Category: Materials

    • Water Heaters: Solar versus On Demand/tankless

      www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12850 www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12860 Solar water heaters have been replacing gas water heaters over the past ten years at a rapid pace. Consumer interest in them is not solely for the tax credits, but also for their economic payback with cheaper bills and startup costs. The pros and cons for gas and solar water heaters are lengthy…

    • Countertops and such…

      No kitchen is complete without the proper countertop. From the recent increase of kitchen renovations in my practice, I like to share some of my favorite counter tops and also shed some light on the most commonly used materials and their properties. A few years ago I came across this neat breakdown of the most…

    • Habify opens in Coral Gables, Florida.

      “Evolve your Home” is the slogan for the new concept that opened its store/showroom location in Coral Gables. Proprietors Christopher Block and Buck Reilly have combined their experience in home energy auditing and passion for good design and quality materials that have one common denominator: they will make your home better in some way. That…

    • A primer on doors, windows and weatherproofing in South Florida

      Doors and windows do more than just bring natural light into our homes. They offer a wonderful opportunity to clean out the inside air and enjoy the lovely weather, especially in times like these, when the South Florida winter actually allows for us to do so. Often I hear in conversation when the temperatures drop…

    • Alcaraz-Arango kitchen update – Coral Gabels green renovation project.

      Installed at a lower elevation for use as seating, the clever layout by kitchen designer Christina Raidt of Akzent Kuechen (www.Akzent-Miami.com) makes optimal use of the former breakfast space and still keeps in line with the sleek kitchen

    • Built Green with a Pink Ribbon: Build for the Cure Show Home Features Performance & Sustainability

      More efficient operation of the attic-located air conditioning equipment was also a top consideration. Vented attic spaces can result in excessive energy consumption and high energy bills due to inefficient operation of the HVAC system.