NIST Net Zero Update

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

One of the interesting facets of the the NIST Net Zero home will be the ability for the researchers to test the performance of three closed-loop geothermal piping configurations; vertical, standard horizontal trench, and horizontal slinky loop piping.

Yesterday, our well drilling subcontractor, Easterday Well and Pump, began excavation for the slinky loop section. These loops will be installed in the front yard of the home, seen on the Site Plan on the south side of the home. Click t [...]

NIST Net Zero Project Update 7-8-11

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

If you happen to be in the Gaithersburg area, you can drive by the NIST campus and actually see the Net Zero Energy home begin to take shape. From either Clopper Road or Rt. 124 (Montgomery Village Ave), the framing is clearly visible. This is pretty exciting, as I wasn't sure the general public was going to be able to see the home, but voila!

We've been making a big push to get the framing complete so that the roof and wall sheathing can get installed. A liquid applied air barrier [...]

Edgemoor Bungalow

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In the posh enclave of Edgemoor, a humble bungalow might seem out of place. But, when it's a Bethesda Bungalows bungalow, and Skip Sroka provides the interior design, it fits right in. This is a custom project, built for a pair of empty nesters who are moving into town from Potomac. For years, they've longed to live within walking distance to downtown Bethesda, so now they are downsizing and simplifying their lifestyle. Now that's my kind of living!

Serious Materials Changes Company Name to Serious Energy

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Serious Materials is changing their name to Serious Energy, to better reflect their complete product offerings, which include advanced building products and energy software services.

I've long been a fan of several of the other products, including QuietRock, which I've used in the soundproofing of several home theaters.

The NIST Net Zero home will be built using their SeriousWindows 725 Series with a custom glass package that includes the SeriousGlass 9 glazing. These will be [...]

2011 MNCBIA Custom Builder Awards

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:23:58 +0100

The Maryland National Capital Building Industry Association has presented Bethesda Bungalows two awards in their annual Custom Builder Awards contest.

A Gold Award was earned in the category Speculative Home of 3500 to 5000 Square Feet. Dubbed the "EverettGreen" home, this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired project was designed by Rill Architects and earned LEED Silver certification. Photo below.

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

An Italian by the name of Andrea Rossi is claiming to have invented a device that would revolutionize world energy production. Through an unexplained process similar to cold fusion, his "E-Cat" Energy Catalyzer allegedly produces significantly more energy than it consumes, using just nickel powder, pressurized hydrogen and a "secret" ingredient. Copper is the only material by-product.

Several non-traditional media outlets have been reporting the story, and scient [...]

Follow Up - Delegation of Building Specialists from former Soviet Union

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Fri, 20 May 2011 08:40:28 +0100

On Thursday, May 12th, Bethesda Bungalows hosted a delegation of green industry professionals from the nations of the former Soviet Union. The delegation, organized by the Department of Commerce through their "SABIT" program, is in the U.S. for a three month visit to study a wide variety of businesses involved in energy efficiency and sustainable practices. They will also study how the U.S. government, private industry, academia, and associations work to conserve resources.

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Washingtonian Magazine Green Giant Awards

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

On Monday evening, May 17th, Washingtonian Magazine held their "Green Giant Awards" at the Poste Moderne Brassirie in downtown DC. Bethesda Bungalows' founder, Peter Guida, was one of five recepients of the annual awards, joining an elite group of influential green companies, organizations and individuals. This year's awards also included James Woolsey, Casey Trees, Robert Weland, and Amy Marasco Newton.

The U.S. Department of Commerce SABIT Program is hosting the delegation, who are coming to the United States to learn about energy efficiency and renewables in construction and how the U.S. government, private industry, academia, and associations work to conserve resources.

EnergyStar v3 Training - NIST Net Zero

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:11:51 +0100

On Wednesday, April 13th, members of the NIST Net Zero project team participated in a three hour training session held to bring us up to speed on the new EnergyStar version 3 (revision 2) building standards. As EPA guidelines require, any new home completed after January 1st, 2012 will need to be certified under this latest version.

The new standard is significantly expands on [...]

Ecohome Magazine Series - Part 12

brad@bethesdabungalows.com — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Trish Kelly and John Kellenberg never intended to build a house. A great location and a roof-destroying blizzard changed their minds, however, and now not only are they building, but they’re committed to constructing a sustainable, healthy house that’s on track to be LEED certified.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

NIST Net Zero Update 4-15-11