“The estimate to bring in power by the PUD was in the $20,000-25,000 price range. I spent $15,000 for my renewable energy system, including the photovoltaic panels, batteries and electronics. So, I’ve saved money off the bat and I don’t have a power bill,” according to Crabtree.

     Almost every component of the Crabtree home is cutting edge.  The walls are comprised of laminated, foam core cedar timbers called Thermo-lamâ purchased through Cedar Homes of Washington, an authorized dealer for International Homes of Cedar, Inc. Woodinville, WA.  The walls were pre-cut according to Crabtree’s design and the insulated timbers are stacked one on top of another.  According to the homeowner, “as the logs go up, you get a finished wall inside and out.” 

     Ener-Grid blocks were used to construct the perimeter foundation walls.  These blocks are both a form and insulation. They use significantly less cement and the application is owner / builder friendly. 

     Crabtree notes that he has to be careful with his power use in the winter - but always has more power than he can use in the summer time.  To help maximize his power resources, he uses wood as a heat source (along with the passive solar) as well as a European made energy efficient refrigerator and a tankless propane water heater.

     Even the construction of the home was done without conventional power resources. Crabtree says that “every saw, air compressor and drill was powered by our Trace inverter and battery bank. It made for a quiet, peaceful jobsite.”

     The Crabtree home totals 1,152 sf and includes an 8 x 24 sunroom and a 420 sf master bedroom at the upper level.  The main living area has a great room effect which includes an open living, kitchen and dining area - with a step down into the sun room.
 
 

Main Features of The Crabtree Home Include: 24 x 28 ft on the main floor 8 x 24 ft sun room 24 x 20 master bedroom at the second level 1,152 total square feet Cedar Thermo-lamâ laminated wall timbers from International Homes of Cedar, Inc. Snap Loc metal roofing Double hung Window Vision wood windows Ener-Grid foam foundation blocks 24 BP-275 photovolatic panels used Soap stone wood stove Slate floor throughout main living area

For more information, contact: Judy Flanagan at 360 / 668-8242 or cedarhomes@chwi.com Alan Crabtree at: alancrabtree@yahoo.com