It is true, we all could just continue to reuse our existing structures and buildings, but without experimentation in building concepts and materials we would only continue to perpetuate the use of materials that are not “green”. Sure, we can remain static and perhaps that in and of itself could be considered “green”, but then we wouldn’t progress. The real goal in the eco-movement is to not have it be a “movement”, but for “green” building and construction in the manner to be a way of life don’t ya think? You must think so, otherwise you would not be checking out this blog! And there would be no blog if the guy that invented the computer listened to the naysayer who said, “But we have paper to write on!”

Great dialogue from everyone!

capitalism seems apparent enough in this project.

art

I agree with most of your underlying argument, but if we really want to go reductionist, we should ask the question about whether additional disruption to the ecology and beauty of a forest ecosystem (based on the photos) is justified by the greenest yoga studio achievable?

You’d think if yoga contemplates reconnecting with nature, you could just take your biodegradable mat outside.

Other than that, I think underlying cost are a few essential assumptions…such as whether particular technologies actually need even be developed. The “greenest” thing you can really do, some argue, is nothing, not consuming. So if these customers had the means to build this studio, I’m sure they had the means to renovate a room in their existing home.

So, really, improvement of what? And progress toward what?! I find it paradoxical that green design contemplates all sorts of theoretical, abstract and conceptual stuff such as “parking day” and discusses concepts like “progress” without ever really defining what we should be working toward?

Your post would imply that progress is working toward “green technologies” that are more affordable…but a subtext of the cost criticism, I suspect, is the skepticism that things such as the greenest yoga studio will do anything to preserve and promote what anybody in sustainability is allegedly working toward…health in economic, equitable and ecological circles.

I would like to echo the sentiment of those who inquired about the cost of this splendid, but undoubtedly, very expensive dwelling, along with the other “goodies”, such as the yoga studio, etc.. ONE element that meets ALL “pillars for sustainability” over time, in MY opinion, is the DUTCHTUB. As an owner (it’s not at my home yet, but it’s on it’s way), I can tell you that the price, while not inexpensive, is very “fair”, given that there are no “special needs”, such as plumbing, electricity, or any other “hidden costs” to install/operate the DUTCHTUB, that I am aware of. You can even save the water to recycle and water your yard! Great product! Also, I truly appreciate the excellent customer service, and the design of the TUB, that I find wildly attractive! You can even (for a bit extra $$) ASK THE TUB PEOPLE TO CREATE YOUR OWN COLOR, instead of going with the TUB’s currently available “mix” of colors, (wildly eclectic colors; great choices). Can you tell I LOVE the TUB?

Jan Mayans, RN, BS, MBA
Writer and Mother
Santa Fe, New Mexico

**I have no personal or financial interest in DUTCHTUB whatsoever, nor am I being compensated in any way for my comments. JPM

Why is it that the majority of the responders on this blog insist on making only negative comments and, more often than not, those comments assume that we live in a perfect world? We don’t. Improvement is a worthy goal and progress toward that goal should be applauded. Perfection is not achievable and if efforts such as this one were trashed because they aren’t perfect, no progress would ever be made!

Finally, do you think the people who write these articles can get such information as the cost? You can go to the link provided to get more information from the source, I don’t find it surprising that the cost is very seldom disclosed on the internet.

I think this site does a great job of bringing worthwhile projects to our attention and the constant criticism is ridiculous. No one who reads this needs to hear once again about costs. It is almost as over used as the one about smaller being more sustainable.