Plasma cutting steel staircase Tung oil applied on trim woodwwork Floors milled from site grown trees Septic field restoration Reflecting afternoon sun Birth of a barn on Bragg Hill Radiant floors Solar panel installation Capping off the chimney Proud shape emerges on the hilltop Pumping concrete into the three gables Forming 12x12 Gables Delivering concrete from the sky Parallam beam positioning Flying flitch beam ICF window framing Precision concrete placement Lower level ICF fabrication Newly excavated driveway Finishing garage deck concrete Pouring concrete footers Rebar safety caps Surveying the construction site Checking out the excavation equipment Rapid soil stabilization Testing the soils for drainage Taking Solar Pathfinder measurements Milling downed trees onsite View to the Southeast over the Benzel Family Trust Future meadow to be cultivated Taking a stroll on Bragg Hill Road

Bragg Hill is setting for Green Home Caravan

click image to enlarge
click image to enlarge

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) has selected 60 Bragg Hill to be a stop along the Chester County Green Home Caravan Tour.  Under crystal clear skies, more than thirty participants visited 60 Bragg Hill to learn about sustainable green building practices. The site was one of three locations that defined the Green Home Tour.  The first home, State Representative Chris Ross’s house was one of the first sustainable homes in the region built 9 years ago.  Like 60 Bragg Hill, it was designed by architect, Matthew Moger.  The other stop along the tour was the Stargazers Vineyard in Coatsville PA.

Due to the popularity and number of participants in the tour, the caravan was divided into two groups.  Each visiting group was met by the owners, builders, engineers and architects.  The attendees were given a hands-on tour of the site in a relaxed atmosphere to ask questions, “kick the tires” and experience the eco-home’s inner workings.  This was a perfect window of opportunity for the participants because during the visit, the photo voltaic solar array was in the process of being installed.  In addition, the lower level radiant tubing was visible, just days before being permanently ensconced in concrete.  Special thanks to Marvin Windows and Doors who, as sponsor, made this Green Home Caravan possible.  The only regret from most who participated was the wish for more time to explore and learn.

Upper photo:  Mark Thompson, principal contractor demonstrates the structural insulated panel used for the roof.
Lower photo: Jeremy Kuhre of Sustailable Solutions, Corp. explains the various energy systems and technologies used at 60 Bragg Hill.