Discover how to achieve the perfect blend of design, performance and affordability in home building with insights from Dan Kolbert, co-author of “Pretty Good House: A Guide to Creating Better Homes.” Explore the concept of the “Pretty Good House.” A practical alternative to pursuing home certifications like Passive House, LEED, and Energy Star.  Learn how this approach, originating from a building science group in Portland, Maine, defines sustainable building by not only the construction details but also on other crucial aspects like house size and budget constraints, offering a balanced framework for better homes.

Learn more about Bensonwood by visiting our website: bensonwood.com

In this episode, we dive into key design elements that make a home truly energy-efficient and sustainable. Mark and Alison are joined by guest Amanda Weglinski, Design Project Manager with the Bensonwood Design Group and key contributor to the recent launch of Bensonwood's OpenHome product offerings. Together they explore smart siting for natural solar gain, efficient layouts, and multi-use spaces that reduce the home’s footprint. You'll also learn how material choices, shorter MEP runs, and native landscaping make a lasting impact on the resiliency of a design. To learn more about OpenHome and the Bensonwood Design Group, visit: https://bensonwood.com/build-with-us/our-homes/open-home/

Learn more about Bensonwood by visiting our website: bensonwood.com

Alison and Mark are joined by Beth Campbell, a contractor who teaches curriculum for the Passive House certification organization, Phius. Join them as they break down the most common certification and rating systems in construction, including LEED, Passive House, Energy Star, HERS, and more, exploring how each can potentially benefit homeowners. Learn more about Phius by visiting: https://www.phius.org/

Learn more about Bensonwood by visiting our website: bensonwood.com

Alison and Mark sit down with Jay Lepple, Production Officer at Bensonwood, to explore the key advantages of offsite construction. In this episode, they delve into the European roots that shaped offsite building practices in the U.S. and discuss some exciting innovations in the industry's future. Learn more about Bensonwood by visiting: https://bensonwood.com/

Learn more about Bensonwood by visiting our website: bensonwood.com

Welcome to the podcast! In this first episode, Alison Keay and Mark Hertzler dive into the rising importance of high-performance homes and offsite construction, exploring how certain innovations are reshaping the future of homebuilding across the U.S.

Learn more about Bensonwood by visiting our website: bensonwood.com