Oakhurst Green House In the Press Again
Decatur Metro | April 16, 2008Why is it that every time I read an article about this house, I feel like someone is trying to sell me something?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of green construction (note that I’m not going off on a preservation rant about how the original bungalow was essentially destroyed), but the fact that this project is apparently co-funded by Discovery (UPDATE: not quite the way it works – see comments), on top of the fact that most of these “green” techniques used have been widely implemented around the U.S. for years (just ask my mom, step-father or that guy on HGTV), makes this project seem a little over publicized to me.
h/t: InDecatur
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Thanks for your post on our renovation project. I wanted to write a quick note to clarify a few things.
Contrary to your inference, logical as it may be from the CL article, our renovation project has not even partially been funded by the Discovery Channel. Instead, a lot of people (including Michelle and I) have stretched in many different ways to make this project happen. Many of the folks who have made financial commitments have done so in the hopes that their businesses would benefit from the publicity surrounding the Discovery Channel.
We hope that the publicity on our project can help begin to “demystify” green building for folks. As you said, a lot of the techniques and materials have been used for decades (Frank Lloyd Wright used structural insulated panels in the ’50s!). However, especially in the South, we’ve forgotten the wisdom of those who have come before us and built lots of “dumb” houses. We simply can’t afford the collective cost of continuing to do that.
So, yes, we are trying to “sell” the idea of being smart about home resource usage. And we just happen to be working with a bunch of really talented and passionate people who can help others with their own specific goals, whether it’s caulking around their windows or designing and building a new house.
Yikes! My response is longer than your post – sorry about that. I’d be happy to continue this conversation here or on our blog, though.
KC Boyce (1/2 the homeowner)
No worries KC. I’ve written much longer posts than your comment! And thanks for you quick response…I’m kind of flattered in a way.
I really appreciate what your doing, but I guess I’m kinda shocked, also being from New England, that this project is SO unique in the South. Now that I write it out I guess I really shouldn’t be. Just kinda amazing that its taken so long in a progressive place like Decatur. My mom and step-father did nearly the same thing that your doing in VT back in 06-07 (right down the wiring for solar panels) and never received this kind of attention! So I guess I was just a bit skeptical about where all this PR was coming from.
And thanks for giving more clarification on the whole financing thing…that came off a little weird in the article. I’ve changed it in the post.
Regardless, this is a great conversation to be having and I welcome any further thoughts you may have.
Hey Michelle and KC-
I was just down in Atlanta (from Raleigh) and saw the article in CL… Hadn’t seen or heard anything about you guys since our days at the the Mountain… Hope all is well… Great article, good luck with everything!
Steve Pond
Drop me a line and let me know how you are- Im on Facebook and myspace as well… Take Care-