Comments on: PREFAB FRIDAY: BrightBuilt Barn

By: Budi Waluyo

Budi Waluyo — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:34:23 +0000

What a wonderful idea. Eco-friendly and energy saving. Two valuable concept that is difficult to apply in any side of the world. And the price is still reasonable.

By: robertjperretti@aol.com

robertjperretti@aol.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:25:21 +0000

$200,000! You must mean the land, geothermal heat exchangers, and European kitchen are included.

By: Helman700

Helman700 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:03:17 +0000

I wonder how efficient it would be if it didn’t have pointless accent lighting around the base.

By: TJ

TJ — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:45:23 +0000

I think the price per sq. ft. is more what we should be concerned with when quibbling over price. This project, assuming the 200 K does not include the cost of the land, would cost roughly 285 per sq. ft. That cost is on the low side of average for a custom home in California. And while it is true that “True Green’ architecture should consider affordability and accessibility as green factors, I think this project is a step in the right and responsible direction. Hopefully, green architecture will soon be the more cost effective option, but until then lets all show a little appreciation for the pioneers who are trying their best. Thank you Kaplan Thompson Architects for all of your hard work. And thank you to all the others who helped make this project a reality.

By: pkaplan

pkaplan — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:35:40 +0000

Regarding cost, you need to figure this a bit differently, perhaps relative to lifecycle, and include time as a factor.

The intent of Net-zero is that there are no energy costs. Plus, BrightBuilt is disentangled to the point where many interior modifications could be handled at a much smaller cost at any given point. There are simply no wires fixed within the walls. And it can be assembled fully finished within a week.

That being said, we do not see this project as an end, but rather a beginning. We invite any and all comments and hope to create a coalition of individuals interested in improving this type of project together. We are working quickly to set up an effective forum to have such conversations.

True to open source collaboration, plans and wall section are posted on our website, with more drawings available shortly.

And yes, it is in ROCKPORT, Maine.

By: atomatic

atomatic — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:43:53 +0000

Yep $200,000 for this is quite reasonable, considering that is the last bill you’ll ever pay. Not too mention that right now My mom lives in just under 600sf and has a lot less storage space then a barn style roof. I don’t have 200k or even close but I don’t think its unreasonable.

By: LeeStringer

LeeStringer — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:50:22 +0000

$200,000 for 700 sqft! are you SERIOUS! I don’t care how green it is, that’s just insane and will never catch on. You have to appeal to average Joe in order to have any chance of making this work. Plus those BLING BLING lights are just about the dumbest idea since wheel spinners! Apart from that the concept and execution is solid.

By: nixy

nixy — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:26:31 +0000

Hi,
I love this concept. However, for $200,000 I am sure it will never be in my price range. What I would like to see are architects/builders come up with ideas that are economically feasible for all people. That is when the real green revolution will occur. Unfortunately, I cannot even afford to buy 100% organic because the prices are too high, which is why I grow my own food. Hopefully, the future will see the regular people taken toin account when these type of projects are approached as I would love to have one! My salary of $30,000/ year would not this realistic though……

By: pkaplan

pkaplan — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:13:08 +0000

Yes Bridgette, there is an interior LED that glows in concert with the light skirt. Good question!
And thanks for the kind words!

Phil Kaplan
Kaplan Thompson Architects

By: zemadeiran

zemadeiran — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:36:13 +0000

200,000 for a shed???

By: davidwayneosedach

davidwayneosedach — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:22:15 +0000

Incredible! It looks like it just landed from outer space.

By: becky

becky — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:44:20 +0000

Hi! I was just in awe over this yesterday. A small quibble: I believe it’s in RockPORT Maine, not Rockwood. Rockport is the gorgeous town featured in “Man Without a Face,” and was home of Andre the Seal.

becky