If you look at the date of previous post, then look at the date of this, you'd be justified if you concluded that this is NOT a seamless posting of the musings of one Scott Larson. I mean, I could have traveled to Thailand and back between these two posts. Let's face it, the shine has worn off of this blogging thing. I still like it, however, and a conversation with my sister in law Kari last night motivated me to sit down and do something about it. It's not like I haven't been saving photos for the next posting - it's just a matter of sitting in front of the computer for a while. This, as some of you may know, is a task I usually put at the bottom of my daily list of "things to do". It helps to have network connection, which I normally do not. Amy and I don't have cable, a cell phone (other than my school phone), internet, netflix or even TeeVee reception. We don't facebook or tweet or text. This - my friends - is it as far as 21st century withitness goes for me. So, I'll do my part and craft something enjoyable. Hopefully.
I started another blog in fact. In keeping with the latest character of this blog, I am only posting to this new blog rarely. The purpose for said blog is to have a place to post information about my building program, for those in the community who may be interested. Although not complete, you can look at it if you like. I plan on adding more video (I am currently making a 3 part series titled This New House, which involves my students and me talking about what makes a house green - each episode will be about 1 minute long and will air at the high schools, as well as posted on my YouTube channel, where last years video is currently residing) and a link to the Forest Products Commission when they do a promised highlight of me. I am building this house out of all Idaho lumber. http://studentbuilt.blogspot.com/
Technical Details
Since I'm on the subject, consider indulging me a minute longer while I fill you in on the current house project. It's really going to be something unique. Last year's house was awarded a LEED Gold certification- achieved through a combination of energy and water effeciency and finish materials selection. This year I hope to get a Platinum rating, the highest, through energy effeciency, mainly, as well as good materials and minimizing waste. I am building a double wall, something new to me. New to alot of people in fact. There are not too many of them around. In short, a double wall allows us to put more insulation in the walls, and creates a "thermal break" that further reduces heat transfer. It's bomber. Plus, we stuffed it full of an air tight foam insulator, not fiberglass or cellulose. We'll have an ultra effecient heat pump in place of a furnace, and a new "hybrid" water heater that is the most effecient choice going. I got "raised heel" trusses (see photo) that allow us to stuff more insulation in the attic. My goal is to rate this house as 70% more efficient than code requirements. If you can build to 100% more efficient than code, you have a "net-zero" house that uses no net energy over the course of a year. There are only 2 of those in the state. For those of you interested in learning more about quantifying efficiency, do some research on HERS ratings, or ask me.
Raised heel trusses
Double walls
Day one
Day 90Personal Projects
I think its fair to share with you all what exactly has distracted me away from my blog responsibilities. (I might add that my attention has also largely been distractd from my hiking/dog responsibilities too. I am not hiking nearly as much as I have, much to Fennel's dismay) The first photo is of two of the three gates I made this fall. They are a traditional English five bar gate. Made from cypress and set on massive hinges. I plan on making a facing pair, set into stone gateposts, someday soon. I have to make the gateposts first. The other two photos are of my new workbench. I started this in the fall and finished just after Christmas. Over break, I'd wake, eat and trundle off to the shop, only to emerge for food at the end of the day. I've been having a blast making this. It's solid maple and based on a plan from Fine Woodworking know as the Ultimate Workbench, with a few variations. Having a workbench has changed everything - no longer am I confined to one handed carpentry or frustratingly jury rigged nonsense.
The Future
As for what's next? Trying desperately to hang on to my job (no need to go into detail here), building bookcases for the house, and living with the engine behind "the Year of Idaho Food". Check out their website - http://www.nwfoodnews.com/about-the-year-of-idaho-food/
It's really something. I am committed to orgaining a food event in July - a Sierra Club/Backcounty Sportsmen sponsored sun oven/dutch oven cookoff with local food and game. It should be alot of fun. Speaking of Amy, I thought I'd share a photo I did not take, but is so cute it deserves to be posted here.
Amy
I am signed up for a 3 day masonry oven bread making class in Quilasucut Washington, June 18th. I'm scheduled to hike the next leg of the Idaho Centennial Trail in July- this time way up north and along the Montana/Idaho divide. 6 Days. I have federal jury duty in Februrary. I'm on call for a month. I hope all is well with you. Off to the woodshop!
Scott
