21 April 2011

What is the “R-2000” Standard of New Home Ratings?

Canadians are faced with a number of programs which quantify the energy efficiency and "green score" of their homes. As part of an ongoing series of articles on energy efficient new homes, we are…

Drummond House PlansConstruction methodsTechnology & home innovationBuilding materials

8 March 2011

Advantages of a smaller house

We live in more space than we need. We’ve got media rooms, master suites, walk-in closets that can be mistaken for bedrooms, and extra living and dining areas. I grew up in a house with formal…

Small & affordable homeHome addition & remodelingDrummond House PlansTiny homeTechnology & home innovationEnvironmental issues

28 February 2011

Intelligent Cities – Capturing graywater in Tucson

Would you water your garden with what goes down your shower drain or out your washing machine? In Tucson, Arizona, and an increasing number of water-starved western cities, more and more residents…

Building systemsFinance & legalTechnology & home innovationOutdoor LivingRecycling, composting & wasteTips & tricksEnvironmental issues

16 February 2011

Product Innovation: Kerdi-Board – What you don’t see could inspire you!

I love to hear about building material innovations. With that being said, I also tend to wait until the pros have had a chance to work with and evaluate the pros and cons of new materials. In 2010, a…

Room by roomHealth & securityDIY projectsHome addition & remodelingTechnology & home innovationBuilding materials

4 September 2010

Buildings Collapse in Powerful New Zealand Quake

Excerpt from (CBS/AP) WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Sept. 4, 2010 ""An Absolute Miracle" No Deaths From 7.1-Mag Earthquake; Reports of People Trapped in Rubble; 2 Injuries Chimneys and walls crumbled to…

Technology & home innovationFinance & legalHealth & security

3 September 2010

Science News – Bacteria could make self-healing concrete

In areas of freeze-thaw cycles and where there is chemical potential to degrade concrete, self-healing concrete could be a dream come true. This research is in its formative stages, but it causes one…

Technology & home innovationDrummond House PlansBuilding materials

19 August 2010

The Future of Solar?

Dwell Product article: The Brooklyn–based start-up SMIT (Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology) was formed in 2005 by the brother and sister team of Samuel and Teresita Cochran. Their goal: to…

Technology & home innovationDrummond House PlansEnvironmental issues

28 July 2010

The Mudroom: Changing How the Home Functions

Source: "Kitchen Fresh" by Jan Rutgers When I first began my kitchen design career, the mudroom received no attention. In the early years as a supplier of cabinetry the only other rooms looked at…

Health & securityRoom by roomTechnology & home innovationDrummond House Plans

24 July 2010

OLEDs: The Light Idea

Source: Time Magazine -  Thomas K. Grose In the palm of my hand is a near paper-thin, rectangular glass tile with a mirror finish. It's wired to an electric switch. Flick it on and the glass…

Technology & home innovationDrummond House PlansLighting

5 December 2007

Tips on building your first home

You’ve thought about it and now you’re doing it, you’re building your own home.  It is an exciting decision to make.  Being able to choose, plan and live in a dream for many, but now you are making…

Finance & legalTechnology & home innovationConstruction methodsTips & tricksBuilding materials