Greenbuildingadvisor.com's Green Architects' Lounge

In part one of this episode from the Green Architects' Lounge, we only scratched the surface. Now it's time to really dig in and decide if a ground source heat pumpHeating and cooling system in which specialized refrigerant fluid in a sealed system is alternately evaporated and condensed, changing its state from liquid to vapor by altering its pressure; this phase change allows heat to be transferred into or out of the house. See air-source heat pump and ground-source heat pump. system is right for you and if so, to start planning for it.

If you've done any amount of research on ground source heat pumps, chances are likely that you've heard from those who have said that you'd be insane to consider this as a viable system for your house, AND you've heard others say you'd be insane NOT to use GSHPs. Where insanity and green architecture meet, there you shall find our intrepid architects mixing a 'Dark and Stormy', and turning on the mike, to act as your good-natured guides. Join Chris and Phil as they demystify this polarizing system. In Part 1, they'll discuss: What is a heat pump? read more

In Part 3, Chris, Phil, and Pat wrap up their discussion on BiomassOrganic waste that can be converted to usable forms of energy such as heat or electricity, or crops grown specifically for that purpose. Boilers with a chat about cost, a 'Hot Zigg', and a 'Six Digit Idea'. Then the episode concludes with a song by Pete Miller called Daydreamer.

In Part 2, Phil Chris and Pat continue their discussion on gasification Log boilers and introduce Pellet boilers to our listeners.

With over 20,0000 barrels of crude oil spilling into the gulf of Mexico every day as a result of the BP Deep Horizon disaster, there has never been a more important time to explore and advance the use of renewable fuels for our homes. Pat Coon of Revision Heat is back for this episode to discuss residential biomass boilers and wood as a renewable and viable fuel source. Also, Chris and Phil trade places and responsibilities. Phil shares his recipe for the 'Perfect Red Manhattan' and Chris introduces everyone to the music of Pete Miller with his song 'Daydreamer'. read more

This is the last part of the Green Architects' Lounge three-part series on deep energy retrofits. In this episode, Phil and I are basically wrapping up the segment. We discuss the importance of sizing your new HVAC system to the heat load of your newly renovated house (this is where that energy audit information, that we mentioned in previous episodes, is going to come in handy). read more

This is part two of the Green Architects' Lounge three-part series on Deep Energy Retrofits. In this episode, Phil and I discuss what we feel is the most crucial part of a DER, the exterior building envelope. There is no single solution. Here, we must be nimble and thoughtful and deal with the structure that we're given and apply the skills we've learned. (and by we, I mean you as well). This is not your typical renovation. There's plenty of room for creativity. To quote my co-host, "We should look at his as a challenge that excites us..."

Deep Energy Retrofits - Part 1: Our Nation is full of an existing housing stock in desperate need of improvement. There is scarcely a greener thing to do than to assign our collective architectural skills to the task of improving the efficiency, durability, functionality, and all-around livability of these homes. We're talking DEEP energy retrofits here, so the timid need not download! The van is swinging by, the door is open, and it's only slowing down a little, so brace yourself, Jump in, and let's go!

Maine architects Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan look at air barriers — one of “The Big Three” topics (along with insulation and windows) of green construction. They also share the recipe for their Cocktail of the Week: the Simple Charm.