http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/ en Copyright 2008 Fri, 09 May 2008 09:52:07 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Hello and happy Friday! Just a reminder that the first HGTV Green Home Sweepstakes ends today, May 9, at 5/4c. Enter now for a chance to win a beautiful environmentally friendly home in Tradition Hilton Head, S.C. and a new GMC Yukon Hybrid. And we've got a "green" surprise coming up later today when the sweepstakes ends. Check back a little after 5/4c. http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/05/last_day_to_enter_for_a_chance_to_win_the_hgtv_green_home.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/05/last_day_to_enter_for_a_chance_to_win_the_hgtv_green_home.html Fri, 09 May 2008 09:52:07 -0500 If you could be there when we surprise the winner of the 2008 HGTV Green Home, what would you ask them? Post your question in the comments. We'll pick the best ones and send the list with our video crew when they ambush the winner for the HGTV Green Home Giveaway, airing Sunday, June 8, at 8/7c. Check back later that week for some special videos, including one where the winner answers your questions. http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/05/what_would_you_ask_the_winner.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/05/what_would_you_ask_the_winner.html Tue, 06 May 2008 09:20:06 -0500 Yesterday in our weekly Green Home meeting, one of our PR reps asked if we'd seen the Green Home article in USA Weekend. I hadn't, so I tracked it down. (National press coverage? Love it!) While I was at it, I found some other recent news articles that I thought you might enjoy reading. USA Weekend, "GreenSmart" Miami Herald, "Dreaming in Green" Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, "HGTV's Green Home" Even apartmenttherapy.com got in on the game in their blog entry, HGTV Green Home Giveaway Tour. Did your local paper or favorite website do a story? Let us know in the comments. http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/05/green_home_in_the_news.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/05/green_home_in_the_news.html Tue, 06 May 2008 07:15:40 -0500 Check out this new eco-friendly makeover Vern Yip did on Deserving Design. Eco-Friendly Living Room - After I like the way he blended green products like an organic wool rug, recycled hurricane lamps and an antique desk with non-green ones like the sofa, curtains and floors. It's a good reminder that most of us go green one step (or one rug) at a time. And darn it, I thought I'd finally decided on a paint color for my living room. After seeing the paint Vern chose for this one (Yolo no-VOC paint in Stone), I may have to change my mind! http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/05/vern_yips_ecofriendly_living_room_makeover.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/05/vern_yips_ecofriendly_living_room_makeover.html Sat, 03 May 2008 16:31:45 -0500 Building a sustainable home starts with site selection. Proper site planning can impact a wide range of factors, like energy consumption, erosion, heat reduction and transportation. Sustainable site selection is one of the key factors considered by the US Green Building Council when awarding LEED certification. The Green Home designers protected the home site's health and beauty by minimizing disturbance during building, adding erosion-reducing features and choosing native plants that are in balance with the local climate. Because the home is located in a planned community, near shops and services, residents can walk or bike to do everyday chores, reducing their dependence on cars. Shade trees and the south-facing roof are two features of the Green Home's sustainable site Here are some more features of this sustainable site: Siting the Home – The long axis of the home runs east to west, which means the south-facing windows can be used for passive solar collection and the south roof for active collection through solar panels. Permeable Pavers – The permeable pavers on the driveway, sidewalk and patio allow rainwater to naturally seep into the ground rather than running into the storm water system. Drought Resistant Landscape – Tradition engaged the landscape architecture firm of Pinckney and Associates to design a sustainable outdoor environment. Their design features native plants that are naturally drought tolerant and require less irrigation. Birds and Bees – The landscape includes birdhouses and flowering plants that encourage birds and butterflies to visit the site. Limited Turf – There are two manageably sized grassy areas, one in the front yard and one in the back. Limiting the turf around the house reduces the amount of time and money invested in maintenance and irrigation. Shade Trees – Large canopy trees will cast shade on the patios and driveway to reduce heat build-up. To learn more about sustainable site strategies, visit the National Resource Defense Council or the Whole Building Design Guide. --- The sweepstakes ends May 9! Enter now for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home Can one small step really make a difference? Find out at hgtv.com/changetheworld Ecologue: Easy Green Living http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/the_green_homes_sustainable_site.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/the_green_homes_sustainable_site.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:32:25 -0500 Want to green your home? Look for ways to make it more energy efficient. Even small changes can make a big difference: switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, for example, can reduce energy usage in lighting by up to 75 per cent. The Green Home was created with energy-efficiency in mind. Its unique combination of eco-conscious features will reduce its total energy usage by as much as 30 per cent. That’s like having a year without any power bills every four or five years. Energy-saving features of the HGTV Green Home include Energy Star appliances, high-performance windows and doors, solar panels and Energy Star lighting. Here are some of the ways that the Green Home accomplishes these savings. You can use these ideas to help reduce your home's energy consumption, too. Insulation, Insulation, Insulation – The entire house, including the attic and foundation walls are insulated. The walls and ceilings are insulated with sprayed foam that expands to fill every crevice. This is augmented with rigid insulation around the exterior. High-Performance Doors and Windows – The high-performance doors and windows used in the Green Home reduce glare and heat gain. During construction, extra flashing was added around doors and windows to help prevent leaks. HVAC System – The HVAC system has a number of features that improve efficiency: Individual Controls – The system features several zones, and thermostats in each zone automatically adjust temperature settings during the day, evening and on weekends to save energy. No CFC Refrigerant – The system does not use any potentially harmful CFC-based refrigerants. Sealed Ductwork - All ducts are sized to deliver correct airflow to each room and sealed with mastic to prevent leaks. Noise – The system is rated among the quietest available. Efficient Hot Water Distribution – The house is designed to minimize the length of hot water lines. The lines are also well insulated. This reduces energy wasted waiting on hot water at the faucet. Water Heating - Tankless water heaters save energy by only heating water when needed and providing consistently hot water. Energy Star Appliances – Using Energy Star appliances means the home consumes 10-50 per cent less energy and water than it would with standard models. Energy Star Lighting Fixtures – By using Energy Star light fixtures, the house provides excellent lighting, while reducing the amount of electricity used. Compact fluorescent fixtures are used extensively to reduce lighting loads and limit the amount of heat added to the house by lighting. Solar Power – The Green Home generates some of its own electricity with solar power. The house includes a photovoltaic (PV) system that provides about 10 per cent of its required power. --- Only two weeks left! Enter for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home Can one small step really make a difference? Find out at hgtv.com/changetheworld Ecologue: Easy Green Living http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/energy_saving_features_in_the_hgtv_green_home.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/energy_saving_features_in_the_hgtv_green_home.html Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:28:02 -0500 Happy Earth Day! Looking for new ways to honor this big planet we call home? Why not start in your own neighborhood? - Sign up at HGTV.com/changetheworld to volunteer for green projects in your community. - Type in your zip code to find local green resources from the ever-growing list at ecologue.com. - Carpool, take public transportation, bike or walk to work. - Buy food from local farmers (your taste buds will thank you). The Green Home is part of a planned community called Tradition Hilton Head, which is built around a town square. In addition to being a great place to watch concerts, play with your kids or hang out with your friends, a town square makes walking and biking easy, reducing our dependence on cars, which cuts gasoline use and decreases the space needed for parking. Rendering of Village Square, Tradition Hilton Head Village Square will be anchored by the town's food market and will feature an eclectic variety of stores, cafes and restaurants; anticipated shops include a bank, microbrewery, coffee shop, pizza parlor and hair salon. Tradition encourages homeowners to use cleaner forms of transportation by providing a golf cart with every home. And to promote a healthy lifestyle, Tradition features over 450 acres of lakes, parks and gardens, plus miles of trails for biking and walking. Golfers can play the Tradition National Golf Course, which is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses and is working toward being certified by the program. Learn more about Tradition Hilton Head For more on sustainable neighborhoods, visit the US Green Building Council's Neighborhood Development Rating System --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld Ecologue: Green Living Made Easy http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/a_green_community_for_the_green_home.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/a_green_community_for_the_green_home.html Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:29:00 -0500 Spring has sprung, and so have seasonal allergies. Improving indoor air quality can help decrease allergy and asthma symptoms and is an integral part of going green. The HGTV Green Home has a sophisticated air quality system that balances temperature, vents impurities, controls humidity and filters the air. For more tips on the Green Home's system -- and how you can improve air quality in your home -- read on. Balanced System – The design and construction team carefully sized the mechanical system and ductwork to deliver the appropriate amount of air to every room. This system monitors temperature, eliminating areas that are too cool or hot. The system also balances humidity to avoid sweaty grilles that can support mold growth. Efficient Bathroom Exhaust Fans – The exhaust fans are tied to occupancy sensors so they run only when needed to quietly remove unwanted moisture and odors from the home. Learn more about how bathroom exhaust fans improve air qualityDirt Control – It might seem like simple housekeeping, but providing a place for people to store dirty shoes helps keep a clean environment. The Green Home's central vacuum system also keeps dirt under control. A study conducted by the University of California at Davis School of Medicine shows how using a central vacuum system can greatly reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. The hook-up to the central vacuum system is located in the lower right-hand corner of the picture, under the cabinets. Sealed Garage – The garage is sealed and exhausted separately from the house. This prevents carbon monoxide, water vapor and other contaminants from migrating into living areas. High-Efficiency Filters – The system uses high-efficiency filters that remove even the smallest particles from the air. It also includes an ultraviolet air purifier that removes 98% of bacteria. Want to learn how to improve the air quality in your home? Here are ecologue.com's tips on identifying the sources of indoor air pollution. Also check out greenhomeguide.com's easy steps to cleaner air. For general information on surviving allergy season, visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld Ecologue: Green Living Made Easy http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/breathe_easy_green_home_tips_for_improving_air_quality.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/breathe_easy_green_home_tips_for_improving_air_quality.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:10:46 -0500 Your wait is over Dream Home fans! Follow Jack Thomasson to the site of the next HGTV Dream Home. As a former citizen of this part of the country, I'm totally stoked about this location. And I'm dying to know...have you been playing the scavenger hunt? How many of you figured it out from the clues? --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/jack_thomasson_reveals_the_loc.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/jack_thomasson_reveals_the_loc.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:15:10 -0500 Greetings, Green Home fans, from the Kitchen and Bath Industry show in Chicago. Talk about green! Eco-friendly products are everywhere, from Energy Star appliances to anti-microbial quartz counters. One of my personal favorites is this dual-flush mechanism that can be installed on any toilet in minutes, and can result in an instant 50% water savings in every flush. During my breaks from touring the show room floor, I've been reading your comments on the blog. Here are the answers to some of your most recent questions. Q: Can I tour the Green Home? A: You bet! Here are the basics: Public tours of the HGTV Green Home -- which is located in the Tradition Hilton Head community of Hardeeville, S.C., just outside of Hilton Head -- run March 24-May 18. Directions: Available at the Tradition Hilton Head website, www.traditionhh.com. Fee: $20/person - The fee goes to the United Way of the Lowcountry Tours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 12-5 Tickets may be purchased at the HGTV Green Preview Center, located next door to the Welcome Center at Tradition Hilton Head. The Green Preview Center highlights the eco-friendly features of the home and community. Get more info on touring the Green Home Q: I’d like to power my house with solar panels like the ones on the Green Home. How much do they cost? Where can I find the panels? A: There are a variety of solar panels on the market. The best thing to do is find a green designer, architect or contractor in your area and let them help you determine the right solar solution for your home. The Green Building Professional Services page on Good to Be Green is a great place to start. You can also contact the US Green Building Council for LEED-certified pros in your area. Q: Are there alligators in the lagoons? A: Yes. The American Alligator is found throughout the Southeast, including the coastal swamps of the Carolinas. According to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge the American Alligator is a threatened species. Tradition Hilton Head's landscape designer Richard Loudin said in this post on the Green Home’s lagoons "You can kayak, canoe and fish all you want. However, we do have alligators and I would not suggest swimming." Dr. Ricky Langely’s study of alligator attacks shows that there have been only 9 documented alligator bites (see Table 1) in the state of South Carolina since 1948. Want more info? Here are The Hilton Head Site’s tips for living safely with alligators. Q: What’s the room behind the door in the cubby? A: That room’s primary function is to house the HVAC equipment, but it was also designed as extra storage space. You can see it on the floor plan as the large gray area to the left of the guest bedroom, bath and bunk room. While we didn’t include it on the tour or slideshow, you can see the door to the space on the 360 tour of the cubby. --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/your_questions_answered_from_h.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/your_questions_answered_from_h.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:45:36 -0500 Looking for easy ways to go green? Here are two great new resources: Ecologue.com - Chock full of everyday tips and advice from the eco-experts at Natural Home Magazine, Plenty Magazine, HGTV.com and more, Ecologue can help you make your own green dream home a reality. HGTV.com/changetheworld - Shop for green products, get recycling tips and tell us how you're making a difference in your community. Heads up, Carter fans! All-new videos with our favorite green guru are coming soon. And now, here are the answers to this week's hottest questions on the blog: Q: How is the winner chosen? A: Tammy, our VP of Customer Service, says, "The process is actually quite amazing and completely random. All eligible mail-in and online entries are combined and, from them, an independent judging committee draws a winner. Whether the winner is chosen from an online entry or from a mail-in entry is part of the process – as well as the excitement! Thank you for your interest and best of luck in the sweepstakes!" For the more info (or if you just like to read legal mumbo jumbo), check out the Rules page. Q: Why doesn't the roof have solar panels? A: Ah, but it does! The south roof has a solar panel array. This photovoltaic system provides about 10% of the home's power. That may not sound like much at first, but when you stack up all of the home's energy-saving features – including solar power, increased insulation, tankless water heaters and Energy Star appliances – this house will use 20% to 30% less power than a conventional home. That’s like having a year without any power bills every four or five years. Q: What's the hardwood flooring used throughout the house? A: This flooring looks like solid wood, but is actually an eco-friendly veneer that rests on a high-density base of recycled wood fiber. It's made by Shaw Flooring, and is called Epic Wellington. Q: Is Tradition a gated community? Will the homeowner be required to pay fees? A: According to Tradition's PR director, Marty Sauls, "Tradition is not a gated community or age restricted, but the golf course section will be both. Homeowners do pay fees, which are extremely low." For more info on fees, contact Tradition's sales office: 843-208-5333. Q: Where did Linda shop for all those beautiful furnishings? A: In addition to No. Four Eleven, where she got those adorable dog photos in the guest bathroom, Linda also shopped at: Scott Antique Market for pieces like the dining room's antique pastry cabinet and flight of drawers Seasons South in Hilton Head for the sofa, upholstered chairs, candles, photos and pillows Glendinning Home Collection for lamps by Stray Dog Designs Church Mouse in Hilton Head for cool recycled items like the bamboo étagère in the living room Q: Does Carter come with the house!? LOL A: Ha! Don't I wish! ;) --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? Host Carter Oosterhouse takes you on a one-hour tour of the Green Home, with house planner Jack Thomasson and interior decorator Linda Woodrum. HGTV Green Home 2008 – see when it airs next http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/new_green_resources_and_answer.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/new_green_resources_and_answer.html Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:05:02 -0500 In today's post, I'll reveal the first pictures of Carter Oosterhouse's secret gift to the HGTV Green Home. Even if you saw the special and have been thoroughly spoiled, you're still in for a treat. These pictures show, up close and personal, the handmade table Carter built for the patio off the South Veranda. Carter made the table – which easily seats six – from lumber recycled from a school house, and the trestle legs and weathered top are a perfect fit for this cottage-style home. To keep the table from being too plain, he added a decorative metal strip down the center, which will patina as the table ages. Talk about the perfect spot to share a meal with family and friends. Thanks, Carter, for a truly special addition to the HGTV Green Home 2008! --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/carters_super_secret_surprise.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/carters_super_secret_surprise.html Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:01:58 -0500 You won't believe how many sustainable landscaping features are packed into the Green Home's ¼-acre lot. Birdhouses and flowering plants encourage birds and butterflies to visit. (Note to the winner: Be sure to bring along your bird identification books). Native and drought-tolerant plants surround the home, reducing the need for irrigation and fertilization. Permeable concrete pavers – used on the patios, sidewalk and double ribbon driveway – harvest and filter rainwater, purifying it before it reaches the water table. While enjoying the beautiful lagoon view from the screened porch, you can see the herb and vegetable garden, which is watered by Tradition's neighborhood irrigation system. The Tradition community collects storm water from the street, stores it in a network of retention ponds (like the one behind the house) then uses it to irrigate neighborhood lawns. The home's rain-sensing irrigation system automatically restricts the home's system during wet weather. The backyard is large enough for a game of miniature golf, but small enough to mow with an old-fashioned push mower, which eliminates the need for a standard lawn mower that is powered by fossil fuels. Learn more about eco-friendly gardening techniques you can use in your own yard. --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/the_green_homes_ecofriendly_gardens.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/the_green_homes_ecofriendly_gardens.html Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:55:41 -0500 What's that large body of water behind the Green Home? To get the answer, I spoke with Tradition Hilton Head's landscape designer Richard Loudin. "The lake behind the Green Home is a freshwater, man-made lagoon. It is approximately 100 acres of water and will grow considerably as the development moves forward," says Loudin. "You can kayak, canoe and fish all you want. However, we do have alligators and I would not suggest swimming." The community is designed to collect storm water from streets and store it in a network of retention ponds (the lagoon behind the Green Home is one of these ponds). This water is used to irrigate lawns throughout the community. The irrigation system also helps conserve water by automatically restricting watering during wet weather. The system's high-efficiency heads direct the proper volume of water exactly where it’s needed. "The re-use irrigation system is the first residential system in the state of South Carolina that uses reclaimed water from our local utility provider to irrigate residential yards," says Loudin. "We'll also use this system for irrigation of the golf course and common areas throughout the community. By using this water we conserve drinking water that is usually used for irrigation." See the lagoon in the 360 tour View more pictures in the slide show See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/03/green_home_lagoons.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/03/green_home_lagoons.html Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:07:03 -0500 There's a mystery unfolding on the blog: the mystery of the master closet. Does it really exist or is it the architectural equivalent of the Yeti? No need to call Mulder and Scully because I'll solve that mystery for you -- plus, I'll answer more fan favorites in this edition of the Blog Files. Q: I don't see the master closet. Where is it? A: This space is located in the master suite, along with the master bedroom and bathroom. We didn't include it on the 360 tour, but you can check it out on the floor plan — it's highlighted in red. And more answers... Q: Where's the home located? How far is it from the beach? A: The home is located in Hardeeville, SC, about 15 miles from both Hilton Head and Savannah. The name of the community is Tradition Hilton Head. It's about 15 miles from the beautiful Hilton Head beaches. Q: Where can I get those adorable dog paintings in the upstairs bathroom? A: Those were painted by artist Heather Lahaise and purchased at No. Four Eleven, a shop in Savannah. Q: How big is the house? A: The house is approximately 2,000 sq ft. Q: Where can I get the blue prints for the house? A: I just talked with Jack's representative yesterday and, unfortunately, they're not for sale. I don't know if that will change in the future, but if it does, I'll be sure to post the answer here. Q: Where can I buy the shoe holder in the entry hall? A: This is called a Trundle Chest, and you can buy it through the Green Home's Foyer page on HGTV MarketPlace. Tune in again Friday for more tales from the HGTV Green Home. And if you missed the TV special, don't fret! It's airing several more times in April and May. Click here for air times http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/03/the_mystery_of_the_master_clos.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/03/the_mystery_of_the_master_clos.html Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:43:41 -0500