The farm finally has an official postal address…

5150 S State Road 135
Morgantown, IN 46160

We are trying to build a home using “green” products as much as possible. Green means so many things to so many people that it is becoming a difficult word to define. Basically, we are looking for products that have a low VOC content and hopefully also are made utilizing renewable resources. We look for the LEED certification wherever possible. Another goal is to utilize USA based companies as much as is possible. There is some give or take – not every product meets all of these goals, but here are the companies we have chosen so far to work with.

Mohawk Carpeting – Mohawk is utilizing a yarn called SmartStrand that is actually made from corn. It is a US company, the corn is US produced, it is a readily renewable resource, it has a low VOC, and it is extremely durable.

Cali Bamboo – This wood flooring has a low VOC, is made from a readily renewable resource, and is extremely durable. It does fail in the US produced category as it is totally made in China and imported. Unfortunately, this is where the particular bamboo best suited for flooring is grown. The big plus here is the extreme hardness and durability of the product.

Formica – Our countertops will be Formica brand laminates. These are very low VOC laminates and are LEED certified. The company HQ is in Cincinnati although they are actually owned now by a New Zealand investment group. We am still trying to ascertain where the product is actually made. We chose the laminate over natural stone due to the durability of the laminate. Natural stone is porous and while very beautiful, it does tend to have issues over time.

GE Appliances – We are choosing GE Appliances because not only are the corporate HQ still in the US, but they are also bringing back the manufacture of their appliances to the US. Jobs for the US are important and we will try to support those jobs by purchasing the products. Hopefully, by the time we install, our refrigerators will be made in Bloomington, IN and Louisville, KY.

We should complete the closing next week and be ready for heavy equipment… Getting very close to seeing some results.

We signed the contract with the builder yesterday so start the clock to completion of the new farm house.  Estimated completion is somewhere between late August and early October with the first step an improved roadway to get construction equipment the quarter mile from SR 135 back to the building site.

The drawings were completed a couple of weeks ago and we have selected trim, doors, windows, flooring, and fixtures… Next step is final costing from the builder and completing the process with the bank.  Everything is going well and expect to break ground in February (late).

Main Level Electrical Diagram...

Lisa has once again made some very tasty looking pies… Can’t wait for tomorrow to sample the goodness!

I generated these pics from an early 3d model I am working on… Exterior materials are incorrect and there are several errors in the structure, but you get the idea…

Not sure were the chickens will be staying yet!