Most people know that they need insulation in their projects but… What types of insulation are available, where should they go, and how much do I need? I preach that the ‘greenest’ thing you can do on any project is to make sure the envelope is as well insulated and airtight as possible. Insulation being a critical component. It is one of those unseen and magic elements that people don’t understand how it works, but know when it doesn’t.

I met with Scott Glowe from St. Croix Insulation, Inc and he was nice enough to answer a few questions -the basics -on several types of insulation.  You can reach Scott via email at scott@stcroixinsulation.com or call (715) 386-1200.

Ever wonder how and what cardboard you can recycle?  I happened to find this video my daughter made a year ago for a school project and thought it would be fun to share.  I am still amazed that many people do not recycle.  The energy and cost of creating a product from scratch versus utilizing a waste product that is 90 percent ready to be reused doesn’t make sense…does it?

I could use analogies such as ‘Architects are flexible in design, fluid in the process’, ‘Can hold it together when the project is shaken up’, ‘Bounce back from challenges….etc’.  To be honest, I just thought this video was cool and wanted to share it.

We love the ‘rawness’ of concrete. It is fluid yet solid, smooth yet textured, strong yet fragile…I could go on and on. Concrete is a basic building component that has leapt from the foundation and floor slab to other creative and decorative uses. It is inexpensive and readily available.

A newspaper published a weekly article following one of our projects and the number one question from readers related to the staining of concrete. The video below shows how we used Concrete Tile Backer Board (tile underlayment) as a fireplace surround. It gives a unique look to a traditional feature and meets the fire requirements. Take a look and let us know your thoughts. Thanks!

Ran across this documentary about architect Fritz Eisenhofer put together by Gaby Lingke. Fritz discusses his thoughts about designing and building a futuristic earth-sheltered home in New Zealand. Interesting and well-done video – check it out!

A Dome In Peka Peka from livlin productions on Vimeo.

Matt from our office came in to work one day with some ‘liquid gold’ -yes, homemade maple syrup. He graciously agreed to take some ‘flip video’ footage of the process. Matt elaborates below:

Making maple syrup is a very time intensive process that can consume your waking hours for 4 to 6 weeks in early spring. It starts with tapping the trees when the day time temperatures start getting into the 40’s and 50’s, but the night time temps still dip into the 20’s. Maple syrup is produced by taking the sap ,~3% sugar content, and boiling off the water until it reaches 67% sugar content. This roughly equates to 40 gallons of sap required to get 1 gallon of syrup. Last week the sap was flowing fast enough that I had to boil 3 days out of the week to keep my 55 gallon barrel from overflowing. Each boiling takes between 10 and 12 hours and consumes a large amount of wood. However the end product is very much worth the time spent. If you ever want to try it yourself, it does not take a lot of investment to get supplies, but it will require a lot of your time! Check out Backyard Sugarin’ by Rink Mann if you are curious for more how-to information. Oh, and by the way, if anyone has good suggestions on how to clean baked-on maple syrup remains off of stainless steel, I am all ears!

Ever wanted to change the entire character of a room with the snap of your fingers, or better yet, with a remote control? Ran across this video and was mesmerized by the thought and time it must have taken to accomplish. The actual room is completely white. They used two projectors to morph the room into a variety of styles. I wish it was that easy in real life! They did an incredible job working in 3 dimensions with 2 dimensional images. Note the changes at the couch armrest or the coffee table… and how do they get the rug image projected under the table? Pretty cool! You have to check this one out.

Via Mr. Beam

As with any project, it is the details that can pull a project together, strengthen the overall concept, and just bring a smile to your face. Below is a video of how we designed an accent wall that became a headboard in a Client’s Master Bedroom. We wanted to add warmth and texture while being economical. We built a test panel for my daughter’s room and then let the pros -in this case Carlsgaard Finish Carpentry -build the final piece. Click on the video and check it out!

Last week, I was surfing through television channels and landed on an old Laurel & Hardy movie. I have not seen one of these since I was a young lad…which wasn’t that long ago! At the end of the movie, they played a U.S. Forest Service short film featuring Laurel and Hardy as they learn about the importance of wood to their daily lives. How times have changed?

This Laurel and Hardy footage was filmed in November, 1941. Film was released in 1942. Also includes a brief profile of the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. Enjoy!

Many of you, I am sure, are familiar with these note/sketch/catch-all books called “Moleskine“.  They feel like a special indulgence . In fact, it took a while for me to not cringe when I misspelled a word or created a sketch I didn’t like within this beautiful notebook.  I am finally over that and look at my Moleskin as a tool…and as an informal historical document of what is happening in my life.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPad but actually, the Moleskin still feels like more of a luxury.

You can get a Moleskine notebook at virtually any bookstore or via the web.  Here is a link to a cool pen holder that works with the Moleskine and a leather cover if you really want to be fancy…or a cover/pen holder in one.

Moleskine from michael huber architects on Vimeo.