Remodel Green Homes

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Rick Miller 14

Making an Old Tract House Sunnier and More Efficient

Dec 14, 2015 | Middle River, Maryland

In 1983, the Heron was one of five cookie-cutter models offered in Bay Country, a tract housing development in a suburb of Baltimore, Maryland. Perhaps a little ahead of its time, the design featured walls with 1-inch-thick expanded polystyrene (EPSExpanded polystyrene. Type of rigid foam insulation that, unlike extruded polystyrene (XPS), does not contain ozone-depleting HCFCs. EPS frequently has a high recycled content. Its vapor permeability is higher and its R-value lower than XPS insulation. EPS insulation is classified by type: Type I is lowest in density and strength and Type X is highest.) insulation over the standard 2x4 walls filled with fiberglass batts.


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Grocoff - 1 - after front

Mission Zero House: A Net-Zero Retrofit

Dec 14, 2011 | Ann Arbor, Michigan

There really is nothing more challenging that I can think of than taking a home in a historic district and taking it to net zero energy. But it sure helps to start with the right home.

Good bones
When I asked Matt Grocoff, “Why this house?,” the first words out of his mouth were, “Good bones!” Despite the home’s age, the foundation and structure were sound.


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Grant - 01 East View

A Santa Fe Adobe Gets a Modern Addition

Nov 20, 2011 | Santa Fe, New Mexico

Michael Grant has been building, renovating, and designing high performance homes in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for almost two decades.

My wife Julia and I stumbled upon this dumpy little adobe home in Santa Fe, NM, which was for rent back in 2003. I thought the place had hidden charm; she was skeptical. After all, it still had double-hung single pane windows that dust could blow through, a smelly gas wall heater, and no insulation to speak of.


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TerraLogos - front after1

Building the Best Baltimore Rowhomes — and Neighborhoods

Oct 14, 2011 | Baltimore, Maryland

At just around 1,000 square feet, existing rowhomes in Baltimore represent a true design challenge. Of course, any redesign or retrofit should be green and affordable.

Streamlining assessment, design, and permitting

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