Prefab energy efficient and highly affordable homes

Jetson Green Daily Update

Stillwater Dwellings Launches Green Contemporary Prefab Homes

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:45 PM PDT

If you didn't already know, or couldn't already tell, we're seriously interested in the prefab world.  Showing off new companies and innovative homes is what we do, so it's our pleasure to talk about a relatively new company on the scene: Stillwater Dwellings.  The Seattle-based company was founded by two architects and one builder/developer about eight months ago, and they're going to break ground on the first home in Bend, Oregon this month.  Stillwater put a lot of work into elucidating the "all-in" construction costs of a home, and they're targeting prices in the range of $130 - 195 psf -- quite competitive really for the prefab market.  They also have a refreshing philosophy about how to do things; these are their fundamental beliefs:

• Quality, contemporary, prefab homes don't need to be expensive;
• Building a new home should be fun, not stressful;
• Eco-friendly building is not a luxury, it's our responsibility;
• Construction costs can (and should) be predictable; and
• Less house is more home. 

Stillwater offers predesigned homes in the sd-s (Stillwater Series) and sd-m (Stillwater Mini) lines, and more flexible, custom designs in the sd-i (Interchangeable Series).  The sd-s features homes ranging in size from 870 to 2,950 square feet, while the sd-m features simple, compact homes from 370 to 585 square feet.  If you're a little more adventurous, the sd-i series includes 34 pre-designed main living, bedroom, and connector modules that fit together with a universal connector.  Stack and fit together the modules as you like to create something custom. 

Regardless of whether you go with an sd-s, sd-m, or sd-i prefab home, all designs include soaring butterfly rooflines, interior/exterior lightshelf visors, plate steel entry canopies, and efficient layouts that blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living.  I personally can't wait to see a few Stillwater Dwellings built, but what do you think?

Rendering credit: Stillwater Dwellings.

New Survey: Consumers Want to Save Money Not the Planet

Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:52 PM PDT

The Shelton Group just published results of a January 2009 telephone survey of 500 people, and the basic idea is this: Consumers are more interested in saving money than they are in saving the planet.  When asked why they would consider buying energy-efficient products, 71% said they would do it to save money, 55% to save the environment, and 49% to protect the quality of life for future generations.  With the economy as it is, the results aren't surprising, but in prior years, consumers actually said they were primarily interested in saving the environment.  Those consumers, though, they sure can flip flop -- there's probably nothing worse than a consumer with no scruples, so maybe we'll see a return to earthly altruism in the future.  While we're waiting, here's what else the study found:

After learning they would save money over the long term, consumers indicated they would likely invest in some of the following energy-efficient measures:

• 44% would buy a programmable thermostat;
• 43% would install insulation in their homes; and
• 42% would install a high-efficiency water heater. 

With regard to green actions or behaviors, consumers are doing some of the following:

• 73% turn off lights, unplug things, turn off power strips;
• 71% adjust thermostat/hot water setting to save energy;
• 57% replace incandescent lights with CFLs;
• 57% buy Energy Star appliances and equipment; and
• 52% complete energy-efficient home renovations.  

But watch out, consumers aren't so good with some of the following:

• 13% install natural, indigenous, and low-water landscaping;
• 10% telecommute to work;
• 9% participate in the utility's green power program; and
• 6% buy carbon offsets for plan trips or for home. 

Any thoughts?

[=] Utility Pulse 2009 [PDF] at The Shelton Group.