Building Green Council

Our goal at Winsome Construction is not only to build the smartest and most energy efficient buildings, it is also to make sure every structure that is built is better than the last, whether we work on the build or not. The goal is to reduce our reliance on natural resources, improve air quality (both indoor and out) and to save homeowners time and money. Taking the time to be on committees and boards enables us to work with others to help our community to reach these goals.

Recently we joined the Steering Committee of the Building Green Council at the HBA (Home Builders Association of Portland) as part of our commitment to building better buildings. The mission of this council is to foster green building knowledge, education and application. It takes a lot of effort to keep on top of all the “green” and innovative construction methods and materials. The technology changes on a daily basis, and unless you have a research team you will miss something. This council works to educate HBA members and the community about the best materials and techniques and also lobbies those who have the power to include these processes in building codes both locally and nationally.

As a member of the Steering Committee of the Building Green Council, Winsome Construction is helping to shape the construction industry for a brighter, smarter future. If you have more questions about green or smart building practices, please contact us.

3...2...1... Launch!

Winsome Construction launched into the New Year with it's new name and a celebratory Open House attended by over a hundred guests.  The event was a few hours of cheer and networking by old and new friends, including catered snacks, hosted bar and a self-tour of the Winsome Construction model home located in the West Wind subdivision at Hill Road and NW West Wind Drive in McMinnville.

Guests mingle at Winsome Construction Open House

Guests were greeted by Winsome staff members and mingled with guests including Winsome's sub-contractors, vendors and clients.  The self-tour was designed to educate guests, not only giving information about specific features of the model home, but also providing information on innovative possibilities in green building alternatives for any home.  The model home is a Prairie style home and a beautiful example of Winsome Construction's superior craftsmanship.

   

A "Trivia Contest" gave guests a chance to win a wine, cheese and chocolate basket by answering questions about building features that could be discovered on the self-tour or by asking Winsome staff members.  Congratulations to Ted and Joan Rodgers who were the winners of the basket, chosen randomly from the guests who answered the most questions correctly.

Henderson House was designated as the charity for the Winsome Construction Open House event.  The organization will benefit from a barrel-full of donations of blankets, dry goods, clothing and gift cards brought to the event by Winsome's guests.

Henderson House donations by
Winsome Construction's Open House guests

The model home was specially staged for the Open house event and Artist, John Strombe, attended the event and was invited to set up some of his beautiful paintings at the model home for guests to enjoy during the event.  

If you missed the Open House event and the opportunity to see the Winsome Construction model home, you are welcome to see the home during business hours, on Saturdays from 1-4 pm or call 503-472-7402 for an appointment.  Winsome Construction is planning it's first annual company picnic in July 2012, don't miss it!

News Register:  http://web.newsregister.com/news/results.cfm?story_no=275438

Smart is the New Green

Frequently we are asked the question, “What is a green builder?” There is no easy answer. “Green” means many different things to different people. There is no universal definition. One person may feel being “green” is recycling consumer packaging, while another would argue being “green” is not to purchase the item if it has packaging. In the building trade, there are also many shades of “green.” Ultimately, being “green” depends on what you want, need or can incorporate into your building plans.

At Winsome Construction we define how we build simply as smart. We build with goals of healthier spaces for occupants, environment and surrounding communities, at a lower lifetime cost. That’s just “smart” building. Most of the smart advancements in building are considered green, and incorporating these advancements is now beginning to be more common.

New and smarter building techniques and products become available every day. The challenge as a “smart builder” is staying on top of it all. There are several organizations designed to help builders and property owners build the smartest structures possible. Winsome Construction is an active member in several of these groups.
      • US Green Building Council
      • Earth Advantage Institute
      • Energy Trust of Oregon
      • Home Builders Association of Oregon
      • Green Building Guild of Yamhill County
      • Energy Star
     
As a smart builder, Winsome Construction recognizes that each building’s purpose and owner’s needs are different. We take the time to sit down and look at your needs as well as the building site to make sure the smartest structure possible is built. Everything from the foundation to the finishes can be built to create a healthier, more sustainable and more energy efficient building.

Watch this blog for information about smart building practices. We will share helpful advice, new and interesting trends and products, and of course, stories of our experience as a smart builder. To learn more you can always visit our website www.winsomeconstruction.com or email us at info@winsomeconstruction.com