Midwest Living has partnered with the Museum of Science and Industry to redesign the interior space of the award-winning “green living” exhibit–Smart Home: Green + Wired–at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. Senior Design Editor Carol Schalla updated the home’s interior design with the latest in eco-friendly products and resources to create an elegant and functional urban space for an empty-nester couple.

Emphasized are great spaces for entertaining, a master bedroom that serves as a retreat, the ultimate multifunctional, eco-friendly garage and a functional home office—all of which keep in mind natural elements and harmony with the earth. The design features soft, organic textures and colors fused with a contemporary style. Within the home, guests are able to view the latest innovations in reusable resources; smart energy consumption; eco-friendly landscaping; and clean, healthy-living environments in a contemporary setting.

One of the high performance, energy efficient building systems being used is Warmboard Radiant Subfloor.  Warmboard radiant floor heating is utilized as the heat source on the first and second floors of the building because of its contributions to occupant comfort, energy efficiency and clean Indoor Air Quality.

Because of Warmboard’s high conductivity, low mass and fast response, the radiant system ensures that residents are never too hot, never too cold, always just right, always comfortable. The high conductivity of the Warmboard radiant panel also results in lower water temperatures which creates greater efficiency and lower operating costs.  Additionally germs, dust, pollen and mold spores generally associated with forced air systems do not apply to Warmboard radiant heat.

See the home that has shown guests some ways, big and small, to make eco-friendly living a part of their lives. Smart Home: Green + Wired is a must-see exhibit for anyone who wants their home, and life, to be smarter, more efficient and more in tune with the environment than it is today. The exhibit runs until January 2011.

Smart Home Exhibit Resource Guide PDF

Click here to see the results from the 2009 Solar Decathlon Competition.

The Solar Decathlon is a project of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The Solar Decathlon is a unique competition that draws a crowd of about 350,000 people. Twenty college and university teams design, build and showcase energy efficient, state-of-the-art, solar powered houses, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Each of the teams compete in ten categories, including architecture, comfort zone, and hot water. Warmboard has been selected as a part of the radiant heat systems in many of these homes.

The Ohio State University

Iowa State University – Interlock House

Team California (Santa Clara U/California College of the Arts) – Refract House

Team Missouri (Missouri University of Science and Technology) – Show-Me Solar

The University of Kentucky – s.ky blue House

Click on the photos below to see various stages of Warmboard installation.

Click here to learn more about Warmboard’s history with the Solar Decathlon.

2009 Solar Decathlon

A certified green business has voluntarily gone above and beyond regulatory requirements to prevent pollution and conserve resources by:
• reducing water consumption
• retrofitting lights and other equipment to conserve energy
• reducing solid waste going to landfill by minimizing waste and recycling
• implementing practices that reduce pollution and protect worker safety

Warmboard President, Tony Gasparich, said “Warmboard is proud to be part of the Green Business Program, and this relationship furthers our drive toward sustainable business practices. Warmboard respects the need to consider our future impact in all that we do, and we practice this day to day by offering our low energy heating solution, responsibly managing the resources needed to run our business, and even simply riding bikes to work!”

The Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program is a successful partnership of environmental agencies, utilities and nonprofit organizations that assist, recognize and promote businesses and government agencies that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible way. To be certified “green,” participants must be in compliance with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste. We offer motivated businesses and agencies an easy-to-use framework for improving environmental performance.

To learn more go to: http://www.montereybaygreenbusiness.org/

Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program Pledge PDF

The exhibit home – designed by Michelle Kaufmann Designs™ and built by All American Homes™ - is open May 8 through January 4, 2009. Celebrating exciting new directions in sustainable living and spectacular, environmentally-friendly technology, Smart Home: Green + Wired will offer guests guided tours of the 2,500 square-foot home and grounds, located in a park on the east side of the Museum. Within the home, guests are able to view the latest innovations in reusable resources; smart energy consumption; eco-friendly landscaping; and clean, healthy-living environments in a contemporary setting.

One of the high performance, energy efficient building systems being used is Warmboard Radiant Subfloor.  Warmboard radiant floor heating is utilized as the heat source on the first and second floors of the building because of its contributions to both energy efficiency and healthy, clean Indoor Air Quality. Germs, dust, pollen and mold spores generally associated with forced air systems do not apply to Warmboard radiant heat. Additionally, the high conductivity of the Warmboard radiant panel leads to lower water temperatures, creating greater efficiency that ultimately benefits the environment.

“Smart” technologies are incorporated throughout the home, including a full-home automation system that allows homeowners to control heat, window coverings, lighting, security sensors and cameras. A touch screen will track electricity and water consumption in the home on a real-time basis. The technologies will demonstrate how a home can inspire lifestyle choices and be equipped to save resources while residents are away, as well as keep a home and its occupants protected.

Smart Home: Green + Wired is a must-see exhibit for anyone who wants their home, and life, to be smarter, more efficient and more in tune with the environment than it is today.

Smart Home Exhibit Resource Guide PDF

Links

‘Smart Home’ Exhibit Features Warmboard, Radiant Panel Report, June/08

‘Smart Home’ Shown in Museum, Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 19/08

Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry – Smart Home: Green + Wired Exhibit

Michelle Kaufmann’s Blog

All-American Homes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WARMBOARD SELECTED BY FIVE SOLAR DECATHLON TEAMS

(APTOS, CA) September 13, 2007 – Warmboard Radiant Subfloor has been chosen by five participating universities, including MIT and University of Texas at Austin, to be used in their solar-powered homes for the department of Energy’s 2007 Solar Decathlon Competition taking place October 12-20. Warmboard is contributing its patented radiant subfloor which will be used to efficiently, effectively and comfortably heat the homes.

Tony Gasparich, President and COO of Warmboard Inc. said, “It has been a pleasure and honor to be included in these homes that have great potential to shape our future. I look forward to seeing the efficiency and feeling the warmth that Warmboard has added to these homes this fall when they are on the National Mall.”

The Solar Decathlon is an internationally recognized competition that draws a crowd of approximately 350,000 people every two years. Twenty teams from around the world converge on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for a week to display homes they designed and built with the ability to run a modern household using only energy from the sun.

In 2005, Warmboard was selected by the University of Colorado in Boulder to contribute to the heating system for their home. It was a thrill for Warmboard when University of Colorado won the competition and took first place.

In recent months, Warmboard has been working with the dedicated teams at MIT, University of Texas at Austin, the University of Maryland, the University of Cincinnati and Lawrence Technological University to help them execute the installation of Warmboard in their competition homes and assist with their quests to win the Solar Decathlon.

When talking to the students about why they selected Warmboard, all of the teams concluded that Warmboard is simply the most efficient and is easy to install. Kurt Keville, the project manager at MIT said, “Warmboard is a completely comprehensive system with a very intuitive installation process and fits discreetly into the building.”

With time constraints a reality for these teams, Warmboard was able to provide them with a subfloor and radiant paneling in one product. “We needed something quick and simple,” said Team Structural Engineer, Sam Covey, of the University of Texas at Austin.

Luke Field, the team project manager for the University of Cincinnati, said one of the reasons their team decided to go with Warmboard was because, “We believe they provide a superior product.”

Recognition as an efficient and highly responsive radiant system at the past and impending Solar Decathlon has allowed Warmboard to continue gaining additional exposure in the green building community. In a world that is progressively shifting to use alternate energy resources, Warmboard’s ability to be used in multiple applications from standard water heaters to geothermal systems, will continue to keep it on the cutting edge of green technology.

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About the 2007 Solar Decathlon:
Twenty teams have been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to compete in the 2007 Solar Decathlon. The teams, from colleges and universities around the globe, participate in an unparalleled solar competition to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home. In fall 2007, the teams transport their solar houses to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where they form a solar village. The teams compete in 10 contests to determine an overall winner. Using only energy from the sun, the teams generate enough electricity to run a modern household. With an eye on energy efficiency, the students carefully choose the systems, products, and appliances used in their houses. To learn more, go to www.solardecathlon.org.

Warmboard Selected By Five Solar Decathlon Teams PDF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL COMPANY CONTRIBUTES RADIANT SUBFLOOR TO SOLAR 7 TEAM’S ZERO ENERGY HOME

Warmboard, Inc.’s patented radiant subfloor technology will balance home’s temperatures and create greater heating stability with a green energy focus

(APTOS, CA) August 28, 2007 – Warmboard, Inc. today announced that they have agreed to sponsor Solar 7’s Zero Energy Home—MIT’s entry into the Department of Energy’s 2007 Solar Decathlon. Warmboard will contribute its signature radiant flooring system which more than 150,000 spectators will see when Solar 7 exhibits at the Solar Decathlon on the National Mall October 12-20.

Warmboard’s radiant subfloor technology circulates hot water through tubing installed in the insulated radiant panels; a process that significantly reduces heating costs. The Warmboard radiant flooring system begins with a seven-layer plywood subfloor, routed with modular channels and overlaid with thick, highly conductive stamped aluminum. This creates the only structural subfloor and radiant panel in one. Heat from the flooring system rises up into the home and thus creates an even temperature throughout rather than drafty currents of air traditionally found throughout most homes.

“At Warmboard, we are committed to finding more environmentally sound solutions to common problems,” said Terry Alsberg, CEO and inventor of Warmboard. “Solar 7’s home is beneficial on so many levels: to help educate consumers, to help further a commitment to greener living, and to help nourish the planet’s health as a whole.”

Warmboard’s technology has been available for more than seven years and installed in thousands of homes. The Warmboard system brings homeowners the benefits of radiant heat while eliminating construction difficulties and costs related to traditional radiant installation. Recently, Warmboard was selected as one of the Top Ten Green Building Products of 2007 by the editors of Sustainable Industries. The award recognizes companies that are innovators, pioneers and proven performers in creating high-quality, high-value resource-efficient products.

“We are very excited and thankful to have Warmboard working with us on our journey for first place,” said Kurt Keville, advisor to Solar 7. “This partnership not only helps Warmboard showcase their technology, but it also shows they are contributing to a stronger sustainable effort in modern living.”

The 2007 Competition takes place October 12 through October 20 at the National Mall in Washington, DC. During that time, all 20 competing homes will be open for public tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. To learn more about the MIT Zero Energy Home, or to become a sponsor, go to http://solar7.mit.edu.

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About Solar 7:

The Solar 7 Team consists of both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as a group of professional advisors and community volunteers. The home is being built on the corner of Albany and Portland Streets in Cambridge, Mass. To learn more about the MIT Zero Energy Home, or to become a sponsor, go to http://solar7.mit.edu.

About Warmboard:

Warmboard is a patented technology invented by Terry Alsberg in the early 90s, and has redefined radiant flooring with its design simplicity. Warmboard is a “simply smarter” radiant heat product, with faster response, even floor temperatures, higher output from lower water temperatures, and compatibility with numerous floor coverings. The product is currently marketed to architects, contractors and homeowners, as well as immersing itself in the expansively growing, green building trend. Today, Warmboard is available throughout North America, and has recently shipped its product into Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and Antarctica. For more information about Warmboard, Inc. please visit www.warmboard.com

Warmboard Selected by MIT’s Solar 7 Team Zero Energy Home PDF

Warmboard Greenlighted by Solar Decathlon Teams

The Solar Decathlon is an internationally recognized competition that draws a crowd of approximately 350,000 people every two years. Twenty teams from around the world converge on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for a week to display homes they built with the ability to run a modern household using only energy from the sun.

According to the Department of Solar Energy, it is essential for the competing teams to concentrate on effectively choosing the systems, products, and appliances used in their homes. Every detail is scrutinized and judged, from design aesthetics to the overall comfort and warmth felt by potential occupants.

In 2005, Warmboard was chosen by the University of Colorado in Boulder and the University of Texas at Austin to contribute to the heating system for their homes. It was a thrill for Warmboard when both schools made it into the top 10. In fact, University of Colorado won the competition.

Looking to the success of University of Colorado, five universities have chosen Warmboard for the upcoming 2007 Solar Decathlon held in October. Tony Gasparich, President of Warmboard Inc. said, “It has been a pleasure and honor to be included in the homes that have great potential to shape our future. We have truly enjoyed being a sponsor. I look forward to seeing the efficiency and feeling the warmth that Warmboard has added to these homes this fall when they are on the National Mall.”

In the recent months, Warmboard has been working diligently with the dedicated teams at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Maryland, the University of Cincinnati, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Lawrence Technological University to help them executetheir plans for installing Warmboard in their competition homes.

When talking to the students about why they choose Warmboard, all of the teams concluded that Warmboard is simply the most efficient and is easy to install. Kurt Keville, the project manager at MIT said, “Warmboard is a completely comprehensive system with a very intuitive installation process and fits discreetly into the building.”

With time constraints a reality for these teams, Warmboard provided them with a sub-floor and radiant paneling all in one. “We needed something quick and simple,” said Team Structural Engineer, Sam Covey, of the University of Texas at Austin.

Luke Field, the team project manager for the University of Cincinnati, said one of the reasons their team decided to go with Warmboard was because, “Warmboard was the most responsive of the companies we contacted, and we believe they provide a superior product.”

Recognition as a team sponsor in the past and forthcoming Solar Decathlon has allowed Warmboard to continue gaining additional exposure in the green building community. As healthy, green and efficient building trends rapidly unfold more companies are beginning to realize that to be green is not a pop culture fad, but a way of life.

“Warmboard fits perfectly into a complete solar off-grid house. At UT, we conducted an analysis of our radiant system by combining Warmboard’s performance data with our building simulation data, and concluded that these two systems would be able to provide adequate heating for 87 percent of the year. He added that, “Warmboard coupled with a proper system allows an off-grid house to rarely use electric energy to provide household heating and saving electricity for other uses,” said Covey.

Warmboard’s contribution to these five Solar Decathlon teams has allowed Warmboard to expand farther into the green building trend that continues to encompass smarter and more energy efficient products for home building.

In a world that is progressively shifting to use alternate energy resources, Warmboard’s ability to be used in multiple applications from standard water heaters to geothermal systems, will continue to keep it on the cutting edge of green technology.

We are currently supporting the following universities:

Warmboard has proudly donated panels to support these universities and their quest to win the solar decathalon as well as making a greener tomorrow.

• University of Texas, Austin

http://utsolard.com

• MIT, Massachusetts

http://web.mit.edu/solardecathlon/

• University of Cincinnati, Ohio

http://solar.uc.edu/solar2007/design

• University of Maryland

http://solarteam.org

• Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan

http://solar.ltu.edu

To see more about these projects go to http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar_decathlon/teams.html

2007 Solar Decathalon PDF

Sitka Log Homes has been awarded the contract to build B.C. Canada House and have developed a design British Columbians can truly be proud of,” said Minister of Economic Development Colin Hansen. “The B.C. Canada House project is an incredible chance to highlight the diversity of this province and the many opportunities B.C. offers.”

Designed and manufactured in 100 Mile House, B.C. Canada House will be assembled in Torino, Italy and open to the public from January to March 2006. Sitka Log Homes transported the house via rail through Vancouver to Montreal and then shipped from the Port of Montreal in mid-July for transportation to Italy.

Built with lodgepole pine, B.C. Canada House will have an authentic B.C. look, featuring landscaping with large granite rocks and coniferous trees. Inside, B.C. Canada House will promote the trade and investment opportunities B.C. and Canada offer and serve as a meeting and gathering place for visitors from around the world.

Our donation of Warmboard panels for this project is a big part of the efficiency of this home. In fact, Warmboard is the most energy efficient way to heat your home using radiant heat. Our panels run the lowest water temperatures in the industry while still providing the correct amount of BTU output for any heating need. Also helping on the project was hydronics and heating specialist Mark Eatherton from Advanced Hydronics, Inc. – Denver, CO. See below to read some excerpts from his post at HeatingHelp.com.

Update: CU wins the 2005 Solar Decathlon! Our congratulations to the University of Colorado for successfully defending their title and once again winning this years competition. Warmboard is proud to have been a part of the winning team and pleased that our energy efficient, solar friendly radiant system helped bring CU to victory!

Date: June 09, 2005 09:57 PM
Author: Mark Eatherton
Subject: And it is green… “Warmboard Green that is…

The cat can now be let out of the bag. I’ve been working for over a year with a group of Mechanical Engineering and Architectural students from the University of Colorado on a super secret project that will be unveiled in Washington DC sometime in August.

Myself, Professor Jim Eastman (a frequent Wallie), Dale Chavez of Warmboard and numerous students put the WHOLE radiant floor system together in under 2 days. The tubing took about 2-1/2 hours. Jim will continue working with the students after the home has been dried in and will be tying all the mechanical systems together.

As for the Warmboard, I don’t think it can be matched for performance and functionality by any other product on the market. It will be going into my personal home that I’ll be building in the next few years, and is being speced whereever possible in our day to day work.

My sincerest thanks to the good folks at Wirsbo for donating so much of the tubing, manifolds and all, and also the wonderful folks at Warmboard for their contribution of the Warmboard sub floor system, and last but not least, Dale Chavez with Warmboard and Jim Eastman with Marmot Heating. I couldn’t have done it without you guys. Thanks a million.

We congratulate the University and wish them well in this year’s competition!

Learn more about the Solar Decathlon at: http://solar.colorado.edu/

Mark Eatherton can be found at: Advanced Hydronics, Inc. Phone: 303-778-7772