Mindful Living set up a 14′ Wolf Creek structure in just 2 days. We have uploaded some photos for you to see the process from start to finish.

This space would be perfect as a backyard addition, office, yoga and meditation space. The possibilities are endless.

If you would like more information about the Wolf Creek Series, click below:

http://www.yurtworks.com/images/WolfCreek.pdf

AUBREY COHEN
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Green building is good for more than just the planet, according to Jerry Yudelson.

“This is the most sensible business thing you can do,” said Yudelson, who is sustainability director of Interface Engineering in Portland, Ore.

He plans to make the case for green building as a smart business decision in Bellingham at an Oct. 13 conference hosted by the local business network Sustainable Connections and the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County.

Here is more of what Yudelson had to say about green building:

What is the business case for green building?

People tend to think about saving energy or water, but salaries and benefits tend to cost about 10 times as much as rent and 100 times as much as energy, Yudelson said. “We should really be focused on making buildings better for people, because that’s where the money’s spent.”

Studies show healthy air, natural light and views to the outdoors improve productivity, he said.

What have studies found?

“What you’re looking at in terms of productivity is anywhere from 5- to 15-percent increases in productivity with daylighting alone,” Yudelson said. “You’re looking at 1- to 3-percent reduction in absenteeism with daylighting and views to the outside and healthy indoor air.”

What about the cost of green building?

People can build green on a typical budget if they plan to do so from the beginning, Yudelson said. “Key decisions that affect the long-term performance of buildings are often made very, very early in the process. Even the site selection, how to orient the building on the site can have a huge impact on energy use, etc.”

The latest green building designs actually can be cheaper, Yudelson said.

Is green building catching on?

Governments and institutions are well into the “early adopter” phase – the one before general acceptance of an idea, Yudelson said. The private sector is still in the earlier “innovator” phase, although some large companies are buying into the idea, Yudelson said.

“I just think this is probably the most exciting development to hit the building industry in decades,” he said. “We’re seeing 30-percent growth a year in green buildings.”

Reach Aubrey Cohen at aubrey.cohen@bellinghamherald.com or 715-2289.

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Interview with Award Winning Interior Designer Kathy LaMontagne

Kathy LaMontagne

Kathy LaMontagne is the President of KJL Interior Design in Eugene, Oregon. Ms. LaMontagne graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Fine Art and was a member of many local and International Interior Design Associations. She was the staff designer for Oregon Dome Homes and created many of the interior design templates that they used. Kathy has over 30 years of experience working with custom homes and is an Oregon licensed General Contractor.

Question: What is your favorite feature Mindful Living homes have to offer?
Answer: I appreciate the wood ceilings and the quality of the construction.

Question: When you are building a custom home, when is the best time to bring an Interior Decorator on-board?
Answer: After you have purchased your lot you should be looking for a designer. That way we can look at all the options and determine your needs and what will really work best for your family.

Question: What do you think people should be aware of when they buy round custom homes?
Answer: Most people have the impression that the kitchen cabinets must be built in a concave or convex angle. This is very expensive and unnecessary. Just use the flat portions of the walls and attach spacers between the cabinets when needed. It is not necessary to create a showpiece for a cabinet maker.

Question: What uses do you immediately visualize when you see Mindful Living homes?
Answer: Mindful Living homes are perfect for Coastal areas, excellent cabins, and/or any area where weather may dictate that superior performance of a home is required.

Question: Are round homes easy to decorate?
Answer: For families who value the “great room”/togetherness way of life, few walls are needed. For those families who might want some separate spaces, a good designer can help locate those interior walls to fit their personal needs and preferences.

Question: How important is building “Green” to your customers?
Answer: Most of my customers want to know more about building “Green”, however due to the expense of building green most use only a few of “Green Building” advantages and opt out of the more expensive categories. With the LEEDS program and maybe some future tax benefits I feel that many homeowners will be more motivated to building “Green”.

Question: What are Today’s homebuyer’s trends or priorities?
Answer: Today’s buyers are looking for closet size and laundry centers are also becoming a great consideration. It used to be that the laundry area was in a small closet, hallway or a part of the garage. Today we are building separate rooms equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and other forms of entertainment in our laundry areas.

Question: Mindful Living also makes a 14 foot round studio which can be added without permits in a backyard. What do you think about having an extra bedroom, spa area or office, disconnected from the home?
Answer: I think that home offices are very important and today’s entrepreneurs’ are in need of private areas. However, I suggest that a homeowner should take the time to get permits and install utilities to all outside buildings in order to get the best resale on their home in the future.

Question: Do you see any other uses that these 14 foot Wolf Creek units might be good for?
Answer: Yes, I feel like they have extreme value when used as a mother-in-laws apartment or cottage. They are very well built and could make an excellent artist studio, music room, private man-cave, pool house or storage area.

Question: Would you recommend Mindful Living homes to your customers who have never built a home before?
Answer: Building a custom home is very stressful. Mindful Living homes are an excellent alternative to modular homes and they are priced at a level which is affordable for many buyers. With quality craftsmanship a priority, and extra time spent equaling more money spent, I think that they are a great idea and that they provide an alternative to standard custom homes which is less stressful, truly unique and more affordable.

For more information about Mindful Living homes, see our website at MindfulLivingHome.