panels can reduce energy costs up to 50% when combined with other energy efficient building materials; therefore, this is a must-attend event for home buyers interested in building a new energy efficient home.
Seminar topics include structural insulated panel compositions, R-Values, designing a home with SIPs, the benefits of building a home with SIP Panels, and the construction process. Speakers include green architect Jeremy Bonin, a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED Accredited Professional, and Kevin Smith from The Murus Company. Bonin is an acclaimed author and is frequently invited as a guest speaker at green events. As an owner of his own concrete company, Smith became a believer in SIPs when he built his own timber frame home and enjoyed the energy efficiency of the panels firsthand. Ten years ago, he left his concrete business to work in the structural insulated panel industry.
Following the seminar, guests are invited to tour a local Brattleboro, Vermont 2,800 square foot home built with Murus structural insulated panels.
The Free Seminar will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Express, 100 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro, Vermont, from 10:00 AM – Noon, and the open house tours will be conducted from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM. Homeowners will be available at the open house for questions.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 603-504-6009 or visit www.boninarchitects.com/upcomingevents.html <http://www.boninarchitects.com/upcomingevents.html> to register.
About Bonin Architects & Associates: Bonin Architects & Associates, licensed in NH, MA, PA, ME, NY, RI, and VT, specializes in green homes, particularly in SIP Panels, timber frame, post and beam, and energy efficient conventional homes. The Murus Company is a leading manufacturer of structural insulated panels, a high performance insulation system which significantly reduces heating and cooling energy loads by providing a highly energy-efficient, secure building envelope.
DIY Home Energy Audit
The first step to saving energy and money around the house is to find out how much you are already using.By: Brian Clark Howard, thedailygreen.com
Energy costs continue to rise, placing ever-greater pressure on households. And the energy you use to heat and cool your home is a large part of your carbon footprint.
By knowing what to look for, you can conduct your own home energy audit. Here's how to get started:
1. Get to Know Your Energy Bills
Bills are never fun, but don't forget that they contain valuable information along with the pain. Compare your heating and cooling costs by month for as many years past as you can, and look for trends in usage or obvious changes. Do you see any spikes? Can you remember why? Your utility can make older bills available to you by calling customer service.
Note both the kilowatt hours you are typically using as well as the amount your utility is charging per KWH. Get to know what it is that you are paying for every month.
2. Locate Air Leaks
Simple leaks can sap home energy efficiency by 5 to 30% a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So take a close look at places where two different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys, where pipes or wires exit and along the foundation. Make sure good seals form around doors and windows, and that no mortar is cracked. Any gaps or holes should be plugged and/or caulked.
Use the incense test: carefully (avoiding drapes and other flammables) move a lit stick along walls; where the smoke wavers, you have air sneaking in. And heating or cooling sneaking out.
Make sure the floor of your attic, including the hatch, is insulated, and that the material isn't crumbling or compacted, which means it has lost its effectiveness. Similarly, check your basement ceiling, as well as basement walls. Hot water pipes and furnace ducts should be insulated. So should exterior walls (determine this by carefully removing the cover from a power plug, or drill a small hole in the back of a closet).
If you live in snow country, a simple test of insulation levels is to see if snow melts from your roof faster than from neighbors' roofs. If so, you are probably losing too much heat.
If you find any problems, call in a professional, or go DIY and buy some fresh insulation yourself. READ MORE about green building ->
TFBC Member Earns Green Advantage® Certification
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. is pleased to announce that Amy Cornelius, LEED-AP has earned Green Advantage® Certification. Intended primarily for individuals working in the construction industry, Green Advantage® complements and supports the LEED program. A LEED Innovation Credit can be granted if a significant percentage of a project's building force is Green Advantage Certified prior to the commencement of construction.
"Many of our commercial clients are involved in LEED projects. Amy sought certification to strengthen her knowledge and to support our client's efforts. We plan to now send the rest of our staff to give them a working knowledge of green construction planning and practice and to give them a stronger understanding of the LEED-NC program." said Hugh Lofting.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc has long encouraged clients to incorporate passive solar and high R-value insulation into their designs. "Many of our clients are well versed in green building techniques and we are seeing a significant increase in demand for recycled and FSC certified timbers." says Lofting.
For more about the Green Advantage® program see www.greenadvantage.org.
Saving consumers money on their electricity and protecting the environment has created the need for ENERGY STAR recognition, and Bonin Architects is proud to be able to recommend energy efficient products to their clients. Bonin Architects is dedicated to educating consumers on renewable energy systems such as solar energy, geothermal, and wind power, as well as energy efficient choices for lighting, appliances, and technology.
Once you've designed the perfect, cozy timber home, here are some hints on how to finish it off in a welcoming way.
By: Leah Kerkman, Timber Home Living
Five timber home decorating ideas from Sara Potaker, interior decorator and owner of Ansley Interiors in Crested Butte, Colorado:
