With the state of our country’s economy, prospective buyers want to get the most out of their dollar.  Shoppers are looking closely at the details of the similarities and differences between different models, brands, and the businesses that provide them.  Nowadays, shoppers are more informed and educated about products thanks to the vast amount of information that can be found on the internet.

We at Mindful Living have improved our product considerably to provide a better product and simplify the construction of our structures.  We carefully looked at each improvement and worked to minimize additional costs.  While providing a quality product, Mindful Living structures are an affordable alternative to standard on-site stick built buildings.  For an example to express how affordable our structures are, look at the cost comparison of our units to a canvas, soft-sided alternative.

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This month’s newsletter features an article about Carol LeBarron’s home. She just recently finished setting up her inspired space and wanted to share photos and her experiences with us. Want to read more? Click on January Newsletter.

Here are some of the conceptual drawings for the Tato school project in Colima, Mexico.

Representatives for Mindful Living were present in Colima, Mexico for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new school project for autistic children.  The event was a great success with considerable media coverage from newspapers and television stations.  Mindful Living will provide 16 of the 17 buildings for this project.  It is one of the first of it’s kind in Mexico for this type of school.  It will be used as an example for future schools to follow.

Snuggled away in the Uwharrie Mountains, Jane Lewis and Craig Lawrence found a peaceful spot to build their new sustainable home.  They have a Mindful Living round home with wings that totaled right at 900 square feet.

Below is the article called “Natural Habitat” within the Lifestyles section of the Courier-Tribune in Asheboro, NC.   Click here or on the pages to visit our website to read the article.

Natural Habitat Pg 1

Natural Habitat Pg 2

Worried about the cost of going green?  In a new article from Builder.com, the author states that a new study from Interprise Green Communities shows that building green can save more in the life cycle of the home than the intial costs that were incurred.  Not only will you shrink your carbon footprint with buildling green, you will also provide a safe and healthy home for your family.  Please read the full article here.

If you or someone you know in the Eugene area is thinking of building a new home, there are some informative websites that explain the steps for getting tax breaks, incentives, and other benefits for building green.  Visit the City of Eugene’s page here to get started on your research.  The new expanded Green Building Incentive Program that the City of Eugene has implemented is a great service and support for going green.  They offer free consultation, reduced fees and costs, one day permit, priority inspections, and recognition with publicity.  You will not feel alone or confused when working with the City of Eugene to build your new sustainable home.  Be sure to contact Jenna with the City of Eugene at (541) 682-5541 as soon as possible if you choose to take part in the Green Building Incentive Program.

You should then contact either Gary Harlan or Steve Stewart, the Residential Energy Management Specialists, at EWEB by calling (541) 484-1125.  Also visit EWEB’s site here for more information on their incentives. 

There are 2  ways to receive certification for your home: LEED or Earth Advantage.     Visit the LEED site here for information on certification through the USGBC’s LEED for Homes program.  Also take a look at the Earth Advantage site here for more information on their certification process. 

If trying for higher efficiency and more incentives also visit the Oregon Department of Energy site here for information on the High Performance Home requirements and benefits.

As mentioned in the previous blog post, we were very excited to be involved with a project that would include a renewable energy source.  Unfortunately, after an on-site inspection by a representative of Advanced Energy Systems, the new home location for Lee Pettigrew would not have sufficient exposure for a solar hot water system.  There are too many trees blocking the sun.  The owner was disappointed about the news but was still anxious to continue with her new sustainable home. 

Ms. Pettigrew will shoot for an Earth Advantage rating.  This process is most effective when there is coordination between the client, contractor, designer, EWEB, and the City of Eugene.  As early as possible, there should be a meeting to determine what credits or points the client would like to attempt to achieve.  This saves time and money when included in the design upfront and not changing the designs and/or directions later in the project.  

The solar incentives mentioned in the last blog posting are available for new and existing homes wanting to incorporate solar energy.  You can visit the DSIRE website for more information.

Our latest newsletter is available for you to view. Please visit it at Mindful Living Newsletter .