Q+A with Justin McIver of Main Eco Homes

We asked designer and general contractor Justin McIver what he’s learned from building and living in his first net-zero model home in Sweden, Maine.

Photo courtesy Main Eco Homes.

 Q: How do you build a home that uses less energy than it produces?

• Build only what you need.
• Create a tight, well-insulated building envelope with controlled ventilation.
• Site for passive solar, and put living areas in southern exposure and bedrooms in northern.
• Reduce electric loads with an efficient electric heating system, LED lights, and Energy Star appliances.
• Include alternative energy sources such as photovoltaic solar.
• Live a low-impact lifestyle.

Photo courtesy Main Eco Homes.

Q: Which energy-efficient products performed best?
A: We were amazed by the Mitsubishi Mr. Slim mini-split heat pump’s ability to heat a 2,000-square-foot home located on a windy mountain, while using a third of the electricity of a normal baseboard. We were also able to save $10,000 on less expensive R5 triple-glazed windows by adding insulated honeycomb blinds to get to R10.

Photo courtesy Main Eco Homes.

 Q: Anything you’d do differently next time?
A: Instead of the backup baseboard heater I’d like to try connecting an inline electric heater and thermostat to the heat recovery ventilator (HRV). We’ve also found a double wall with recycled cellulose insulation to be a better, cleaner, and less expensive alternative to foam board and spray-foam layers. Lastly, the three floors provide more space than two people need, so the resources for the third floor could be used for a garage instead.

Photo courtesy Main Eco Homes.

Q: What’s next?
A: We’ll find out this year if the 6.8-kilowatt solar array is enough to get us to net zero. Our total energy bill in January was $149 and by May had gone down to $9. We expect to come out even with solar credit over the summer, but if needed, we’ll simply add more panels.

Learn more at Main Eco Homes.

Q+A with found-object artist Louise Philbrick

Louise Philbrick is a South Portland artist known for her creative use of found objects, from old pianos to objects in nature. Her work has been exhibited at many galleries in Maine and across the county, and she's currently at work on a series of commissions.

Courtesy Louise Philbrick

Q: How and why did you begin using found objects in your art vs. buying new?
A: Finances were a consideration in art school, but I've always been drawn to objects that visually demonstrate the rigors of their history. A friend rebuilding his front steps gave me the old stair treads instead of taking them to the dump. The toe-nail scratches of a dog eager to get outside and the wear of 20 years of people coming and going aren't features one can request when purchasing new. And there never seems to be a shortage of these types of objects available for the taking, if I keep my eyes open.

Courtesy Louise Philbrick

Q: Why musical instruments?
A: Music is a huge part of my life and I'm fascinated by the craftsmanship of old instruments. There were close to 325,000 pianos manufactured at the turn of the 19th century that are now reaching the end of their "useful lives." People don’t have the space to keep them around as beautiful objects so they are literally dumping them into the ground. There are so many ways to repurpose them and as many reasons we should. I think we need to redefine the term "useful life."

Courtesy Louise Philbrick

Q: Do you reuse items for other purposes than art?
A: Right now I'm turning the head of an old cranberry rake into a mail and key rack for the entry to my sister's house.

Courtesy Louise Philbrick

See louisephilbrick.com for more info and share your thoughts here.