Green Architects' Lounge

We will no longer be uploading new episodes on this feed. We are happy to now be an official blog for GreenbuilBuildignAdvisor.com. You can find us there under the Green Architects' Lounge, or if you are viewing this in Itunes, you can easily find us by typing 'Green Architects' Lounge' in the search bar and you can subscribe to to the GreenBuildingAdvisor's feed. Don't worry, Chris and Phil are slow at putting episodes out (they do have day jobs after all) but they will continue to share their experience, stories, cocktail recipies and music preferences. (In fact, it would be hard to get them to stop) Thanks for tuning in!

You've probably heard about 'Passive House' (or 'Passivhaus'). And like Phil and Chris, you can feel the buzz in the air from it within the green housing community. It's a building certification that is focused completely and only on reducing energy consumption. Join Chris and Phil as they summon their own energy to discuss this hot topic over a couple of cocktails. In the first part, they talk about what a passive house is, why you'd build one, and the history behind the passive house movement. (along with the recipe for a 'Man of the Moment') In the second part, they cover the three requirements a house must reach to claim the title of passive house. In the final part, Jesse drops by to share his experience attending the passive house training course, and then Chris and Phil explain the PHPP and the certification process. Of course no episode would be complete without a music selection from Phil. This time it's 'Time Fading Lines' by the Brooklyn band Woods. (Yes, Phil picked another Brooklyn band). Thanks for tuning in.

Don't be intimidated by the length of this episode. It is broken into three parts as part of our new format to work with GreenBuildingAdvisor.com. Peter Troast of Energy Circle stops by to share a drink with the boys and share his knowledge on Home Energy Monitoring Systems. Part 1: Chris shares a 'Pomini' cocktail recipe and Peter explains what energy monitoring is, and why you'd install such a system. Part 2: (20:57) Peter, Chris, and Phil, delve into the different types of Home monitoring systems and what type of information to expect from them. Part 3: (45:00) Cost! How much for these systems, and what if you have renewables tied into your system? Then Phil takes us out with a new song from Arcade Fire called 'Rococo'. They're all over the place now, but Phil was the coolest kid on the block when he pulled out their new disc 'Suburbs' at the beginning of this month. If you need help making it through the full length of this podcast in one sitting, may we suggest a drinking game? Dink each time the word ubiquitous (or any form of it) is used. Enjoy. Ubiquitous.

[If you've done any amount of research on ground source heat pumps, chances are likely that you've heard from those who have said that you'd be insane to consider this as a viable system for your house, AND you've heard others say you'd be insane NOT to use GSHPs. Where insanity and green architecture meet, there you shall find our intrepid architects mixing a 'Dark and Stormy', and turning on the mike, to act as your good-natured guides. Join Chris and Phil as they demystify this polarizing system. Phil will also share a track from 'Here We Go Magic' called 'Collector'. They'll share some 'Rules of Thumb' and then they'll play 'Five Questions' with two professional GSHP installers, Jeff Gagnon and Jim Godbout

With over 20,0000 gallons of crude oil spilling into the gulf of Mexico every day as a result of the BP Deep Horizon disaster, there has never been a more important time to explore and advance the use of renewable fuels for our homes. Pat Coon of Revision Heat is back for this episode to discuss residentital biomass boilers and wood as a renewable and vaiable fuel source. Also, Chris and Phil trade places and responsibilities. Phil shares his recipie for the 'Perfect Red Manhattan' and Chris introduces everyone to the music of Pete Miller with his song 'Daydreamer'. There's a lot to cover, so mix yourself a drink, sit back and and be "edutained."

Well they finally did it. Chris and Phil broke the one hour mark. It only took a huge topic like 'Deep Energy Retrofits' and a batch of Chris's 'sidecars' to get our intrepid imbibers to do it. Our Nation is full of an existing housing stock in desperate need of improvement. There is scarcely a greener thing to do than to assign our collective architectural skills to the task of improving the efficiency, durability, functionality, and all-around livability of these homes. We're talking DEEP energy retrofits here, so the timid need not download! The van is swinging by, the door is open, and it's only slowing down a little, so brace yourself, Jump in, and let's go!

Chris an Phil welcome their special guest, Pat Coon of Revision Energy and Revision Heat, who brings to the podcast his in-depth knowledge of solar thermal design and installation, as well as his craft in home brewing technology. Together they discuss the logistics, benefits, and challenges of solar thermal design for the home. Chris shares his six digit idea "splash pots" and Phil explores a 'hot zigg' with Pat. (We think it will work!)

If the core principals of Green Design were supported by five pillars, then those five pillars would be supported by one big pillar called 'Passive Solar Design'. It's back to the basics in this podcast where Phil and Chris knock back a local brew and share their rules of thumb for taking advantage of the sun in their designs. They also check in with Jesse to find out that "passive solar guys" bother him. Also, Phil shares a 'hot zigg' and a song, and Chris shares a pet product and a six digit idea.

Join the guys for a drink as Chris and Phil complete "The Big Three" of green construction topics with this episode, 'Air Sealing'. There is also a good discussion regarding HRVs and ERVs, and they attempt to talk Jesse down as he shares what bothers him about air sealing. Sit back, relax, and be 'edutained' while you work, drive, exercise or do whatever you do while you podcatch. Drop the guys a line at galounge@yahoo.com and let them know you're listening, and let them know if they missed something important about the subject of air sealing.

Choosing the right window can be a daunting task especially given the many, many options available to the consumer. In this episode, Chris and Phil share their green wisdom on making such an important decision for your home. They, of course, will also share a cocktail recipe, some new music, and the bemoaned musings of their friend and colleague, Jesse, as he complains about exterior doors. Drop the guys a line at galounge@yahoo.com and let them know you're listening, and let them know if they missed something important about the subject of energy efficient windows! Cheers.

Without the aid of any drawings, Chris and Phil talk about the many ways to improve the performnce of the shell of the common american home. This happens, of course, after seven minutes of tangential banter involving cocktail recipies and other loungey topics.

Chris and Phil introduce the podcast and delve into the many options for insulating your home.