Bathroom floor and tile

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The grey tiles are stone-like and, according to the store display, eco-friendly. I haven’t done the research to find out why or how they merit their green label. They were on sale and to be discontinued, so we ended up with several free boxes that will soon be used in the kitchen. The big white subway tiles for the children’s shower were in the closeout room and way more economical (and fun) than the smaller size we had intended to use. Chris has done all the tile work himself, a first-time experience with this craft.

Speaking at green building conference

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The 11th Annual New York State Green Building Conference is coming up fast. I am on the agenda March 12 to deliver a 45-minute presentation titled “Building a Passive House for an Active Family”. It was accepted for AIA credit. I submitted an abstract a few months ago to give myself a push, to toss a ball and run to catch it. Now the challenge is to make time for this new project in my crazy Spring schedule of UN report deadlines, motherhood and moving into the new house. Chris’s fantastic photos will be the heart of the PowerPoint and our story will be the soul.

Varnishing the floor

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Chris applied three coats of Railroad Varnish from Liberty Paint Corp in Hudson, NY. Susan looked up the CAS numbers listed on the label, not entirely trusting the “environmentally friendly” and “VOC compliant” claims. The top five ingredients are the same as Waterlox — solvents, Tung Oil, gum and resin. Tung Oil is considered a green finish and a favorite of environmentalists, websites say. And, yes, the VOC level is within New York State limits.

After leaving the windows open during the coldest week of winter, Chris decided to crank up the HRV for some serious ventilation. The fumes have dissipated and the children are testing how fast they can slide across the floor in their socks.

Wormy maple flooring

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Dynamic lines in this maple are thanks to the Ambrosia Beetle, which bores tiny tunnels that cause grey streaks. Overall, the colors will deepen when we apply tung oil. Credit for introducing us to this gorgeous flooring goes to Mark Reamer, craftsman extraordinaire. Pictured above is his brother, Dale, who contributed tremendously to the success of the installation. The wood was harvested within 50 miles of our house and purchased from Ghent Wood Products. Hauling the heavy load home proved too much for Chris’s trailer, which ended up being repaired at Columbia Tractor.