Solar Revolutionizes the Camping Experience

If you went camping lately you might have some inconveniences of the trip still lingering in your mind. Sure, a lot of us love camping for that experience - cooking on an open fire, reading in your tent after dark with a flashlight, and other pleasant oddities. Design has its ways of affecting all areas of life, camping included. Great design has been reshaping camping as we know it and inspiring city dwellers to get out and play without leaving all the conveniences of home.

The new Orange Solar Concept Tent will someday make your camping trip a lot more comfortable. Although the unknown price tag might make it inaccessible to the average camper, it is a great idea nonetheless. By weaving solar threads into conventional fabric, the solar tent will gather energy throughout the day and provide a variety of ways to use that energy. How about some heat from the tent's groundsheet? A charging pouch for mobile phones and other devices? Care for some light in the evening hours of camping? A modern camping experience to say the least.

Another camping convenience that is already available on the market is the Hot Pot Simple Solar Cooker. With some help from the sun, cook or heat your favorite meals without the need for electricity. All you need to do is set it up in full sunlight and within an hour you'll have an oven to use for up to 6 hours. Hey, who needs to go camping, you can do this right in your backyard! It comes with a 5.3 quart enameled steel pot for all your cooking needs. At a temperature of 350 - 400 degrees you can make stews, bake anything to your liking, or heat up previously cooked food. Great news for those of you living off grid - such a handy invention!

On a side note, if you are going camping, I highly recommend investing a few bucks in Bug Bam, read my full review of it here!

House OKs 6.4 Billion to Make Schools Greener

Here is an article that was reprinted by USGBC about the greening of public schools (originally published on May 14, 2009, CNNPolitics.com, Ed Hornick author). Finally, something good for the schools:

Rachel Gutter, of the U.S. Green Building Council, says the benefits of an eco-friendly school will pay off economically.

"The typical green school saves $100,000 a year on direct operating expenses. In school terms, that's enough to hire two new teachers, purchase 200 new computers or 5,000 textbooks," Gutter said.

"So these are major savings. And that's just one year. The typical school lasts 40 years. And when you do the math, it starts to become some serious savings. ... It pays for itself after a few years of operation."

The council, on its Web site, lists several benefits of green buildings, such as improving air and water quality, conserving natural resources, reducing operating costs and improving employee productivity.

But Gutter says that part of the concern over green schools is the fear over construction costs.

"The research shows the greatest barrier to getting more green schools built is the perception that they cost more up front to build," she said. "The fact of the matter is that they don't. ... Building green doesn't have to cost more, and then everything else, all the savings over the lifetime, are just savings you get to put back in your community's pocket."

The legislation, if signed into law, would also help to create new jobs -- around 136,000 positions, according to calculations by the Economic Policy Institute.

But much more is at stake, Gutter says.

"It's about raising a new generation of leaders who inevitably are going to inherit the problems we will leave behind," she said. "So when you're actually able to use the school itself as a teaching tool, as an opportunity for learning, that's when the connections with curriculum really start to happen."

Read entire article here.

Babcock Ranch: Solar and Green Design of the Future

If everything goes according to plan, soon Babcock Ranch in Florida will be the archetype for solar and green design of the present. In essence it will incorporate everything I write about on this blog in regard to sustainability, including photovoltaics, water conservation, daylighting, and energy savings. It sets a precedent for Eco-friendly urban design, one that will not be easy to live up to. It will take about 25 years to complete and will probably be the greenest city around - literally, over half of the 17,608 acre city is alotted to greenspace such as parks, trails, and nature preserves. Even city rooftops will be 'green roofs' with vegetation to minimize cooling costs.

The city will be powered entirely by renewable solar energy. It will have the largest on-site solar plant in the world that will cost over $300 million. Electric vehicles will be charged at stations powered by the sun, and traffic will be eliminated thanks to the extensive system of pathways for alternative transportation, i.e. walking, biking, rollerblading, etc. No existing city would ever be able to retrofit to such high standards because the design is completed from the ground up taking into consideration all minute details before the site plan is even done.

While in my opinion 'green' and 'city' is an oxymoron, I've got to give them some credit for making a city - the epitome of consumerism and over spending, more sustainable. I still think it is 'greener' to live off-grid (solar and/or wind) in a rural area, raise and grow your own food, and collect rain water. Babcock Ranch is just a great attempt at taking the comfortable consumerism lifestyle and subtracting the guilt that some don't even feel while living like billions of others in the average city. It will be a great place for those who like city life but want to go 'green', which is impossible in any of today's cities.

To appreciate everything this city will have to offer you have to visit their outstanding website, the in-depth interactive presentation will answer all your questions and will leave just one - how can I get a place there?

Eco Friendly Radiant Heating

Many of us have forced hot air heating systems in our homes. It might have crossed your mind in the winter just how inefficient this method of heating is. Forced 'hot' air they call it? More like barely lukewarm, not to mention that the registers are often placed in the ceiling plane or high on a wall, resulting in cold drafty floors and all your heat escaping through the ceiling before it heats the room. Whoever came up with this system should be ashamed. It does not even follow any basic common sense laws of physics. Should we take into account the poor quality of indoor air that this system creates?

Fortunately there are much better alternatives, radiant heating has been a growing trend. While installation can be costly, it will pay for itself with the money you will save on heating. Radiant floor heat creates a very comfortable indoor environment, it also makes complete sense by all laws of physics. Since hot air rises, a heated floor will distribute it evenly in the entire space and you can say good bye to drafts! Moreover, this kind of heating is great for homes with kids, pets, and people with allergies as it does not create airborne pollutants.

Log Homes: Sustainable Living

Log homes have been around for centuries and have regained popularity in recent years. Until not long ago though, the energy efficiency of log homes was in question, but recent tests confirm that well built log homes have a superior 'thermal mass effect' and can outperform stick-framed buildings. Timber is a naturally renewable resource that requires less energy to produce than all other building materials. Log components, in particular, consume less energy and labor between harvest and placement on the housing site, while log walls provide 'surface as finish', saving material and labor costs since other building material layers are not required. Provided that a log home has high performance doors and windows that are well installed and an insulated roof membrane, it can provide enormous energy savings, not to mention it is very comfortable to live in concerning many aspects. While I believe the sheer size of modern log homes is often very unsustainable, if you keep with reasonable square footage - it can be a very ec0-friendly housing option. As with any wood used, you should always seek FSC certified wood, most log home companies and builders adhere to that as a given.

Country Log Cabins

European Log Homes

Green Log Home

Coyote Log Homes

Russian Log Homes Site

Northern Log (russian)

Archangel Log Homes

Watch this interesting video about Eco Log in Ontario, Canada.

Landry & Arcari Clearance and Carpet Benefits

Another winterizing tip: carpet your floors. While carpet may not always be the best option for homes with pets, young kids, and people with environmental allergies, it is great if your household does not fit into any of the above categories. Good quality carpeting can last a long time and provide significant thermal benefits in cold New England winters. There are also many sustainable options available on the market today if you are concerned about formaldehyde or other off gassing substances. Wool, though more expensive, is one of the best carpeting materials simply because it has unparalleled thermal properties, is naturally water repellent, and is a natural material. By their very nature, wool carpets and rugs are good for the indoor environment. That's because wool, unlike synthetic fibers, rapidly absorbs common contaminants in indoor air like formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Not only does wool keep the air free of many harmful pollutants, it will not re-emit them, even when heated. In fact, it has been estimated that wool carpets can continually purify indoor air for up to 30 years!

There is actually evidence that wool carpeting might help with allergies. It is not immediately apparent, but hard flooring lets the dust freely and constantly move around, which might trigger allergy attacks unless kept absolutely dustless everyday. Carpeting on the other hand can trap allergens and not let them escape, prohibiting the movement of particles in the air, and when regularly cleaned with a HEPA and CRI Green Label vacuum that does not release allergens back into the air it can create a more controlled environment for people with allergies.

CHECK OUT THE LANDRY & ARCARI WINTER CLEARANCE: JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 1st in Boston and Salem, MA

Upgrading Laundry: Energy Efficient Washers

Your old washing machine may be sending a good chunk of your wallet down the drain. While the approach of 'if it ain't broken, don't fix it' might work in some cases, in this case you might save more in both energy and water costs (not to mention clothing) by investing in an efficient washing machine. Energy-efficient washers can use up to 50 percent less energy and 60 percent less water than standard machines. As a general rule, front loading machines are more efficient when it comes to water. Some local utilities even offer rebates for front-loaders.

You might have not thought of this, but you will also benefit from the new washers that have more than just three basic cycle options like small, medium, or large load. They offer features like the delicate cycle and the steam cycle, which in turn can save you money by giving longer life to your clothing and as an alternative to dry cleaning (we all know how wallet draining that can be). From my personal experience, my clothing suffered significantly when we had to use an apartment complex community washing machine. The clothing that I wore for several years that still looked great after being washed hundreds of times in a European front-loader now all of the sudden looked like it was fifteen years old, the fabric started really showing the wear.

The National Geographic Green Guide offers a buying guide for washing machines where they rate them on several factors. Their top pics include the Kenmore HE2 Plus Super Capacity, the Samsung WF218ANW, and the LG Electronics WM3001HWA.

New President: Green Economy

With Barack Obama in office, as Van Jones put "the first 'green' president", the window of opportunity for renewable energy can finally be opened more than just an inch. The highlight and focus of Greenbuild 2008 in Boston was the Green Economy, now it can become reality. With the current economy crisis, energy is one of the spring points that can create jobs and jump start this country if it is executed in a wise and thought out manner.

California is already at the forefront of this solution with companies researching and producing renewable energy technology that demonstrates performance surpassing what was previously thought possible. New jobs are created and workers are trained in things such as solar panel or wind turbine installation. The task ahead is not easy, it requires determination and perseverance, but no longer can the US rely on other countries for its energy needs. The payback on the investment in renewable energy will not be seen in an instant - that would be too easy. It will take a few years, years that many small businesses do not have, yet it seems to be the only solution that can address several problems at once.

The List: Creating a Healthy Home

I often come across questions from people who are new to sustainable living and they often ask for the 'easy list' on what they can do to make their homes and lives more healthy. Recently I came across an interesting list that I thought was worth it, I attribute the credits to Seventh Generation, you can also view it here.

Light Green Steps to a Healthy Home

1. Use cleaning products made from natural and not-toxic ingredients; avoid cleaners that contain synthetic chemicals.
2. Dust with a damp cloth to ensure that household dust, the final resting place of many toxins that enter our homes, is removed and not stirred back into the air.
3. Open windows and doors occasionally (even in winter!) to bring in fresh air and rinse out pollutants that have accumulated inside.
4. Avoid aerosol products. They fill your home with microscopic droplets of the synthetic chemicals that are often in these sprays.
5. Same for deodorizers or other air “freshening” products, which are frequently made from unhealthy chemicals that coat surfaces and pollute the air your family breathes.
6. Opt for natural pest control methods instead of pesticide products.
7. Keep conventional cleaners and other chemical products out of kids’ bedrooms and playrooms. Click here to learn why children need special protection.
8. Use chlorine-free products to wash dishes. The chlorine in conventional detergents evaporates in hot water and is released into the air in your home.
9. Conduct a radon test. Radon is an odorless natural radioactive gas that seeps into homes from surrounding soil. A simple test can tell you if your home needs abatement measures.
10. Replace synthetic personal care and make-up products with natural alternatives that don’t contain toxins. To learn more about the hazards in personal care products, click here.

Medium Green Steps to a Healthy Home

1. Eat organic food. It’s grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, drug and hormone treatments, and genetic alterations. That makes it healthier for you and the earth.
2. Ask guests to remove their shoes upon entering your home. From pesticides to pollutants, shoes can track unwanted visitors into your home.
3. Clean and inspect combustion devices like furnaces, stoves, and hot water heaters to make sure they’re functioning properly and not venting hazardous gases into your home.
4. Have your water tested for chemicals pollutants like pesticides and chlorine. Install a filter on drinking water taps if pollution is found.
5. Buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. These special filters trap particles that regular vacuums can’t catch.
6. Don’t buy soft vinyl products, including toys and shower curtains. These items likely contain phthalates (“thal-ates”), toxic chemicals that easily leach.
7. If your home has a chlorinated water supply, install a filtering showerhead to prevent chlorine from vaporizing in hot shower water.
8. Remove any permanent press, easy-care, wrinkle-free, and/or flame-resistant linens and fabrics that are less than one year old and don’t buy new ones. They are most likely treated with the chemical formaldehyde, which slowly escapes during the first year of use.
9. If your home was built before 1978, test painted surfaces for the presence of lead. Conduct the same tests on your child’s toys.
10. Conduct an indoor air quality test to see if any toxic gases, including formaldehyde or vapors from VOCs, are being emitted by your home furnishings.

Dark Green Steps to a Healthy Home

1. Don’t buy home furnishings or fixtures made from particleboard or other pressed wood products. These can emit dangerous fumes over time. Choose solid wood instead.
2. Choose naturally- or low-impact dyed natural fiber carpets and textile products, and use natural flooring for your home. These products won’t introduce any chemical additives to your environment.
3. Become a "localvore" by eating foods grown within 100 miles of your home. Organic or not, such foods have the lowest overall impact on the environment.
4. Clear out the clutter. Crowded, exposed shelves are dust magnets that collect a disproportionate share of the toxins present in your home. Display your favorite items behind glass instead. To find out more about dust and dusting, click here.
5. Replace synthetic foam mattresses with beds made from untreated cotton, wool, and other natural fibers, and glue-free solid woods.
6. Take the same step with other home furnishings. Synthetic foams and treated textiles are one of the chief sources of toxic flame retardants.
7. Replace your lawn with natural landscaping that provides valuable habitat for your local flora and fauna.
8. Wear naturally-dyed natural fiber clothing and keep synthetic materials, colors, and treatments away from your family’s skin.
9. Swap all your non-stick cookware for cast iron. Properly seasoned cast iron will provide much the same results and won’t leach perfluorochemicals or toxic fumes.
10. Express yourself. Let public officials, corporate leaders, and other decision-makers know how you feel about local, national, and global issues.

Eco Friendly Cellulose Insulation

Most US homes are insulated with fiberglass. What’s the problem with fiberglass insulation? Fiberglass can escape from the insulation, filling the air with the equivalent of microscopic shards of glass. If inhaled, these tiny particles of glass can inflict damage to the lungs. What’s more, fiberglass is considered to be a probable carcinogen by National Institutes of Health. Children are at greater risk than adults when exposed, because they breathe more air – and whatever it contains.

Until recently, the other insulation options consisted of cotton, wool, and petroleum based cellulose insulation. Now you can have the same benefits of cellulose insulation - at the same cost, but without the unfavorable petroleum aspect. Soy-based blow-in insulation is made from a byproduct - oil left over after the beans are crushed to make foodstuff, cosmetics, and other products, that until now was waste. Unlike fiberglass, soybean insulation is non-carcinogenic, has no off-gassing (VOCs, CFCs, HCFCs, or formaldehyde). It eliminates mold and allergens, and is rodent and insect resistant. It also boasts very high sound attenuation properties. Soy based blow-in insulation will make your house stand out from the crowd both in energy savings (50-70% more than fiberglass) and the health of your indoor air. There are also tax credits and rebate programs from energy providers that can help you offset the costs of the investment in soy-based insulation (for the year 2009).

The leading company for soy-based insulation in the Northeast is The Green Cocoon, contact them for more information if you are interested in this insulation for your home or business. You can also visit BioBased, the manufacturer, to find a dealer near you or to find more answers to your questions.

Slow Water Current for Renewable Energy?

New technology developed by a University of Michigan engineer can turn vibrations in water into clean, renewable energy. This machine is named VIVACE ( Vortex Induced Vibrations for Aquatic Clean Energy). It is the first known device that is capable of drawing energy from most water currents around the world, according to a statement from the University of Michigan. “There won’t be one solution for the world’s energy needs,” VIVACE developer Michael Bernitsas, a professor at the U-M department of naval architecture and marine engineering, said in the statement. “But if we could harness 0.1 percent of the energy in the ocean, we could support the energy needs of 15 billion people.”

Biomimicry played a role in the design of this system, Bernitsas and his team have tried to duplicate the roughness of fish scales on their cylinders because a rough cylinder surface could increase the power output by 40 to 70 percent compared to a smooth surface. Bernitsas is also impressed with fish tails. His team has begun to experiment with passive tails that could keep vortexes from interfering with each other.

Currently Bernitsas’ group is working with the U.S. Navy to install two VIVACE systems in the next year: one in the Detroit River and another in an ocean environment somewhere.

Although the production of VIVACE systems in commercial plants is still a future dream, the cost of electricity from a mature VIVACE installation would be roughly 5.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is similar to the current price of wind generation. Roger Bedard, EPRI’s ocean energy leader is of the opinion that with the passage of time, slower tidal passages will become economical.

source

Window Coverings for Energy Savings

For more energy savings this winter consider thick panel window coverings or insulated drapes for the coldest rooms in your home. Designer Linens Outlet offers many options to choose from that can be used with an additional lining. Here are a couple of them:

For insulated drapes try the selections at the Bed Bath Store, Boscov's, and Amazon. To save money you can also just buy some inexpensive material and line your existing curtains for insulation. Just be sure to keep those curtains open on southern facing windows when the sun is shining to take advantage of the free heat.

Water Conservation and Safety Tips

If your New Year's sustainability resolution includes using less water in your household, now is a good time to invest in a shower head that does not waste the increasingly precious resource. There are many options out there but some deliver truly superior results and many also offer the benefits of taking chlorine out of your water (which may help with that 'eliminate dry skin' resolution). Of course by using less you not only save on water bills but also energy bills for heating that water for showering. While shorter showers are common sense for conservation, it will not make a big difference if you have an old water guzzler shower head, the same applies to your toilet - new technology can take even less than 1.6 gallons per flush.

Try the Oxynator for a luxurious chlorine-free shower. It is very nicely styled, comes in a chrome finish, and delivers a 99% chlorine free shower infused with oxygen. It will do wonders to your skin and hair:

If you prefer a hand held shower that is convenient with kids, pets, and the elderly, try the Ultra Oxygenics. You get both the benefits of more oxygen in your water and the impressive 2 gpm consumption:

For conserving water without replacing your existing toilet, try the Controllable Flush. Convert your standard toilet into a low-flow toilet -without tools or a plumber- and save up to 35,000 gallons of water a year. Because not all flushes need to be the same, the dual-action Controllable Flush controls the amount of water you use to flush waste matter:

A kitchen faucet aerator will conserve even more during dish washing and food prep. This 1.5 gpm Touch Flow Swivel Spray Aerator makes your faucet more versatile:


If you are at all concerned with the quality of your tap water you can also invest $60 in a home water test kit that will determine the levels for bacteria, lead, pesticides, arsenic, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, iron, pH, copper, alkalinity and hardness:

Eco Friendly Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can add significant curb appeal whether you are looking to keep or sell your home. When you are aware of rising energy costs though, the last thing you want is to add more items to plug into your outlets and drain your bank account. The solution is to use solar powered landscape lighting that makes your place glow after the sun goes down. While we have all seen the cheap solutions that you can get at Home Depot that give off the soft blue glow, there are other options that will look more 'designer' and professional yet still affordable The Missions Solar Light pictured below requires 3 hours of direct sunlight to charge, these lights dispense light more brightly and evenly than most other solar products. It can also be removed from the post and used as a table lantern. With LED technology this light will last you a long time:

Check out these very eccentric solar slate stepping stones that you can use to light pathways on your grounds. They are powered by an integral solar panel and after being auto-charged can provide up to eight hours of LED light:

These incredibly stylish Solar Shoji Lanterns can be hung anywhere in your garden or near your patio to give off a soft glow and moon like radiance. Yellow LED lights are encased in paper-like, weatherproofed nylon and automatically switch on at night:

Also appealing for a garden setting is the Shepherd's Hook Lantern . They are crafted from copper plated stainless steel for rust resistance and long time outdoor use. They are somewhat reminiscent of the Arts & Crafts movement and add a lot of charm to an outdoor space whether it is by a cottage, mansion, or a simple cape:

Simple Steps to a Greener Home

If you are looking for ideas for a more sustainable lifestyle for you and your family, check out the DVD Simple Steps to a Greener Home by Danny Seo.

This presentation will show you simple steps that will help you turn your home into an Earth-friendly oasis. Learn more about implementing recycling, decorating, and remodeling that is Eco-friendly.

The book Plug-in-Hybrids by Sherry Boschert is an interesting read. Plug-in hybrids are a part of the environmental solution, and the technology to put them into mass production is already existent. Demand for plug-ins is nearly at a fever pitch already, and this book examines how you can get one, along with just what they are and why you want one.



For further home and lifestyle greening check out this book Solar Electric System Design and Installation:

Passive Houses: no heating bills!

Did you ever dream of not having a heating or cooling bill for your home? Are you tired of cold drafts, leaky doors and windows, and the unknown of energy costs? You can get quick fixes like replacement windows, radiant heat perhaps - but how about a house that does not need a heating/cooling system to keep warm, even in a cold climate? Sounds enticing?



Passive house is a concept more familiar to the people of Europe (they always seem to be a few steps ahead), and the Passivhaus Institut in Germany is the pioneer of the engineering concepts for this energy efficient way of living. A passive house is a "very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply."

To learn more about Passive Houses (not to be confused with a solar passive house), take a look at the links below:

PASSIVE HOUSE INSTITUTE US

PASSIVE HOUSE INTO AT PASSIVHAUS INSTITUT

NY TIMES PASSIVE HOUSE ARTICLE

SCANDINAVIAN HOMES LTD

EXAMPLES OF PASSIVE HOUSES

CFL Lightbulbs: Mercury Content Concerns

While the recent trend to change light bulbs to CFLs is a step toward energy efficiency, it is also a step toward indoor toxicity and pollution considering the unhealthy amounts of mercury they contain. A CFL bulb uses a whopping 75% less energy than its incandescent brother, it truly is an easy decision. But there are concerns over the amount of mercury that is currently capped at 5 mg by Energy Star. Some Energy Star light bulbs would not be able to be legally sold in Europe because their cap for mercury content is lower than the US.

Under the Bush administration, Energy Star has become a passive backseat passenger and a partner to the electrical industry, hopefully things will change in the coming year. For now, to take the guesswork out of which bulbs are safest to buy, refer to the Environmental Working Group's guide for the CFLs with lowest mercury content and highest lifespan hours. Be sure to avoid using CFLs in rooms and locations where they can pose a hazard to children. For more in-depth information on this topic visit EWG.

Snowy New England: winterizing your home

It is the end of December in New England and suddenly those energy bills don't look so harmless. Before you get upset at the record snowfall though, consider the benefits of the white flakes. If your roof is in good condition and well insulated, snow will only act as another layer of effective insulation. The air spaces between the snow crystals in a blanket of loosely packed snow serve as insulation - a deep-freeze duvet - for your home.

We all know about the obvious weatherproofing techniques and products: double pane windows, insulation, a caulk gun, weatherstripping. What about some things that can help but are less obvious? Whether your house has a basement or you are situated on a slab, consider an area rug for the tiled bathrooms and/or kitchen, even if it is there only for the winter. Check power outlets and recessed lights as those can often leak air. Keep your blinds open on sunny days to take advantage of solar gain. For your heating system to run efficiently be sure to replace the filter regularly. Consider investing in a high quality storm door that does not leak air when you are bringing in groceries and have the entry door open.

Depending on the electricity costs in your area you may also look into an electric fireplace for certain rooms in the house. It enables you to lower the overall heat in the home while maintaining a comfortable temperature in rooms you occupy most. Of course this would likely not be efficient in a small apartment, but can have a significant impact in a large home, especially if you have kids away at college and many unused rooms.

Solaleya: A Dwelling Connecting to Nature

In my earlier Greenbuild reflection I promised to elaborate on what it is that intrigued me so much about Solaleya. I think the image above is enough to intrigue anyone and wonder what is that, what is it made of, and who is the architect? Solaleya homes were first designed by Patrick Marsilli and the first one was built in 1988 in France. Today there are over 130 such homes worldwide. What makes these homes so special?

"The rotation system allows your home to turn towards or away from the sun to balance inside temperature and reduce energy consumption while allowing you to have a change of scenery from your windows any time you wish.

Proven to resist against extreme high winds and earthquakes in many occurrences, our dome shaped homes provide you with the comfort and safety of an outstanding and luxurious habitat all at once." (Solaleya)

Contrary to what you may think, the total cost of a Solaleya home is not more than a typical cookie cutter McMansion in Massachusetts. If you are really looking for minimal space (retiring with no kids, singles) you can expect a range of $180,00-$230,000 for under 1,000 square feet, including construction costs. At the lower part of the range is a non-rotating home. Affordable luxury shall we name it? Of course if you want top of the line finishes, cabinets, and solar panels, expect to pay extra. From an eco-dwelling point of view there are pros and cons for Solaleya. While FCS certified wood is used, there is a lot of material involved, but at the same time it isn't a lot more than a regular house. There is very little contact with the ground, so there will never be any moisture and humidity issues. All the windows are oriented toward the sky, so natural light is utilized to the maximum. There are no awkward corners that create space that isn't usable like in a regular home. It is also very thermally efficient due to the better flow of air throughout its dome shape.

Visit Solaleya for more information.