Concordia Eco-Studios

November update

2010-11-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

Dan has arrived from Maho with the recycled glass countertop,
making the final cuts before installation.

Bedroom area of nearly completed eco-studio waiting for furnishing to be installed next week.

Andrew working on final unit floor tiles. Steve and Chris will come in to complete the electric when Andrew finishes up later today, Sunday, Nov 28.

Edward helping out Andrew with the thinset.

Jason and John putting finishing touches on the porch railings.

Lennox installing the HardiBacker board which provides support for the floor tiles.

Jay is painting the pocket doors. These house the sliding glass and screen doors.

Eco-Panels contact information

2010-11-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

For those interested in obtaining more information on the Eco-Panels used in constructing our units please check out their website at www.eco-panels.com. They have been wonderful partners in this project. Thanks to Charles, Andy, Pete and the entire Eco-Panels crew.

October Wrap Up

2010-10-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since our last post. Here's the catch up. Both buildings had the Tekfoil placed over the purlins then the Energy Star Rated insulated metal roof attached. We were wise enough to run the pipe for the Solar Hot Water system and conduit for for the Photovoltaic panels under the metal roof this time. click on any image to enlarge.

The CGI Windows were installed, it required quite a bit of work to build out the openings to accommodate the window sizes, a result of the Eco-Panels being built before we ordered the windows. You know those Eco-Panels guys don't mess around. They have already completed the Phase 3 panels and this time we gave them them the exact window dimensions so the next phase install should be a breeze. The smaller awning windows came with very small opening mechanisms, which the company is swapping out for us since it's critical that we have maximum airflow in the units to keep them cool. We had some problems with the PGT pocket sliders. We intended to build the pockets inside but it proved unworkable and had the potential to be a real maintenance nightmare for the resort staff keeping the tracks clean and dry inside the pockets so we moved the pockets outside. The good news is that it increased the amount of space in the units and when we recently had a visit from Sean Corsaut of Horizon Energy Systems VI of St. Croix (we hope to use some of his insulation products on our next phase) he tested the Solar Heat Gain from these windows and found them to be 80% less than clear glass. So all's well that ends well.

Since we're going with ceramic tile floors instead of the sound absorbing cork tiles (recall they didn't work for us in Phase 1 due to high humidity and wet guests) we insulated the lower unit ceilings then attached the ceiling plywood. This is A Building. B Building insulation and ply is completed.

Here's B Building with all interior walls, plumbing and electric complete so Jay is prepping the unit for painting.

Tim is completing the HardiPlank Siding install on A building. Sam completed B building a couple weeks ago. They are each amazing, working alone with just occasional assistance they're doing this install in half the time we needed on the last phase. The simplification of the building design, the use of the nail gun and experience all helping out on this one.

We're in good shape on the plumbing. All the rough-ins are complete. We insulated the lines this phase and will have a recirculating pump on the hot water system so each unit will have hot water immediately, reducing overall water usage. More on the solar hot water system when we install it next week.

Electric is complete on B Building and right in line with the carpenters on A Building.

We have a big project underway to build a track for the water lines to run the roof water to our 50, 000 gallon cistern about 500 feet from the Eco-Studios site, and potable water back up. Jabuddha has installed 4x4 posts and 2x12 lumber that will support two 4" rain water lines and one 2" potable water line. We don't trench due to the site damage it would create and since we're bridging over two freshwater gullies or ghuts.

This is Jones and Edward of Sol Carpentry preparing the baseboards.
Many thanks to Jones for all his contributions to the project. He's taking a vacation next week and we are all very jealous, and happy for him.

Click on any image to enlarge

A Building Ready for Metal Roof

2010-09-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

The felt and purlins were completed on Tuesday.
Wednesday the guys loaded the container and framed in the porch roofs. The container had the windows and doors, metal roofing, Hardiplank siding and toilets. We now have all material to complete the structures except the pipe to connect the units to the cistern, soon come.

Final Panel Install - Roof Complete

2010-09-14T05:56:00.001-07:00

Alfredo and Jabuddha carry up the penultimate panel, Jason applies adhesive to the panel edges and Lennonx moves it into place. The installation of the Eco-Panels is complete. We had high hopes of seeing this day two weeks ago but Hurricane Earl and other complications kept us from succeeding. Still we're on track for our Thanksgiving completion. Next up, applying the roofing felt and purlins so the roofing crew can get started.

September 9

2010-09-10T04:55:00.001-07:00

Segundo checks the entry ramp, getting ready to build the short run of steps. We use the Trex composite decking on all boardwalks and steps.

The rafters are in place.

Notice the growth on this turpentine tree. We keep all vegetation as close to the work area as possible and prune only when absolutely necessary. This cut was needed to have room to build the main staircase to this pod. It is growing back rapidly.

Here also.

Sept 3 and 6

2010-09-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

Ramp and steps between the buildings will provide access
to the upper floor of B building and lower floor of A.

The interior wall supports the center
ridge beam.

Completing the upper floor wall panels today

2010-09-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

A change in plans as we move the entrance from the southwest side to the east side. We decided it was too busy between the buildings to provide access to all four units on three level with only 18 feet of space between the buildings to work with. The result would detract from a peaceful, full view approach and entrance to each unit. By moving the top floor unit entrance to the northeast side it will have a private entry and entrance deck just off the road so it will be the most accessible of the units in this section. Jason and Alfredo are cutting the entry door out of the Eco-Panel. We'll frame in the original door panel opening on the other side.

click on any image to enlarge

September 2, 2010

2010-09-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

We're back to work on walls, boardwalks and entry decks

August 26 A building images

2010-09-03T05:23:00.001-07:00

The floor panels were installed on Thursday 8/26. Hurricane Earl was threatening for early the next week so we decided to hold off on the wall panels since we can't be sure we'll have the roof on to support them before the storm arrived.

Hurricane Earl

2010-08-30T04:45:00.000-07:00

How times have changed. With 2 potential hurricanes facing us we decided not to put up the second floor walls and risk not being able to support them in time with the roof so the crew worked on entry decks and scaffolding and we spent Friday and Sunday securing the site. Right now 7:50am the hurricane is forecast to pass just north of us, if it does we'll just barely miss hurricane force winds, we currently experiencing tropical storm force winds. Photos from the past few days will follow when the storm passes.

August 24 Day 2 on Bldg A

2010-08-24T10:15:00.001-07:00

The goal is to complete one two story building in 5 days. Yesterday was first floor walls day, today it's second floor joists day. Looks good.

August 23 lots of projects underway

2010-08-24T10:03:00.001-07:00

Boardwalk

B bldg Entry Deck

Joseph & Jamal of Love City Plumbing have arrived

A Building Walls - Day 1

August 23 wall panel from container to permanent home

2010-08-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Jason completes install by tightening the camlock.

Aug 20 Yes it Really is this Beautiful

2010-08-21T05:48:00.001-07:00

View South from Eco-Studio deck. You are looking at the VI National Park's Ram Head Point on the Left (great hiking, especially on the full moon), Salt Pond Bay and the waters of the Coral Reef National Monument outside the bay.

View East from Eco-Studio deck. On the left is the back edge of the Eco-Studio Building housing units A23 & A24 (see earlier blog entries, these were completed in February this year), the Concordia Pavilion (Cafe Concordia, Registration, and Covered Pavilion with circular open deck used for yoga classes, weddings and other functions), then the nearby waters of Drunk Bay and Africa in the distance.

View from B Building Eco-Studio Interior

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Aug 20 B Building

2010-08-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

The guys are working on the entry deck of A Building, framing visible here, it will be used for access to the first floor and will support the scaffold on this side of the building to provide access to the second floor.

We had planned to move quickly to A building last week but Fitz decided to spend more time on B Building, applying the roof felt and tacking on the purlins (waiting on arrival of 8" purlin screws). Then completing the interior walls of both floors so the electricians, plumbers and roofing crews can start next week when he moves the carpentry/panel crew to A building. It's our goal to complete the A building structure in 5 days starting on Monday. I'll post daily so we have a record of this attempt.
Wish us good weather!

August 17 View of Lower Floor Interior and Building B from Cafe

2010-08-20T05:53:00.001-07:00

August 16 Roof Panels are Installed

2010-08-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

August 13 Interior Wall and Center Roof Beam Bldg B

2010-08-20T05:49:00.001-07:00

August 12 Final Wall & Gable Roof End Install Bldg B

2010-08-20T05:39:00.001-07:00

John Fitzgerald, owner of SOL Construction and Lennox Eugene

Eco-Panels Wall and Window Header Install Video

2010-08-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Eco-Panels Window Footing Install Video

2010-08-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

Bldg B Second level deck

2010-08-10T12:04:00.001-07:00

Gary and Fitz and crew have completed the upper floor deck and are working on the scaffold, deck plates and ramp for 2nd floor wall panels to be installed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Bldg B First level walls Second level floor

2010-08-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Crescensio is painting the AC Ply on the corner panels. Since some of the panels are stored on the site (covered with waterproof tarp) and the installed panels are exposed to rain until the building is dried in completely with windows, doors, roofing, etc. all interior AC ply must be protected with a coat of primer. We use Zinsser Acrylic Primer from the St. Thomas Paint Depot.

Tuesday, More Wall Panels Going Up

2010-08-04T13:32:00.001-07:00

Good progress, good crew, good weather, thank you no-longer-extant Tropical Storm Colin.

Monday, Aug 2, 2010

2010-08-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Unexpected delays unloading container.

Three panels for B bldg were hidden in back with A panels so the guys spent hot hours unloading about 75% of the container to locate them. We had advised Eco-Panels we wouldn't use the container for storage so they loaded for optimum packing. We do keep the container for the one week or so allowed by Tropical Shipping without demurrage charges so we should have arranged for the panels to be packed in the order we use them. That way they are pulled and placed directly onto the building site. That might not be 100% possible if it creates too much wasted container space so if panels aren't packed in order for the next pod shipment we'll work on having a specific loading list so we'll know where to find any that are not with their building section .

We also had some confusion on the panel identification but it worked out in the end and the work was underway on B (lower building) walls by late morning on Monday.

Thanks to Mike and Charles at Eco-Panels for being always available by phone to answer our questions and help us out.

Floor panels are installed

2010-07-30T10:17:00.001-07:00

Fitz and Jason along with the other crew completed the placement and foam seal of both floors by 9:30am Friday. Amazing.

Next step is to set the fasteners

Views of and from B building deck

click on image to enlarge

July 29, 2010 The Eco-Panels have arrived

2010-07-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

The panels arrived after a challenging day of customs and excise clearance bumps. Many thanks to Sharon at Boynes Trucking and Customs Brokerage who expedited and saved us a full day of paperwork and travel. Compliments also to Lucien Sylvester (you may remember him pulling the lumber rack from the side of the road) he picked up the 40' container at 4pm and set it perfectly off our drive on a side parking area by 6:30pm Wed night.

The plan was to unload each floor panel and put it directly in place but the panel plans didn't ship with the container so while waiting for emailed copies of the floor and wall plans the crew unloaded all floor panels and moved them into approximate position.

Gary of SOL carpentry made fast work of moving the floor panels from the upper road to the upper slide.

Segundo, Gary and John Fitzgerald, owner of SOL Carpentry.

The corner panels were first to come out of the container, they will go under tarps until we need them next week.

For more information on the Eco-Panels please view their website at eco-panels.com

July 23 Site Shots

2010-07-26T18:26:00.001-07:00

Sweetwater Pond is visible to the west of the lower building. It is overflowing due to heavy rain last week. We're seeing egrets, ducks, deer and donkeys enjoying the fresh water.

The site is ready for the EcoPanels which are due to arrive next week. The slides are in place from the road to the upper building and from the upper to lower building.

Floor framing

2010-07-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

Lower building floor and deck

Slide from upper to lower building to be used to move the EcoPanels. Keeping all possible vegetation during construction creates challenges but is so great when the project is finished.

Upper building deck & view

click on any image to enlarge

July 16 Boardwalk coming on...

2010-07-22T06:16:00.001-07:00

We're setting temp decking on the landings and steps so we can use the boardwalk while awaiting the trex deckboard delivery.

July 16 Column Details Lower Building

2010-07-22T06:11:00.001-07:00

July 16 Problems with ES1 cork flooring

2010-07-22T05:58:00.001-07:00

The cork flooring on the EcoStudio first phase has failed. While this product is used successfully in many commercial applications our Concordia units, exposed to wet beach goers and generally high humidity are too much for them. We also erred in using it in the bath and kitchen areas, not realizing how delicate the seams would be. A broken shower pipe in one unit added to our floor woes. Most recently we had a few days of high wind and heavy rainfall which drove under the entry doors on several units and lifted up the flooring. We will be replacing all the cork floors in August with the new flooring selected for phase 2.

click on image to enlarge

Both buildings now ready for EcoPanels

2010-07-16T05:34:00.001-07:00

While we await the Eco-Panels arrival on island the Fitz crew are completing the porch decks and the scaffolding, while the Segundo crew continue work on the boardwalk.

First Floor Beams, Columns & Drying out the new Ply

2010-07-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

click on any image to enlarge

Last Pour Your Own Day

2010-07-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

click on any image to enlarge

July 7 & 8 2010

2010-07-08T18:59:00.001-07:00

Floor joists in on Thursday

Box beams on Wednesday.

July 1 & 2 Trailer woes

2010-07-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Our 20' flat rack was MIA; when we found the rack and driver he was stuck about 1/2mile down the road from Concordia, claimed the lumber was loaded incorrectly with too much weight in the back end and he was unable to make the final hill to the property. He agreed to back it down the hill to a flat lot but then left it at a steep angle on off the road. Bad for us. Not our property, and we're unable to unload this without risk of losing the load or worse, someone getting hurt. Our guys made those braces to stabilize the load.

Fortunately Lucien Sylvester of Enterprise Trucking came to save the day, driving out on a Carnival Week Holiday Friday afternoon with a stronger tractor to pull this rack to our yard so it could be unloaded.

Alex Brooks of Creative Builders arrived, 4pm on same holiday Friday, driving it himself since his crew left early on Fri and he had promised to help. He seemed to be ready to make fast work of this when...

He got stuck in the soft soil (lots of rain the past month). Took almost and hour to get him out with help from Lucien. They both stayed until almost dark to complete the job. Amazing people to work with.

Thanks to Lucien, Alex and Segundo, who put in a 12 hour day including a concrete pour. Amazing.

We end this long day with Alex's beautiful daughter, keeping busy while dad does his superhero work. Looks like she'll be ready for the Carnival parade next year.

click on any image to enlarge

July 1 Pouring again

2010-07-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Thursday pour went so well we decided to try it again on Friday to complete the boardwalk footings. 3 yards this time but no buckets, we could shoot it right down the hill into the footings.

Pour your own - June 30, 2010

2010-07-06T13:02:00.001-07:00

No concrete available this week to pour our columns so our new Carpentry Contractor John Fitzgerald (Fitz) brought over his mixer, sand, gravel, sand and cement and the guys batched it themselves. Thanks to our regular crew, Fitz's crew, four wonderful young guys from our Maho Bay 4hr worker program and lots of buckets the columns are poured on building 1 and we're still ahead of schedule.

Had a bit of a scare when we discovered over 2 dozen eggs in the sand. Fearing they were turtle eggs, we collected them carefully and buried them on a nearby beach. We checked with the head of natural resources for the VINP and he confirmed they were iguana eggs, very likely laid after the sand arrived on island. With luck, these baby iguanas will start life on the beach.

Forming the Columns - Rebar and Boxes

2010-06-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

For all footings over 3 ft tall we place the stirrups 6" apart for the lowest 25% of the column height, then 8" apart for the middle 50% then 6" apart for the upper 25%. We use #5 rebar. The lumber is untreated, termite food, so when we're finished with it we'll take the 2x4 pieces not covered in concrete to our Maho Art Center to use in the Clay Studio wood burning kiln.

Pouring Footings

2010-06-25T15:28:00.001-07:00

Geoff arrives (the shirtless one) with his son and pump truck. He's a terrific guy to work with. Always shows up when scheduled and works so hard, he keeps the whole crew on their toes (they're on their toes anyway but if they weren't..). It's getting tough to get concrete on St. John these days. Majestic Construction is the only show on island and they can't seem to get material here. They would only give us 9 yards ($265 per yard plus pump truck) when we needed 12. We'll have to pour the 10 12x12 boardwalk footings and EcoStudio deck footings when we pour the columns next week. Our Loft Duplex and Deluxe Studio units are in the background.

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Beautiful Salt Pond Bay view from Concordia

2010-06-17T12:58:00.001-07:00

When we get tired of seeing rocks we look up and remember why we're here.

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Rebar going into footings

2010-06-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

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The rebar has arrived

2010-06-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Jabuddha, Alfredo and Lennox are preparing rebar mats to be placed in the footing boxes.

click on image to enlarge

Materials & labor update

2010-06-14T08:46:00.001-07:00

While the site work continues Margaret, Lyn, Maggie & Glen have been soliciting and reviewing competitive bids on all material orders over $2500.00, and are evaluating written bids received in response to our advertisement for same on carpentry, electric, plumbing, roofing, tiling and painting services.

Materials include HardiPlank Siding, Tekfoil, Tyvek, Homosote, Screws, Simpson brackets, Lumber, Plywood, Energy Star Rated Impact Resistent Windows and Doors, Energy Star Rated Metal Roofing, PV grid tie systems and Solar Hot Water systems.

Glen has signed off on the EcoPanels final shop drawings. They have started production.

Studio footings ready for steel - boardwalk underway

2010-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

The footing boxes were completed on Thursday. Six 3x3x(min 18") and three 2x2x12" for each studio building plus two 2x2x12" for the decks. We had planned to install the #5 rebar on Thursday and Friday but ran into delays from local supplier MSI, it was promised for Thursday morning but not cut and bent until Friday and Monday and we won't receive it until tomorrow, Tuesday. If all goes well we'll tie the steel on Tues - Thurs, have a cushion day on Friday (will work on the boardwalk if we don't need it) and pour on Monday next week.

So the guys have moved onto the boardwalk. We looked at making the approach to these units a wheelchair accessible ramp but with the elevation change it would be so long it would be very expensive and would require cutting way too much vegetation. The original boardwalk design started out with a 10x10 deck, seen here.

click image to enlarge

While that would be helpful for storing material during construction it was giving us a considerable elevation to change in a short distance to the studio pod deck, required cutting the large lower branches of a terrific turpentine tree (reducing the shade) and it was too large, inconsistent with the upper property boardwalk entrance and the entry to phase 1, visible across and just down the road respectively. So we reduced the size to same as phase 1, with a 6x6 entry deck and steps dropping down immediately so it drops under the canopy and meanders nicely to the studios. We'll build a temporary sliding deck for transporting material to the upper pod and store it on the deck there.

click on image to enlarge

View from Phase 2 site

2010-06-04T15:31:00.001-07:00

Segundo and the view from this unit site. The VI National Park, Salt Pond Bay & Ram Head Point. The horizontal boards indicate the floor level of the lower unit in this building.

Click on image to enlarge

Footing boxes in situ

2010-06-04T15:19:00.001-07:00

Boxes are in place for 15 of the 18 footings, the tough rocky uneven spots are next as the crew build boxes incorporating those rocks. Steel goes in next week. This is day 8 for a 5 man crew.

Footings underway

2010-05-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

The crew is hand digging holes for the 3x3x1.5 footings. They set flat spots as above, we check the exact center points for each, then they'll dig to the 1.5' depth. The footing boxes will be ready by Monday.
Some spots are more challenging than others.
We'll either incorporate the rock into the footing or if it's not too large we'll drill it out as above. All rocks and dirt removed for these footings are placed within the building site so we can keep a greenbelt around the periphery. Specimen plants, such as sage, orchids and air plants in the footing areas are transferred to areas outside the building envelope.

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Site work begins

2010-05-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

We're taking great care to retain as much natural vegetation as possible. See above narrow path to the phase 2 site. Lots of pipe-organ cactus (Pilosocereus royenii) and air plants (Tillandsia utriculata) are visible here and throughout the site. Other botanical notables are the butterfly orchids (Psychilis macconnelliae), barrel cactus (Melocactus intortus) and local sage (Lantana involucrata).

Segundo and Jabuddha set batter boards to layout the building site and are adding string lines based on the surveyor points and elevations determined by our architect which will be used to identify the exact locations for the footings. We've cut only vegetation inside the building area. Even the terrace area is uncut in the hopes we can keep low lying vegetation under the decks. Click on any photo to enlarge.

So here we go again... Phase 2

2010-05-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Margaret and Lyn from St. John Projects meet with Glen and Maggie (photographer) to pin down the materials list and small design changes. Margaret & Lyn do amazing work researching our sustainable material options and preparing bid and spec sheets obtaining quotes and coordinating shipping when needed.

We have a more challenging site this time so the crew from BGM Engineering have come out to shoot the elevations.

Sustainability Features of Phase 1 Eco-Studios

2010-05-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Eco-Studio Sustainability Features

Site Planning & Design

Minimal site damage during construction

Vegetation cleared on site recycled and used for down slope diversion berms

Minimal construction waste due to pre-fab panel construction

Parking area integrated into adjoining site to minimize excavation

Native plant landscaping

Buildings sited to retain maximum number of native plants in situ, transplanted when possible.

Native vegetation greenbelt retained along road way and all sides of property/building

Compost area for landscape trimmings offsite

Biological survey and rare plant inventory completed

Building Structure

High insulation due to use of:

Eco-Panels' SIPS R40 insulated walls, roofs & sub floor panels

Tyvek building wrap

HardiPlank siding

TekFoil roof insulation

Energy Star rated metal roofing

PGT Winguard windows & doors

Cork flooring

Low VOC paints and primers

Trek recycled wood and plastic deckboard

Water & Energy Conservation & Management

Energy Star rated:

Metal roofing

Insulated impact resistent windows & doors

Toto low flush toilets

Summit refrigerator/freezer

Covered deck faces south

Buildings site takes advantage of natural breezes and maximizes use of natural ventilation

Compact Fluorescent and LED lighting

Low flow shower and faucets

Solar hot water system

Aerobic wastewater plant and irrigation system

Power usage offset with 1KW Solar Grid Tie System per 4 unit pod

Light Pollution

No outward shining light fixtures on buildings or boardwalks

Supporting Local Art & Industry

Use of Maho Recycled Art:

Concrete and recycled glass countertops in kitchen and bath

Clay sconces

Clay tiles in vanity and shower walls

Fabric wall hangings

Support and promotion of local artists work displayed in units and sold in store

Property entrance sign created by local artist

Top floor units accessible for persons with moderate mobility issues

(future wheelchair accessible).

All building materials & furnishings were purchased locally unless specialty item not available or orderable thru a local supplier.

Award Winning EcoStudios!!!

2010-05-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

The first phase of our EcoStudios has won the second Island Green Builders Award. Here are Glen, Stanley and Rob Crane from the Island Green Builders Group with our award. We received 4 stars of a possible 5. The award was made of recycled glass at our very own Maho Bay Recycled Art Center. Next phase...5 stars!!

And then there's the view...

2010-02-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

Come enjoy these beautiful, peaceful, easy on the earth additions to Estate Concordia Preserve.

See you soon!

Click on image to enlarge

Plumbing

2010-02-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

Our Toto high efficiency toilets offer two flushing options to minimize water use.

Waste water is processed in an aerobic plant we installed down the hill in the woods below the EcoStudios, treated liquid effluent from the plant is stored in a holding tank and pumped via solar pump back up towards the units for irrigation.

Large shower stalls use low flow shower faucets and solar heated hot water.

Bedroom and Dining Areas

2010-02-12T16:37:00.001-08:00

The Eco Studios have queen beds, large overhead ceiling fans, and batiked wall hangings from the Maho Art Center.

The dining area has a recessed table that can be pulled out to seat up to four people, which is the max occupancy for the unit. Note the recycled glass hanging lamp over the dining table.

Recycled Counter Tops

2010-02-12T16:18:00.001-08:00

So here's the finished product...Bath vanity features glass (Perrier and Heineken) and cement counter tops made at our Maho Recycled Art Center, pressed glass soap dishes and clay tiles...

and kitchen counter tops made with brown beer bottles; we're thrilled we finally have a use for our large quantities of brown waste glass.

Our first guests arrive this weekend!

2010-02-12T16:11:00.000-08:00

Living areas feature queen futons, cork flooring, great views and cool breezes. Straw area rugs, potted local plants and locally produced wall hangings still to come.

Entry decks feature Trex composite lumber, hand blown recycled glass exterior lights.

While these units operate on AC power (our Eco-Tents are strictly DC power), solar panel arrays on the south facing roofs are tied to the local power company meter, allowing us to offset our power usage and produce hot water .

The beginnings of a plan coming together

2010-01-26T04:55:00.000-08:00

The new furnishings are going in place.

January 22, 2010 Friday

2010-01-25T04:39:00.000-08:00

A fun filled day of shopping was had and now we have stuff. The next step is distribution of the goods. Woo Hoo!!!

January 21, 2010

2010-01-21T04:26:00.000-08:00

We are in the final stretch. The Furniture is coming in and porch roofs are nearly complete.

Soon they will be ready for relaxing and enjoying the spectacular view.

Almost Ready!

2010-01-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

The EcoStudios were painted by Jim and Jay of J. Bruno Painting, 508-523-8711, they were neat, fast, showed up when promised and completed the work in a remarkable amount of time. They worked well with surrounding chaos and worked with our budget to do a beautiful job.

The kitchen cabinets were installed today, the electricians are almost finished, tomorrow we'll be installing rain gutters and completing the deck roofs and railings as well as punch list carpentry, then the furniture goes in on Friday.

Final big challenge, the plumbing. More about that in a later post.

Click image to enlarge

Recycled Glass & Cement Countertops

2010-01-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

Dan and Perrier/Heineken Countertop Travelling from Maho Art Center to Concordia, and in it's new home in Eco-Studio 23, still waiting for Art Center Clay Studio backsplash, vanity light and mirror.

Soon come.

Project Foreman Steve Levin

2010-01-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

As we're wrapping up, here's an official thanks to Steve who stepped in as foreman when Glen had to leave to spend some time in the states in November and fortunately for us, has stayed on to guide the crew while sharing with us his expertise, tireless effort and good humor. The entire crew share our respect and admiration for Steve and appreciate what he's done for this project. Not sure why he has that surreal misty glow in these photos tho.

Hardiplank install Bldg 2

2010-01-13T14:54:00.001-08:00

Photos are in the following order:

Dec 14 Bldg 2 Wall 1
Dec 21 Bldg 2 Wall 2
Dec 29 Bldg 2 Wall 3
Jan 11 Bldg 2 Wall 4

Complete!!! Steve's happy, we're happy.
Long journey but the guys worked hard and safely and the finished product is wonderful.

Catch up time

2010-01-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

So sorry high season resort demands scooped up the past few weeks. Catching up on our
Eco-Studio construction , we were disappointed we did not have them ready for Xmas as hoped.

This is a learning experience for our crew and we'll use what we learn from this first phase
to improve time and construction costs on the next 4 unit pod.

The biggest time and labor overrun has been the application of the HardiPlank. The photos below are in order noted here, they show the progress on each wall so we can review the timeline. The 3 man crew attaching the Hardiplank were working 99% of their time on this project, 5 days per week 8 hrs per day, 2.5 extra days off at Xmas.

Nov 20 Bldg 1 Wall 1
Nov 27 Bldg 1 Wall 2
Dec 7 Bldg 1 Wall 3
Dec 14 Bldg 1 Wall 4

December 6, 2009

2009-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Metal roof complete. Most of Building A HardiPlank complete in this photo. Railing complete but left off ends so scaffolding can be placed for HardiPlank application on the upper floors.

When the siding is on we will be covering the upper deck with an awning made of the same fabric as our famous eco-tents.

click image to enlarge

December 8, 2009

2009-12-08T06:42:00.001-08:00

The HardiPlank siding is taking much longer to install than we originally estimated, but it certainly is beautiful. We found the stainless steel nails were too soft to go thru the siding, they would bend each time so we're having to screw the panels in and it's quite time consuming. Just got a lead on a different nail used successfuly with very hard woods that should work with our nail gun and we'll try it out on B building.

We had hoped to be nearing completion by now but we have quite a ways to go to make it for Xmas. Today we're scheduled for an electric and plumbing inspection. If all goes well we'll close in the first building with interior walls, already cut and tacked in place temporarily, then we'll start tiling the shower stalls. Then paint, ceiling fans, cork flooring, counters and those beautiful recycled glass countertops being fabricated at Maho.

Click image to enlarge

November 25, 2009 #2

2009-11-25T13:55:00.000-08:00

Here are Glen and Crescensio (last seen here in July at the beginning of the project working on the footings and floor joists). They have been making railings at his Mongoose Junction wood shop, brought them to Concordia over the past few days and started installing today. Quite a view from those decks:)

Click image to enlarge

November 25, 2009

2009-11-25T13:29:00.001-08:00

This is Matthew Jarvis and his excellent roofing team. They completed one building in two days, including the shower bump out and dining area bay window roof. He has an amazing reputation on island for fast, professional work and we agree.

He must first apply the Tekfoil insulation then the Energy Star rated metal roofing, a bit tricky since the Tekfoil covers the purlins and makes it hard to line up the roof screws. He found a way to make it happen and the roof looks great.

Painting of fascia and installation of gutters to follow once the HardiPlank is complete; notice Alfredo and Francisco on the scaffold (along with Tasha and Lennox doing the panel cutting down below) have it well underway on the side wall. It's also about half way up the long southern wall out of view in this photo.

Click on image to enlarge

November 20, 2009 Stanley and Glen

2009-11-21T04:31:00.000-08:00

Well here they are, the men responsible for the Concordia EcoStudios (and so much more) owner, Stanley Selengut and Architect-builder Glen Speer. Stanley is on island to receive a lifetime acheivement award from the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association. It was a great opportunity for Stanley and Glen to discuss the project and start the process for the next phase.

They met in Glen's beautiful yoga studio, one of a myriad of beautiful spaces Glen has created at his Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay. mongoosejunctionstjohn.com

click image to enlarge

November 20, 2009 part 3

2009-11-21T04:24:00.000-08:00

The HardiPlank is going up looking good! Notice the full 4' panel on the ground and the shake look of the final install. Glen decided to rip 20' Treks deckboard for all the corners, giving us a nice straight edge to marry to the HardiPlank and adding considerable strength as well. It also looks great. Click image to enlarge.

November 20, 2009 part 2

2009-11-21T03:59:00.000-08:00

Wrapping up window and Tyvek installation on the final wall by Jabudda, Alfredo and Lennox while Steve seals up a wrap gap that occurred during high winds and rain over the past few days.

November 20, 2009

2009-11-21T03:49:00.001-08:00

This is the test section of our kitchen countertop. It's made of cement and rough crushed Budweiser bottles courtesy of our amazing Maho Recycled Art Center. Engineered by the Maho Art Center "let's try this!" Dan Kreofsky, these countertops will recycle hundreds of waste beer bottles to create beautiful, strong, custom, affordable kitchen and bath counters. We're using Budweiser brown in the kitchen and Heineken green in the bath. Dan is also working on a glass resin top that is comparable to Corian or Granite in look and feel and uses even more waste glass.

The counters are being formed at our woodshop as I write. Click image to enlarge.

November 13, 2009

2009-11-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

Jon & Chris, electricians from Pangea Solar & Electric are getting us powered up. Steve Slade, not yet pictured, the owner of Pangaea (340-776-9528), has been a leader in alternative energy system installations on the island.

We are also working on a permit to install a wind turbine that will offset the power used by these highly energy efficient studio units.

November 11, 2009

2009-11-10T15:03:00.001-08:00

...and the electric work has begun...

Photos of the wonderful Pangea Electricans crew at work will be on the next blog entry.

November 11, 2009

2009-11-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

Today the crew applied the roof felt, purlins and fascia to building 2.
Next step, insulated metal roof.

Windows for all views

2009-11-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

Each of the four new Concordia Eco-Studios has a remarkable view and the crew is now putting in the windows and interior walls to take advantage of the ocean views.

Interior walls added to eco-studios

2009-11-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

Work is progressing on the interior walls of the two new Concordia Eco-Studios. Each studio will have as many windows as possible to take advantage of the incredible ocean views.

Concordia is back open for business!

2009-11-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

As of November 1st we are happy to once again have guests after 2 months of being closed. Our staff is very busy moving registration so that it is now located next to Cafe Concordia.

Here are a few of the cheerful greeters who will welcome you to Concordia's new registration office.

October 28, 2009

2009-10-28T15:47:00.001-07:00

Jabuddha and Lennox complete sealing the roof panel seams. The 30lb felt has arrived on site. We had a brief delay on the Energy Star rated galvalume, it is on the ocean today and will be ready for install next week.

We're moving inside. Steve is framing up the interior walls, Alfredo is painting the bathroom wall panels. And it was a group effort to get the beautiful PGT impact-resistant windows installed. With the challenge of high salt, sun and the occasional hurricane we've chosen PGT WinGuard windows and frames to be our first line of defence. For more details see the product website at http://www.pgtindustries.com/Pages/Main.aspx?PageID=96

As usual, click on image to enlarge

October 23, 2009

2009-10-23T09:43:00.001-07:00

The roof panel edges are sealed.

The crew are now wrapping the building with Tyvek home wrap to help prevent outside water from entering the walls and help to seal the units to keep hot air and radiant heat from penetrating the panels. With the panels and Tyvek there is already a dramatic difference in temperature between the exterior and interior of the building.

When we add the HardiPlank as the final building attire we hope to have created extremely comfortable units with gorgeous views, beautiful cool breezes and a location convenient to the cafe and the trail to Salt Pond Bay & beach.

"DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® helps reduce homeowner energy bill because homes stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter and dry all year round." For information on Tyvek's Green Approved Product Seal for National Green Building Certification by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center see:

http://www2.dupont.com/Tyvek_Weatherization/en_US/sustainable/green_approved_products.html

click image to enlarge

October 22, 2009 Panel Installation Almost Complete

2009-10-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

The most roof panels have been installed, just the bay window bump outs to go. Then the edges will be sealed and the panels will be painted to protect them until the metal roofing is added next week. Click image to enlarge.

October 20, 2009 continued...

2009-10-20T10:12:00.001-07:00

Click Image to Enlarge

October 20, 2009

2009-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Roof panels going on.

October 19, 2009 Images 2 3 & 4

2009-10-19T08:34:00.001-07:00

Click on any image to enlarge.

October 19, 2009

2009-10-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Monday morning roofing

October 14, 2009 Image 2

2009-10-19T01:20:00.001-07:00

The guys have just finished installing the walls on Building 1, now it's time to complete the roof.

October 14, 2009

2009-10-19T01:14:00.000-07:00

Roof panels are on, edges being sealed.

October 12, 2009

2009-10-19T00:57:00.001-07:00

The HardiPlank has arrived. This is the fiber-cement siding that will add yet another layer of insulation to our Studios. A description of HardiPlank is printed here copied from the homerenovations.about.com website:

"First, what is HardiPlank made of? HardiPlank falls in the fiber-cement siding class, which means that it is a combination of cellulose fibers, along with cement-like materials." ...A Green Building Material? In this day and age when everything is about green and sustainable, HardiPlank can make a strong argument for being such. The celluose fibers that are used in HardiPlank do not come from endangered species of wood. The cement and sand used is certainly in great abundance. And no toxic materials (i.e. vinyl) are used in the production...Another oft-ignored aspect that makes HardiPlank a green building material is simply that is lasts so long. The James Hardi Corporation...warrents the material for 50 years. But conceivably, HardiPlank can last longer that that, especially if painted and properly maintained."

And, we'd add, it looks great!

Concordia Eco-Studios

2009-10-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Concordia Eco-Studios blog! We'll be keeping you posted on the construction of the first four units and we hope you'll add your comments along the way.

For photos and entries from the start of construction to October 8, 2009 please see concordiaecotent.blogspot.com

Click on any image to enlarge