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Vannin' with Shannon

November 27, 2020

Vanlife culture has exploded in recent years with many Covid conversions hitting the road now. Shannon’s vanlife dream was born out of her passion for renovation and the deep determination to become a homeowner, as well as the desire to reconnect with our natural surroundings and explore.

Nomadic culture is drawing appeal – especially among Millennials and Zoomers - with its emphasis on modest living, sustainability, and the freedom to travel. Shannon found these principals aligning with her own values and decided to make the major transition into tiny living by converting a ProMaster cargo van. The completed home on wheels will feature a substantial solar power system, full wet room and modern finishes.

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In Build Tags VanLife, A Woman's Place, Van Conversion
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Passive House vs Active House

October 1, 2020

Passive House is a building standard, originally developed in Germany and called Passivhaus, that reduces heating needs by an astonishing 90%. It was founded by Dr. Wolfgang Feist in 1996, and since then, it has spread to many countries including the United States. There are already more than 60,000 Passive Houses worldwide (as of 2016).

The Certified Passive House features walls, roof, and floor with significantly more insulation then conventional houses. Thermal bridges are limited to a minimum to reduce the heat loss. These houses often incorporate triple-pane windows instead of the standard double-pane versions. Passive House is extremely airtight and needs a ventilation system with heat recovery which brings balanced and continuous supply of fresh air into the house. The occupants can still open the windows for natural ventilation, if desired. As a result of all these components this home exhibits heating/cooling load reduction of 90% over traditional construction, and the costly heating and cooling systems can be eliminated, as well as the ductwork associated with them.

Passive House is heated by the accumulation of sun energy, the auxiliary heat from the electrical equipment, small point heat sources (depending on the climate), and the heat from the people who live in it.

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In Build Tags passive house, passivhaus, active house
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SZ Build Sites: Health & Safety First.

June 30, 2020

SZ Build strives for excellence in safety. We take pride in our ability to quickly adapt to the new COVID-19 protocols. In doing so, we mobilize each project with a Toolbox Talk led by our SZ Build Safety Supervisor. You may notice a team member singing happy birthday to themselves as they scrub with antibacterial soap in accordance to the CDC’s detailed recommendations. We continue to maintain our 6+ feet of distance in all possible scenarios. We have taken precautions to ensure our team is equipped with the appropriate mask for the task. Because of these new policies, what you may notice most is our excitement to be reunited as a strong build team, working towards our client’s vision.

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In Build Tags Construction, construction management, remodel, covid-19, coronavirus, safety first
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Resources

April 11, 2020

Never before have we been more socially distant and united than during this public health crisis. This novel coronavirus has swept the globe and left a wake of devastation in its path. As we venture forward, together, during these uncertain times, I wanted to pause and send my quiet prayers to those directly impacted. These are not easy times, as many are already suffering physically, financially and emotionally.

I’m also struck with an immense sense of gratitude for our SZ Team during this transition, while working remotely and taking care of their families. Their dedication, flexibility and patience carry us through, as we continue to serve our design/build community. We’re very fortunate to be able to continue our design work, as we do or part to protect our most vulnerable. Thank you to our clients’ for your continued trust and support.

Due to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order by WA Governor Jay Inslee, all of our active construction sites have been temporarily shut down or postponed, until it’s deemed safe to return. Behind the scenes, SZ Build is readying our jobsites by lining-up key sub-contractors, procuring long-lead materials, and generally mitigating the overall impacts our delayed delivery schedule may have to our valued clientele.

As a small business, the SZ Team works with many clients, consultants, sub-contractors and artists who are also managing their own firms. To our beloved colleagues and collaborators, here are a few actions that may help.

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In Build Tags In this together, small business, washington state, Mercer Island, design-build, artist
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