Building

The Crowheart Project - Building for Tomorrow / August 10, 2018 by Jon Gardzelewski

Written by Lauren Miller

Construction projects come in all shapes and sizes in Wyoming, however almost none can parallel the innovation and individuality of the Crowheart project. The home being built, owned by Dr. Gary and Diana Hedlund (interviewed in the previous blog post), is on the frontier of sustainable home design for Wyoming. Everything from the materials to the building techniques are well thought through. There are a variety of cutting edge materials that are being deployed in the build. In addition to the materials, there are also a lot of innovative techniques being used and, most especially, a vast network of creative minds at work.

One of my personal favorite features in the Crowheart project is the unique greenhouse room. While greenhouses are nothing new in Wyoming, the Hedlunds decided to go with a very unique style, with the greenhouse actually being an integral room in the house and not an attachment. While this initially may seem whimsical and almost impossible, I'm assured that it's simply an adaptation of a traditional greenhouse. The couple worked with Bill Zanoni of Ceres Greenhouse Solutions on the design of the unique room (and also with Matthew Schneider during the preliminary planning process). Although from a laymen's perspective, such as my own, it seems that there could be considerable issues such as moisture, heat, etc., Zanoni assures that, "In a new construction, this type of room is very easy to incorporate into the design". Cory Toye, contractor for the project, assures with the same confidence, that the room is very doable. The Hedlunds are hoping that the greenhouse will be able to help supplement their own groceries and possibly even have one day produce enough to give some to neighbors during long winters. Even without these benefits, having a room of bright, living things in the middle of the harsh Wyoming winter is an oasis in and of itself.

“This type of project [the greenhouse room] is engaging, very satisfying and important. While maybe not for everyone, it shows how you can grow your own food through the winter in a harsh climate.”

— Bill Zanoni (Ceres Greenhouse Solutions)

Certain aspects of Wyoming climate can often cause people to initially not consider sustainable building practices as a possibility for their Wyoming home as they would in other climates. One of the big factors which must be highly considered, and causes hesitation for many, are the harsh seasons of Wyoming, and Crowheart is no exception. Cold winters and hot summers are common throughout Wyoming; however, another challenge can present itself in the variants in day to night weather. A summer day could easily swing 30 plus degrees Fahrenheit between midday and overnight temperatures, therefore having high quality insulation which can fiercely regulate the temperature is all the more important. The Hedlunds have made several well-researched decisions as to their insulation specifications, and a lot of their decisions have relied heavily on the advice of their consultants, such as Hans Joachim Preiss from BrightSense LLC, who is the HVAC and energy efficiency consultant and is working on the space heating, water heating, and ventilation systems in the home, as well as general advice about the building envelope. In addition to the temperature oscillations, there is also significant fire dangers which have to be weighed. The Hedlunds have worked with Matt Sievers at Teton Steel to help decide the appropriate roofing and cladding materials to help lower fire hazards.

There are many innovations in insulation that vary from the traditional fiberglass insulation which can be beneficial for the Wyoming weather, but conversely, difficult to find locally. There were many factors which were heavily weighted when it came to deciding the type of insulation that would go into the project - from health impacts to sourcing, every aspect was considered. The insulated upper level wall assembly is a hybrid of outboard rigid Silverboard insulation with an R-value of 20 (R-value indicates insulations resistance to heat transfer) and inboard cavity insulation with spray foam (also with an R-value of 20) using a Honeywell low global warming potential blowing agent. The roof assembly boasts an R-value of 60 and consists of a hybrid assembly with cavity fill and outboard rigid Silverboard. Both the Silverboard and the spray foam were chosen to help mitigate global warming damages. Another material used is Rock Wool, which was chosen for its fire retardancy as well reduced environmental impacts during the manufacturing process. There are also many aspects when it comes to radiant heat flooring which they had to consider; one of the factors was using gypsum concrete on the floors, which can also aid in the insulation of the house. Overall, the insulation that is going into the house is not only sensitive to building needs for a Wyoming climate but also very cognizant of environmental impacts.

Another issue which was highly considered throughout the build was the type of windows that were to be used in the house. Windows can be a large consideration when it comes to building energy efficient houses, because traditional windows can be "leaky"; essentially they can be a source of heat loss or gain because they aren't well insulated or properly sealed. The windows were one of the larger considerations by the Hedlunds. There were a variety of different models considered and the Hedlunds ultimately decided to go with a model through Glo European Windows Inc, working with Mark Wells, to bring the most energy efficient windows to the project. These windows are special because not only are they triple-paned but also because of the fully-insulated aluminum window frame. The supplier also provides the "first Passive House Certified aluminum windows in the U.S.”, which is a huge leap for sustainable construction in the country.

One of the unique features of the house is its ventilation system. The specific system known as CERV heat recovery air exchange system (HRV) varies greatly from a traditional HVAC system. The Hedlunds worked closely with Ben Newell with BuildEquinox to bring the HRV unit into the project. In addition to the unit, the Hedlunds have deployed a 300 foot length of geothermal tubing connected to the CERV for preconditioning of air. Throughout the planning process, the Hedlunds have greatly relied on Preiss, mentioned earlier, in deciding on the proper system. While there are many challenges in such a space, that also allows room for innovations. Health and wellbeing is of great importance to the Hedlunds and has been a consideration of many different specifications of the build. Advancing technologies in HVAC systems have been one of the exciting frontiers in sustainable building, as mentioned earlier in an interview with Dr. Anthony Denzer. There are many reasons for this rise in prominence - from more efficient heating and cooling to cleaner and healthier air, there's many benefits to be reaped from such a system.

From techniques and technologies to floor plan, the Hedlunds are building with tomorrow in mind. Not only are the building materials of the house durable and able to withstand and endure Wyoming's climates, but the amenities in their house are capable of adapting with a shifting society. Features in their house, such as their own PV-supplied energy, possible electric car charging station, greenhouse and beyond, are built with future possibilities in mind. The Hedlunds also built the house with the next generation of their family in mind. The home is truly one built to endure and adapt.

The project has been carefully and meticulously curated by the Hedlunds and mobilized by the team of experts behind the project. Diana Hedlund is always the first to champion her contractors and consultants on the project, who are truly doing outstanding work in their respective fields. Some of the meetings between home owner and contractor/consultant were serendipitous and others through a chain of already formed connections. One thing is clear, this project is the result of the hard work of many, many people. It is sure to be a model for others looking to build in Wyoming, and it surely will stand as a flower in the Crowheart landscape for generations to come.

The view onto the Crowheart landscape from the kitchen at the build site.

Dr. Gary and Diana Hedlund - Pioneers of Wyoming Sustainability Series / August 2, 2018 by Jon Gardzelewski

Written by Lauren Miller

“‘Building’ and ‘green’ are opposites. They do not naturally belong together. To build you have to disturb the earth... But what we are trying to create is a home that is built to last, using sustainable practices, that is connected to the earth.”

— Diana Hedlund

The Hedlunds outside of their "Doc's Fish Camp" cabin near Crowheart, Wyoming.

Although non-natives to Wyoming, Dr. Gary and Diana Hedlund are bringing knowledge and passion into the state. While currently residing in Utah, the couple has been building a new home in Crowheart, WY, and they plan to move to the Crowheart residence upon completion of the build. While they do not come from backgrounds particularly focused in architecture or sustainability, the Hedlunds are major innovators for their building choices and their decisions and drive will surely open many avenues for homeowners in Wyoming.

From design to sourcing, nothing about this build has been traditional, and that has been exactly to plan. The Hedlunds have very deep awareness surrounding the environmental impacts of the building materials that they are choosing to use. From the use of reused materials to imported materials, they are varying greatly from the traditional Wyoming home. Wandering around the Crowheart construction site you can see repurposed sinks waiting to be installed and stacks of high-grade insulation waiting to be placed on walls. Walking with the Hedlunds, you are allowed even more of an immersive and impactful experience. Everything at the build has a firm purpose - framing techniques, insulation, and all other building materials at the site were chosen consciously. Many were chosen by means of hours of grueling research, phone calls, and inquiries. Nothing in the build is by accident.

The mentality of environmentally conscious building is nothing new for the Hedlunds. The couple currently dwell in a cabin dubbed "Doc's Fish Camp" when they visit Crowheart. The cabin is made up of Tie Hack cabins which were already present on the property and were creatively put together and restored. From the inside out, the cabin is innovative and charming. While sitting on the property you can hear the river meandering past in the background. With Dr. Hedlund being an avid fly-fisherman, the river on the property was one of the allures of the locale, which had actually been introduced to them by a neighbor in Utah.

Diana Hedlund surveys the view from the Crowheart project

One of the reservations that the Hedlunds had when deciding to build the house was surrounding the rurality of Crowheart. The couple has lived in metropolitan areas and wasn't sure what to expect from such a rural community. It's clear that the community has accepted the Hedlunds as wholeheartedly as they have taken to it. Neighbors saunter over to stop in and say hello, the joy between both parties evident. With significant parcels of land between each homes, such a journey is not as casual as it may be in the city, but the delight is much greater. Everyone who I have interviewed about the Crowheart project has spoken about the Hedlunds with great admiration and fondness. After meeting them, it's clear where such an inclination comes from. They break bread with their contractors and invite interns, such as myself, to their land and treat them all like family. However, the Hedlunds are clear and driven about their project being to the caliber that they deem necessary, which is what sets this project apart.

After speaking to the Hedlunds about many of the specifications of the project, I was left with a sense of awe and curiosity. Having considered myself an environmentalist, important negative impacts from construction were completely omitted from my thought process regarding new builds. Things such as the wood sourcing, species of timber used in construction and their lifecycles, outputs from producing insulation, health damaging chemicals in products, and many, many other considerations are sharply in Diana Hedlund's ethos in a way few other have the ability to consider and weigh. This acute environmental mindset mixed with an inclination for personal research has allowed the Crowheart project to have many new aspects which are innovative as well as current. As Diana Hedlund would say, there are risks and rewards to being on the bleeding edge of technology, and someone must do it. The spirit, kindness, and innovations which the Hedlunds are bringing to the state are nothing short of miraculous and are sure to help establish and encourage sustainable building technologies and practices throughout Wyoming.

Follow the blog as we go into more details about the Crowheart build in the next few posts.

Cory Toye - Pioneers of Wyoming Sustainability Profiles / July 24, 2018 by Jon Gardzelewski

Written by Lauren Miller

“[Sustainable building] is a rewarding field for us. We enjoy the outcome. We enjoy the process. We enjoy the work. As far as feeling like you’re giving something or being helpful to someone else, it’s hard to get much more intimate than building someone a home.”

— Cory Toye

There are few people who are doing more impressive work for preserving and promoting sustainability in Wyoming than Cory Toye. After graduating from the University of Wyoming in 2002 with a degree in Economics and Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), Toye worked in construction in Alaska, before ultimately returning to the University of Wyoming to pursue a law degree. Having a keen interest in environmental policy, Toye was especially interested in the environmental and resource aspects of law. This interest lead to Toye pursuing a career with Trout Unlimited, where he still is working today, as the Wyoming Water and Habitat Director.

Despite the bustle of work, Toye and his wife Morgan started flipping homes as a side project. Toye, having worked frequently in construction throughout his life, enjoyed the work as did his wife. Gradually, residents started taking notice of their work and requests for projects began rolling in. Thus, rather organically, the foundation for their construction company was born. The Toyes gave the choice of the company name to their son Joe, who declared that it should be called Builderman, LLC. The company is a family affair, with Cory and Morgan working alongside other family members to run the company. Toye isn't the only sustainable builder in his family, Toye's brother has worked in Alaska in the Cold Climate Housing Research Center. Also, Toye's sister-in-law and her husband work as talented carpenters and designers with a passion for sustainable building, alongside the Toyes. After the company started, it was not long before the requests for custom built homes began rolling in and the company evolved into building primarily custom-built houses. Many of the early projects, including the Toyes' own home, are traditional builds.

Alongside Toye's personal environmentally-oriented mindset, what established the dive into sustainable building practices emerged from an alumni magazine. Toye read an article about Jon Gardzelewski and his involvement with BERG. Having a longtime interest in sustainable building, Toye knew that this could be an opportunity to venture deeper into building science and sustainable building and reached out to Gardzelewski about being involved as a contractor.

Toye was involved in one of the first BERG projects in the state. As the project progressed, it garnered some attention, including that of Gary and Diana Hedlund. The Hedlunds, the owners of the Crowheart project, came to Cory and Morgan Toye asking about contracting their new home, which they hoped to build with strict, environmentally-minded practices. Because of the remoteness of the building site, contractors with experience in sustainable building practices were limited, as were locally stocked building material of the environmentally-conscious caliber which the Hedlunds were searching for. One hope of Toye's is that by increasingly implementing sustainable technologies, other clients and contractors will be able to see that not only are these types of builds and technologies possible, but that they can offer many benefits.

Utilizing new technologies and building techniques has been both challenging and rewarding. Some parts of the build, such as the Hedlunds' unique greenhouse room, have required a lot of personal research on the homeowners' part, as well as expert consultations to be able to refrain from "building the wheel" for the uncommon features. Many of the innovative aspects have been done through a sort of group collaboration, with input from the Toyes, BERG and its associates, the Hedlunds, and many others. It has required a lot from both the client and contractor sides, in terms of research, sourcing, and other aspects of the project, or "homework" as Toye refers to it.

Many aspects of the project were as innovative as they were foreign. The technologies are cutting edge and many of the building techniques are the first to be used in Wyoming, to the best of the crews' knowledge (the mechanics and specifications of the build will be explained more verbosely further on in the Frontier Zero Series). While there were a lot of interesting aspects to the build, one of the most impressive was the unique roof structure, which is only gently sloped and very well insulated, designed to more aptly blend in with the surroundings. One of the things which Toye is most excited about is working with the specialized HVAC system, and implementing similar systems in future builds.

Cory Toye's son Joe lounges with his dog Tiny while his dad goes over details with the homeowners.

The project has also given Toye the chance to work alongside other Wyoming innovators, "It's fun being around passionate people", says Toye, and this project comes with an abundance of passionate people. From the clients to the team of experts at BERG to the subcontractors, there are a lot of innovators in their respective fields. Toye also thinks that the BERG and Frontier-Zero models and general mindset are representing a paradigm shift in the wants of younger homeowners. Toye explains, "Most of my peers aren't interested in a big house, big mortgage. They're starting to look at ways that you can build smart homes that are healthy and low maintenance".

Most of Toye's heroes are blue collar, "people who are required to do things with skill, with craft". Toye believes that the attitude towards blue collar work is shifting. He believes that more people are adopting crafts not because they are unable to do white collar work, but as a conscious choice. Toye enjoys work that gives tangible results and thinks that the rewards are often much higher; Toye enjoys that this line of work which offers objective and concrete results. This dedication to hard work and craftsmanship is something which Toye and his wife are working hard at to give to their children, "We've always valued work more than leisure... Something that we've always stressed in raising our two boys is that they understand the value of the dollar, the value of work". Work experience starts young in Toye's family. While Cory Toye talked to the homeowners and subcontractors throughout the day, his son Joe ran around the site with his partner-in-crime Clementine, or as you could often hear Joe call to her, "Tiny". The level of family involvement in the company is something which is a point of pride for the Toyes, and a unique experience that they feel fortunate that they can share with their children.

The multi-generational and conservational mindset of Cory Toye is one which can surely benefit Wyoming. From his work at Trout Unlimited, to his presence on the forefront of sustainable building in Wyoming, Toye is clear to leave a lasting impact in the Equality State; not only through his own actions but also through the trades that he is promoting and skills which he is ingraining in the next generation of Wyomingites.