When you think of great public buildings, what comes to mind? A particular museum in Washington D.C.? Perhaps a World Heritage Site? I agree these are architectural treasures, however, I want to raise the question about ALL the everyday public buildings in our community. A great...

When selecting a restaurant you could go to a fast food joint if you don’t mind getting assembly line quality food.  However, if you want a meal that melts in your mouth, you will seek out a restaurant that has a chef. A Chef is someone that understands the subtle...

Trombe Wall is a thermal mass wall that is located within a structure used to absorb solar energy during the daylight hours and radiate that energy back out at night. The trombe wall is not a new invention, it has been used since humans started building structures. A trombe wall...

Construct has come and gone again. Each year as I build my network through CSI the show becomes even more valuable to me. I have the opportunity to reconnect with industry leaders, meet emerging experts, and get a glimpse into the most innovative products available in the...

This high performance Penn Laird home continues to be built by Trost Custom Homes. Here is a pictorial update of the project. Here are the past updates Part 1 and Part 2.

There are many ways to build a thermal envelope for a high performance wall system. Which solution is right for your building is a question that should be answered through the design phase. Understanding all the options is an important first step. The most basic decision should...

Solar Thermal technology uses the sun’s energy, rather than fossil fuels, to generate low-cost, environmentally friendly thermal energy. This energy can be used to heat water or other fluids. Solar Thermal systems are not the same as solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems.  The...

Mincer’s is expanding! A tradition at the University of Virginia since 1948, Mincer’s has long since been the place to go and be seen in Charlottesville on game day. Originally opening as a tobacco shop under the name Mincer’s Humidor,  the shop now specializes...

The Harrisonburg Parklet Project is scheduled for October 4th from 5pm – 8pm.  In conjunction with First Fridays Downtown Harrisonburg, the Parklet Project is a free community event where artists, designers, and citizens transform parking spots into temporary public parks...

10 Things to Do This Fall for Your Home and Health 1      Check your door and window weather-stripping. Air leakage is the biggest energy waste that we find in homes. Making sure doors and windows seal tight will make your home more comfortable this fall and winter. Keeping doors...