Want to change the future, don’t like where the industry is today, looking for a brighter future, want to have an impact: become a Kraken!

I was called out to a house in Albemarle County yesterday to look at a window issue (I will not post any pictures of the actual project to protect all involved). After some discussion about windows and energy efficiency the home owners moved the discussion to upgrades they had...

Those living in the Chesapeake Bay Water Shed are going to start hearing a LOT about stormwater over the next few months. Stormwater is water that comes from precipitation (rain, snow, sleet…) and does not soak into the ground. Stormwater runoff is the concern that is now...

After a very cold winter, I think we are all celebrating Spring this year. Here are some pictures that I have taken over the last few weeks as our spring has begun to bloom here in the Valley.

The Harrisonburg office building being renovated in downtown has moved into the next stage of construction. Holes are cut in the roof, stair towers are rising through the existing shell, and the elevator shaft will soon be evident from the street. The second floor will soon be in...

Stack Effect is the movement of air into and out of buildings, driven by air pressure, temperature differential, and moisture. Buildings leak air through walls, interior and exterior, ceilings, crawl spaces, basements, and attics. This movement of air will result in warm air...

Update on the custom home in Old Town Harrisonburg under construction. Previous updates here,  here,  and here. The home is being built by Beck Builders. It features high performance windows, doors, insulation, and HVAC. It also has a roof terrace that feels like a treehouse with...

Your energy bills depend on having a complete thermal envelope. This home owner added insulation to the attic stair which is a good thing. However, there are still problems. The type of insulation used behind the stair only works when it is not compressed and if it creates an air...

Biophilic design is possibly the most exciting thing that has happened to building design in my lifetime. This term suggests there is an inherit need for humans to connect to other living systems. We hear it on every home design we do – “we want lots of light,...

Here is an update of our Magnolia Ridge Home that is under construction. I have posted about it in the past here and here. Let us know what you think.