The VISION House at Mariposa Meadows, shown here in an artistic rendering,will consist of three entirely self-sufficient, off-grid structures: Atrium Duet—two living units connected by a central enclosed atrium/living space; Aspen Cabin—two story structure with open loft; and Studio—two story structure with garage on first floor and studio on second floor.
Green Builder Media CEO Sara Gutterman is excited about the immense possibilities that will come from this project. Green Builder Media will publish research and testing results through articles, white papers, blogs, and live and online presentations.
Deep snows of the long Colorado winters create a winter wonderland—and an unforgiving testing climate for manufacturers to see how their products hold up. When built out, the Mariposa Meadows property will be traversed via horseback and snow shoes during the wintertime.
Green Builder Media Co-founder Ron Jones takes a load off on a relic of yesteryear. Far from considering the old ways obsolete, he notes that old and new and futuristic all play a part in creating a sustainable existence.
Mariposa Meadows is an 120-acre in-holding surrounded by millions of acres of National Forest land and Federal wilderness area, located near Lake City, high in the Colorado Rockies.
Nudura ICFs were used in Phase 1 at the VISION House at Mariposa Meadows. Donation by the CICFI.
From concept to reality ... Mariposa Meadows' structures came to life at the "SIPs Raising," which happened in October. The high-performance panels, provided by AFM Technologies, are the perfect building solution for the extreme weather of the Colorado Rockies. As part of the project, SIPA and Green Builder Media will analyze the performance of the SIPs.
Managing Waste: Trimmings from the ICF’s were used to add extra insulation to the foundation walls rather than throwing it away.
SIPA panels and Norbord pointSIX Durastrand Flooring.
Boise Cascade 6000 Series I-Joists and Norbord products are part of this super efficient building envelope.
Managing Waste: The total waste after installing the SIPs in 2 of the 3 structures.
Uponor and DuPont products waiting to be installed.
Green Builder Media is excited to work with UL Environment because of the organization’s unique expertise in indoor air quality. UL Environment’s product emissions certifications, GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold, are the marks of leadership, demonstrating that products meet stringent chemical emissions levels, and thus contribute to healthier indoor air. With UL, we are creating a product specification methodology and case study that will help building professionals, manufacturers, and consumers understand the pathway to clean, healthy, and safe homes.
The Structural Insulated Panel Association has worked diligently with its member companies for decades to develop high performance, durable, resilient building envelope systems. Green Builder Media will work with SIPA to collect and analyze energy performance data from the VISION House at Mariposa Meadows structures and create a case study that highlights the benefits of building with SIPs.
Green Builder Media always welcomes the opportunity to work with Whirlpool because of the company’s passion for and dedication to sustainability. Whirlpool’s innovative appliances will help us achieve our net zero energy and water goals while contributing to the beauty and elegance of the new and retrofit homes.
Radiant heat is a perfect solution for homes in the extreme climate of the Colorado Rockies, and fire protection for structures located anywhere in the American West has become a must. Green Builder Media is delighted to showcase Uponor’s advanced radiant heat, fire protection, and plumbing manifold systems, all of which will contribute to the efficiency, resilience, and resource conservation of the homes.
James Hardie uses a unique manufacturing process reliant on natural, sustainable raw materials that are low in toxicity. Their fiber cement products are available in a wide variety of textures, styles and colors to offer endless design options and are specifically Engineered for Climate® to resist the harshest conditions. Green Builder Media is privileged to be able to showcase their products at the VISION House at Mariposa Meadows project.
Here are the eco-landmarks we navigate by as we create this sustainable enclave.
 Energy Efficiency Off-the-grid living demands the ultimate in energy-efficient products. Here’s what we picked. |
 Renewables Dependence on petroleum is dead; instead, we use these easy-on-the-environment technologies. |
 Water and Resource Conservation Natural resources are finite. Here are the techniques and products we use to reduce, reuse, and recycle. |
 Indoor Air Quality Healthy buildings mean healthy people. We spec’d products that make the indoors as fresh as the meadow air surrounding us. |
 Smart Technology We harness smart tech that will make life simpler and help us be more sustainable. |
 Durability See which building science practices and green products hold up to the harsh realities of high-altitude living. |
 Resilient Housing Disaster can strike anywhere. Techniques and products can help buffer buildings from these assaults. |
 Multifunctional Living Spaces We designed spaces that morph and accommodate more than one function. |
 Onsite Food Production Fresh food grown on site is the healthiest and most green way to go (not to mention tastiest!) Here are some notes from the high-altitude larder. |
 Indoor/Outdoor Living New products and design conceits blur the lines between shelter and the soul-healing outdoors. |
 Wildlife Protection Wildlife conservation means protecting all plant and animal species and their habitats so nature will be around for future generations to enjoy. Here’s how we address this important concept. |
