Micro Dwell 2012 at The Shemer Art Center

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Micro Dwell 2012 is an exhibit of owner built micro dwellings that will take place at the Shemer Art Center in Phoenix, Arizona from November 4 – December 31, 2012.  The exhibit will showcase the design build features of small modular structures, their varied uses, alternative construction techniques, and cost effectiveness...with varied designs from practical to artistic, as well as the creative efforts of each builder.. MicroDwell 2012 will highlight the positive benefits to the environment by conscientious materials selection, use of salvage materials, and minimialization of waste.  Structures are 600 square feet or less, self … [Read more...]

APS Free Shade Trees Program

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Add a little green to your home and save on the green you spend on your A/C bill. Did you know APS offers its residential customers 3 shade trees for FREE to those who attend a workshop.  It is being coordinated by, Doreen Pollack, creator of  Garden Goddess and serves on the board of the Valley Permaculture Guild which is working with APS to deliver this program. Here are the details: Planting shade trees in your yard can save you up to $50 per year on your energy bill by blocking the sun’s rays and reducing your cooling needs. The APS Shade Tree program provides free shade tree workshops and free trees to help you maximize … [Read more...]

BIG Green Expo & Conference June 2-3

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The BIG Green Expo & Conference is back for its fourth year, and this year it’s part of the Home & Life Super Expo. The BIG Green Expo & Conference showcases sustainable products and services impacting every area of life, and targets both the commercial and residential industries. With the greening of businesses, products and developments rising exponentially, the BIG Expo is the perfect place to learn about the newest and most eco-friendly products and services Arizona has to offer. Those attending the conference will hear from prominent industry voices and industry leaders on both a local and national level, who will … [Read more...]

30 W. Vernon St. Phoenix, AZ 85003

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Rocking Horse Development, G Street, and Firefly Living are back with their latest revitalized home in Central Phoenix.  It's a beautifully remodeled 1925 Tudor Revival in the highly sought after Willo Historic District.  As always with G Street Homes, not only was it given a fresh modern style to the interiors, it was also upgraded for energy efficiency achieving a NAHB Bronze certification...quite a feat given the age of the home!   Take a tour of the hip new home Tuesday April 10th from 5pm-8pm during the open house, food truck fun, and all around neighborhood party. Current asking price as of April 5th, 2012 is … [Read more...]

Castaway House – The Ranch Mine

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Here's another local group with an upcoming open house focused on sustainable rehabilitations of distressed homes in Phoenix. Join The Ranch Mine & Blooming Rock Development  in celebrating the completion of the Castaway House, the first Phoenix Green Construction Code project!   They are architects by trade and urban core renewal proponents at heart. Enjoy light fare and sparkling drinks as you mingle with the team players that made the project a reality.  "High performance, sustainable practices and modern design all fill their roles as they reimagine this once-plighted home." Friday March 30th 4-7 pm RSVP in … [Read more...]

Energizing Taliesin West

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Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural landmark Taliesin West just celebrated its 75th anniversary and will also be going green, aiming to turn the development into a net-zero site by producing as much energy as it consumes. Parterships with First Solar Inc. and energy consultant Big Green Zero (both companies in Phoenix…keeping it local!) are making this effort possible, through the generation of on site energy with the installation of a 250 kilowatt solar array system with 4,000 panels, and reducing existing energy use by replacing 5,000 lightbulbs with more energy efficient models, new HVAC systems, and better insulation for roofing and … [Read more...]

Das Has Tour in Tempe

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Last weekend to visit the Das Has Tour in Tempe.  Economical, simple technology and solutions for sustainable design and living. Das Haus is a traveling pavilion, a North American tour and an ONGOING INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUEabout advanced technologies for home construction and solar energy use. The purpose – to share German innovations that have achieved sustainable construction and operational energy savings. Attendees will represent leading organizations and businesses in building materials, architecture, engineering, renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses, universities, and public officials. It’s about the future of … [Read more...]

The good, the bad, and the ugly of house flipping in Phoenix

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Before showcasing the next featured property, an affordable and green remodeled home in Phoenix, I thought it would be good to elaborate on the diverse mix of fix-and-flips in our market and my feelings towards each. Attractive home prices in Phoenix have caught the attention of several investors who have subsequently entered into the business of fix and flips.  These flip properties have become quite common, and in many cases, are a good fit for homebuyers looking for a move in ready condition home and don't want to mess with the craziness of foreclosures and short sales so prevalent in our market.  I've noticed a varying different … [Read more...]

APS Shade Tree Program Is Back

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This great program through APS is back and offering several workshops through the rest of the year.  Next scheduled workshop is July 23rd. Planting shade trees in your yard can save you up to $50 per year on your energy bill by blocking the sun’s rays and reducing your cooling needs. The APS Shade Tree program provides free shade tree workshops and free trees to help you maximize your energy savings. The following requirements must be met to qualify for this program: Must be a current APS residential customer living in Maricopa County Must be able to plant the trees approximately 15 feet away  from the western, eastern or … [Read more...]