Longmont, Co. Solargon 30 Bedroom Suite

 The masons are finishing up the brick work to match the existing home now that spring is here. The drywall inside is complete and ready for interior trim to start. To see more about this project go to the web album.

Solargon 30 Project

Pictured above is a Solargon 30 project with walls and the crown beam assembly up and ready for roof panels. Attached to this is an addition which will serve as an entrance and bathroom. Assembly time was two and a half days for the walls and roof panels. "What a great way to build!", was the comment from the builder referring to the cam lock SIPs panel system. " You don't need a lot of skilled labor to put one of these Solargons up. You just set the panels up on mounted base plates and slide them together and the camlocks do the rest. "

Trellis

Trellis work began this week on the Stewart Solargon addition and the cedar 4x10's are shown being installed over the 6x6 posts.

We then put the 3x8 prefinished cedar boards on top.

New Decks

Progress has been limited due to the winter wind and snow but the decks are coming along. The owners choice was "Evergrain" composite decking for the low maintenance. Next week we are assembling the trellis structure over the above south facing decks. If you are in the Denver area and would like to see this project please write me to schedule a tour. solargonhomes@gmail.com

Solargon - Super Insulated Homes

Stewart residence with super insulated Solargon addition. Longmont, Co.

Advantages of Super Insulated Homes:

• They conserve energy without impacting the occupants’ lifestyle.
• They are more comfortable, with no drafts, cold spots, or temperature stratification.
• They are healthier because air quality is not left to chance but is controlled and can be monitored.
• There is commonly a higher relative humidity. People who are bothered by dry house air in the winter will be more comfortable.
• They are safer because backdrafting of combustion appliances is impossible.
• They are quieter to outside noise because of thicker walls and better windows.
• They save money, frequently 75% of heating and cooling costs.
• They are more durable because of the quality of the materials used, the care in construction, and because of applied building science principles.
• They are environmentally friendly, helping to build a sustainable future.

 What does all this cost? Super insulated construction typically costs about 5-7% extra compared with conventional construction. Most of this cost is associated with better windows and doors, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, superior insulation R- value, and air sealing. A premium is almost always paid for quality, whether the product is an automobile, a consumer product, or your home. In the long run quality pays. A super insulated Solargon home will realize big savings on energy costs for the life of the home.

Source: Green Econometrics research

Figure 2 demonstrates that heating cost per square foot for good insulation saves approximately $2.90 per square foot in comparison to no-insulation at all. If we compare the heating costs savings to the cost of insulation, the payback period for insulation can be achieved in a year under most circumstances.

Note: Figures based on 1" polyurethane foam.(R-7.6) Solargon 30's use 5.5" ( R-42) of polyurethane foam. Costs and savings will be proportionally more.

 Super insulated building is now a force in the marketplace. Super insulated building practices are included in Canadian building codes and are standard practice in many parts of Europe. Changes to the Model Energy Code have been implemented by the US Department of Energy and US Department of Housing and Urban Development in this country. Monetary incentives, such as Energy Rated Mortgage which increase the borrowing power of buyers of energy efficient homes, are in place at banks right now. Programs like the Energy Star Homes Program, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, encourage builders to build Superinsulated homes and provide a rating system to evaluate energy performance.
  Consumers interested in healthy indoor environments, decreased energy costs, environmental friendly lifestyles, and quality in their homes can insure that super insulated building becomes standard practice in the US.

Write us at solargonhomes@gmail.com for information about a Solargon home.

New Decks

It has been a warm winter so far and this has allowed us to pour concrete piers which receive the 6x6 deck posts which support the trellis over the new decks.

                                                       See web album

Write me with questions.

Borowski Solargon 30-10

Longs Peak 14,259 ft. above sea level, is one of the most prominent mountains in Colorado, rising 7,000 feet above the town of Estes Park to the northeast, and 9,000 feet above the town of Lyons Colorado to the east.

This Solargon 30 with 10 ft. walls is being finished by the owner complete with decks,a loft and a low maintenance metal roof-perfect for the Rocky Mountains.With Estes Park just 4 miles away this Solargon cabin makes the perfect energy efficient mountain getaway. See More  Feel free to write me for more information at solargonhomes@gmail.com