Project Updates

Atascadero Strawbale

Melanie — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:26:57 +0000

Semmes and Company’s Solar Energy division, Semmes Solar, is currently installing photovoltaic panels on this strawbale home in Atascadero as the project is nearing completion. Maximum state rebates are obtained during the house contruction from the New Solar Homes Partnership program.

The summer has hit and this house is staying incredibly cool inside thanks to the use of straw bale, high insulation and plenty of thermal mass. This home was also built with the use of our ‘Mobile Solar’, solar powered generator keeping electric bills low now and into the future.

Country Cottage

Melanie — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:54:57 +0000

Semmes and Company is starting this new home in the North County and will be doing so with power from the sun using the Semmes Solar Generator. This home will be passive solar design and will feature advanced framing techniques to reduce lumber which will be FSC.

Atascadero Strawbale

Melanie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:48:54 +0000

Here are before and after shots of the simple detailing that goes into the finishing of the interior of a straw bale home. The lines are soft and warm as is the feeling of the house upon completion. The floor is stained concrete, some paint and furniture and this room is ready to move into.

Coastal Rammed Earth

Melanie — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:29:21 +0000

Hey friends, you should see this Coastal Rammed Earth project coming together. The owners will be moving in soon and the finishes are coming together. The concrete floors have been ground to a fine polish with the aggregate exposed, the cabinets, glass, tile and other finish work are getting near completion. Keep your eyes here for more great shots to come.

North County Meditation Room

Melanie — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:45:27 +0000

Strawbale workshop at North County Meditation Room was just completed last week. We had a great showing of volunteers at the workshop and were able to get all the bales in place during the one day workshop. Thanks to all that were able to come out and help.

Coastal Rammed Earth Update

Melanie — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:05:34 +0000

As you can see this Costal Rammed Earth project is moving into finishes! The photos are of a few of the professionals working on this project, it is truly a work of many! From master carpenters, Roofers, tile setters, steel fabricators, cabinet builders, concrete polishers…………. The list goes on and on! Thanks all for your efforts to get this amazing project completed. The exterior steel decking is almost all in place as well as the rails. Inside the concrete floors are getting polished, drywall plastered, and cabinets are being set.

Aerodynamic Barn Gets Noticed

Melanie — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:56:45 +0000

This newly finished barn in the San Luis Obispo cattle country is becoming an attraction in itself. Locals and tourist alike make a special side trip to have a look at it, it even attracts quite a bit of aviation traffic from the local airport, it seems fliers consider it to be one of their own. Everyone that worked on this project is proud to have been a part of it.

Pole Mount Solar Electric by Semmes and Company Builders

Melanie — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:40:09 +0000

Pole mount Photovoltaic install in Atascadero. This is a 3.7kw system using Sanyo 210n panels with a Sunny Boy inverter. The pole mount can enable the install of a system on steep slopes like this hillside.

Atascadero Strawbale

Melanie — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:29:08 +0000

After a long rainy winter this strawbale is ready for plaster. Doors and windows as well as all the mechanical are installed.

Note the shelving on the right side, it is recycled lumber from the historic Wineman Hotel renovation. This material was originally milled over 100 years ago and has been brought new life as finish material for this project. Imagine if you will the plaster along the straw wall running right through, between the shelves the continuing along the back wall as opposed to standard built in book cases.

Central Coast Guest House Move in!

Melanie — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:34:12 +0000

The owners have been moved in to this cozy get away for a couple of months and are doing finishing touches on their own including landscaping. With their power being generated by the photo voltaic system they find they can do a good part of their home heating with towel warmers in the two bathrooms of this tightly insulated house. Strider finds this comfort knowing he has a warm refuge from this brisk winter day.