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  1. @ Milwacko

    The same was said about hybrid technology in the automotive marketplace 10 years ago. High oil prices quickly changed that notion. Dont you think the rising cost of electricity and water will eventually have the same effect on housing? My guess is it will be sooner rather than later.
  2. As I said, "this is all well & good" that we have talented architects and
    designers. I'm glad their hard work was rewarded. But to the extent that
    their efforts are aimed at producing designs that are viable in the
    marketplace, that people will pay to have built in any significant numbers,
    and that yield energy savings (as in dollars saved), they've failed. If the
    $615/square foot construction cost quoted above by Glockenspeil is
    anywhere near correct, this is wasted effort for consumption only by
    fellow ideologues.
  3. Treetopflyr, I absolutely agree that these technologies will be viable. So
    much so that I've staked a portion of my own business on that happening.
    But they are simply too expensive for mass consumption, and many are
    half baked. Frankly, I'd throw hybrid engine technology in there as well.
    It's an early-generation step that we'll roll our eyes at years from now.

    I have no problem with innovation. I'm glad these architects are
    innovating, but let's not get deluded into thinking that this is viable right
    now or for the foreseeable future. If energy prices go up to the extent
    that the high price of these technologies become attractive, our economy
    will be in a world of hurt. So much so that I think the sudden market
    advantages in selling "green" solutions will be offset by the increased
    related expense and the downturn in economic growth.
  4. This is great news! Any structure that provides a healthy environment for its inhabitants is a good thing. One that provides energy efficiencies and a cozy environment with less destruction for the Earth brings good, is more affordable to run, and provides a better world for the future generations. The fact that Wisconsin has two of the top ten in the country does not surprise me -- it makes me proud to hail from Wisconsin.
  5. "Didn't take long to find out that LEED-certified buildings & technologies are expensive with a long, slow & questionable ROI."

    Exactly, and therein lies the issue.

    It's not about whether green energy expertise & technology exists, it's about whether it's commercially viable.
  6. And with all the comforts of ho..., er, a subway. Can you say cold and UGLY?! Each to their own, but don't be foisting this on me as an example of how I should be living! I would be willing to bet my last penny that the owners of this home are far, far, far left of center. That grass is a nice shade of green, though.
  7. Jenny, if "more affordable to run" includes debt service on the construction it
    isn't more affordable. At 3-4 times the cost of standard construction, you
    won't see the benefits until long, long after you've retired the debt, at which
    point in all likelihood you've moved. The only people construction of this type
    could aid are those with lots of liquidity and an emotional attachment to
    environmental causes.
  8. The first two posters are idiots. I'm conservative and I think this is something Wisconsin should be proud of, this isn't political at all--it's two local architecture firms doing this because they wanted to, and they are now being rewarded for it. Good for them.
  9. I also agree with the other posters that this kind of construction is expensive, and therefore not very practical, but that as long as there aren't any mandates where people HAVE to build like this, then it's not hurting anyone to LET people do these things.
  10. @thomasdecker:

    Whoo hoo! Ignorant conservative rantings at its finest! Geez, can't you just leave politics out of SOMETHING for once?

    Like it or not, we need to start caring for our earth. And for those of you who claim global warming or climate change is not real, then you are in for a rude awakening.

    Thank you JS for sharing something like this!


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