Energy Efficiency

John Avenson Residential Project, Westminster, Colorado | At 9 years old John became interested in the concept of green building on a family tour of the Colorado Indian Cliff Dwellings, where the park ranger told him that the Indians dug their caves on the side of the cliff as the winter sun kept them warm. The Avenson Residence, a single-family, detached, three-bedroom home, was built in 1981 as a research house by the Solar Energy Research Institute [SERI, the forebearer…

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Matteo & Mel (and family) after their home rebuild.

SURVIVING TRAGEDY • REBUILDING AFTER THE MARSHALL FIRE

May 20, 2024

Energy Efficient Home, Single-Family

Nova Terra / Rebeschini-Glover Residential Project, Superior, Colorado | Matteo Rebeschini and Mel Glover chose Lisa Morey’s company Nova Terra [previously Colorado Earth] located in Brighton, Colorado, to rebuild their home after the Marshall Fire destroyed it in December 2021. Matteo and Mel’s family story is compelling, including their strong desire for a home made of a high thermal mass material that would not burn and a quiet house when the high winds blow. They were very impressed with Lisa…

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David Takahashi's new home after the fire & flood rebuild.

TAKAHASHI RESIDENCE • REBUILDING AFTER FIRE & FLOOD

May 14, 2024

Energy Efficient Home, Net Zero, Single-Family

David & Emily Takahashi Residential Project, Boulder, Colorado | David Takahashi reached out to Heart of a Building with his story after watching our video episode on Rocky Mountain PBS. David and his wife, Emily’s sustainable home story began with a devastating fire. In 2010, they watched their home in Four-Mile Canyon outside of Boulder, Colorado, burn to the ground. Three years later, David watched as the canyon experienced severe flooding that damaged their new home, which was under construction after the fire.…

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Avenson House - we are within our goal. We need $1,900. Donate at our GOFUNDME page. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-sponsor-an-episode-of-heart-of-a-building

WE REACHED OUR GOAL! THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS!

March 15, 2024

Energy Efficient Building, Energy Efficient Home, Rocky Mountain PBS, Single-Family

John Avenson Home, Westminster, Colorado | Celebrate with us! Heart of a Building will showcase John Avenson and his amazing home on Rocky Mountain PBS and affiliates! Homeowner John Avenson and Heart of a Building’s Paul Kriescher, invite you to join them for a Happy Hour Kick-Off ‘Pledge Drive‘. Networking & Tour of Home from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pmProgram & Special Guests from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm John Avenson’s interview with Colorado Public Radio (CPR)• Serving appetizers, beer,…

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SIERRA GRANDE PK-12 REPLACEMENT SCHOOL PREMIERED ON RMBPS • EARTH DAY, April 22, 2023

October 20, 2022

Commercial, Energy Efficient Building

Heart of a Building’s episode on the Sierra Grande PK-12 school in Blanca, CO -airing/streaming beginning in early 2023- references “Passive House” performance standards as the guiding principles for the design and construction of this school building. To learn more about Passive House please check out the following links: Passive House US | Passive House Institute

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Better Buildings Better Society Podcast

June 1, 2022

We were thrilled to kick off June on the Better Buildings Better Society podcast. You can watch and listen here or head to their YouTube channel and see this and other great episodes. Don’t forget to subscribe! Please let us know if you have questions or would like more information about anything you heard here! From the show notes: “Without a question, we need better airtightness and better insulation. That is the best place to spend your dollars,” shares Paul…

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Can it Pass the Blower Door Test?

May 11, 2022

Even if a house looks sustainable, you have to ask, “Can it pass the blower door test?” Watch our host and founder conduct a simple blower door test on his new home to test the home’s energy efficiency. This test could tell you a lot about air leaks, where ice dams may form and give you a clue about why your energy bills are higher.

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The Ins and Outs of Energy Efficient Windows

May 7, 2022

If you are building a new home or looking to make your home more energy-efficient, you may be thinking about windows. Up to 30% of household energy is lost through windows, and depending on age and maintenance, losses can amount to much more. Energy-efficient windows can be a costly investment, so understanding which windows are suitable for your home is essential and not relatively as easy as one, two, three. Here’s the rundown on energy-efficient window basics. Getting to know…

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Making You, Your Home, and Your Office Gentler on Mother Earth!

April 11, 2022

With Earth Day fast approaching, many are looking for ways to lower their carbon footprint and save money. Fortunately, no matter the age of your home or office, there are lots of small changes that will yield significant results when it comes to being kind to the planet and your wallet at the same time. Changing anything about your existing home or office takes money and/or “sweat-equity,” so understanding that investing a little bit of your time, efforts and/or money…

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My Net Zero Home Got Me Through a Wisconsin Winter

January 25, 2022

Energy Efficient Building, Single-Family