Greening a Construction Project Trailer

Jeremiah Ridge - Clanton, Alabama

When we were "gifted" with a donation of a mobile home from Phillip & Alice DiGiorgio and sister Donna DiGiorgio, we saw this an ultimate Recycling project. We are taking a mobile home that was destined to be trashed and converting it into a green construction project trailer we will use as we work on our residential green demonstration model located in central Alabama.

Follow our progress as we begin making green choices for our construction office. This particular blog posting will be one that we continue to update as we find new things to share about our progress.

What will we do with the construction trailer once we are done? We will "pay it forward"!! We think that we will be using the mobile home for a couple of years at Jeremiah Ridge and then plan to donate it to a family or a worthy organization who has a need. We would love to hear from everyone about your ideas on how we should determine who will receive our gift of the mobile home.

The first question we have is how much of our resources will we expend to make the project office greener? There are some green construction offices that developed that have cost as much as $100,000 to convert. We do not plan to spend that kind of money and hope to find products that are reasonably priced and/or recycled and re-used from such organizations as the Habitat for Humanity ReStores or Craigslist or FreeCycle. Perhaps companies with green products will want to showcase them in our project office trailer and sponsor certain aspects of the re-purposing of this office unit.

 

Original Setting on DiGiorgios' Property

 

Our Construction Project Office
sitting onsite at Jeremiah Ridge


The Basics

One of the things we had to address once the project office was on the property was to begin going through it carefully to discover and plug up openings that would allow weather or varmints to come inside. 

We are evaluating locations of all light fixtures and will change all light bulbs to lower wattages and/or compact fluorescent or LED. Interested in updating your light fixtures and bulbs? Go the the Eco-Friendly Lighting section of our website for lots of information on choices you can make.

What do we do about windows? How do we make them more energy efficient? We'll begin by sealing them and making certain the screens and windows close tightly. We'll clean and lubricate the slides and tracks and repair any broken panes. Although we would normally think about replacing all windows with energy-efficient ones, we are not sure that we want to spend that money on this particular part of the project. We think that using solar film and/or solar shades on the windows can help boost their energy-efficiency a great deal.

What's Next?

Insulation - There is practically no insulation left on the underside of the mobile home and what is left there is fiberglass. Because the insulation has been there a while, it probably is not the most environmentally-friendly of products. We will have to look for a responsible way to dispose of what's left of the old insulation. 

One of the first things to do, after we remove the old insulation, is lay down 6 mil sheeting on the ground under the unit to control moisture. We are looking at a number of options to insulate the the underside of the home. One product we saw at one of the big box stores is a formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation made by Johns-Manville. We also wonder about a biologically-based spray that would seal openings as well as insulate. Research will continue as we look for the best insulation product for the unit and we will share our research with you. The final step will be to wrap the underside with a moisture barrier.

Skirting --We are hoping to re-use much of the skirting that was originally on the mobile home. It will need re-painting - so we will be looking at solar-reflective paint products as a possibility. We'll also be creating a storage section under the trailer and will, to the very best of our ability, use reclaimed and repurposed materials to frame and build the access doors.

Siding -- This is an area where we may get a bit creative. We are considering a solar-reflective paint on the siding. We also really liked an idea we saw at a recent Solar Decathlon we attended in Washington, DC. The prototype we saw incorporated a double-wall construction with an air pocket (2"-3") between the walls. The vertical boards [see photos below] were very attractive as an exterior finish and kept the direct rays of the sun off of the primary structure. Since a mobile home can normally heat up a great deal when the sun hits those metal-clad surfaces, this could really help cool down the inside.

Roof --Originally there was a metal roof structure supported by steel posts and roof trusses. We are trying to decide whether to re-create this structure over the mobile home or use it elsewhere on the property. We have not determined if the metal roof was there because there were actual problems with the unit's roof leaking or if it was installed to give it a more aesthetic appearance. It did make it look a lot better but we are considering what else could be done to make it look attractive as well as keep the weather out.

Related to the roof area is the real possibility that we'll install an array of photovoltaic panels up there to render this an "off-grid" structure. More to come on this subject.

Miscellaneous - One of the things that distresses us when we are in Chilton County, Alabama is that, as far as we know, there is no recycling program to benefit its citizens. We were forced to just throw so much directly into the trash and it drove us a little bonkers to have to do that. So, in the very near future, we will be setting up recycling areas in the project trailer and outside there will be a compost area.

What will we do with our recycling? We don't know at the moment. One thing we will do is to work on meeting with city and county officials to encourage them to re-structure and re-establish their recycling program. We will find an area inside to set up containers to make it easy to dispose of our glass, plastics and metal and then arrange a collection area so that we can store bags of recycled materials in bulk until we are able to find a place to take them and dispose of them responsibly. Establishing rain barrels attached to the gutter system on the project trailer will also be a high priority. This will require us to create a means to harvest rain-water from the small gutter systems found on most mobile homes.

Porches & Patios - There are two doors to enter the home/office. One is on the west-facing side leading to the Project Office area, the other on the east side leading to the kitchen/dining area. Both are from three feet to four feet from the ground. We want to have more than just steps leading to the entrances.

The west side porch and entrance will, necessarily, be incorporated into any wall system that's constructed to mitigate the heat absorption properties of the unit's outside walls. The east side structure will be more a stand-alone, meant to provide outside meeting space and a secondary entrance.

Utilities - We would love to place a solar panel or two (or more!) on the mobile home if we can find an affordable option to do so.

We anticipate using propane or LP gas to cook with and to heat the space and the water. This will also be the fuel source for the main house as we intend to use on-demand water heaters and a gas cook-top and oven there as well. We expect to bury the tank to remediate the visual impact on the finished project.

The unit will be connected to the County water supply system and the County-approved on-site septic system. When we complete these several utility connections, the remaining connections required will be electrical, phone and cable for the communications systems (internet & cable) for the entire project. We have found a great solution for our wireless internet connection. We purchased a Verizon 5 Spot at our local Verizon store in Clanton that allows us to become our own secure mobile WiFi spot and connect up to five wireless devices. We received excellent service from our local store, Verizon's customer service line and have been very happy with this product. We like the fact that we can take our show on the road and get internet service wherever we are - travelling in the car, in the Construction Project Office or anywhere on the thirty acres of Jeremiah Ridge.

Making the Interior Green

Overall we will be going for a bit more modern look and clean lines for our project trailer. We are throwing out a few ideas we have thought about so far - let us know what you think and and share any ideas you have with us.

 Living Area 

Before Photo of Living Area

We actually rather like the current color in this area and intend to only give it a fresh coat of paint. We have found a color that is very similar to it - the color is Bohemian Earth by KILZ Casual Colors. This paint is now available in a low odor, low VOC formula.

Note: Low Odor or Low VOC paints are usually marketed by most paint manufacturers as meeting a threshold of 50g/L. Best choices should be in the 10-25 g/L VOC range.

The carpet is nice but we would like to replace it with a wood, bamboo or cork floor. We want to make or purchase a credenza to go on the far wall to display information about the project or use as a buffet for business dinners. The only other pieces of furniture we will want to put this area are a large conference table and chairs that can be used for meetings or dining. So, we will begin a search to find a large piece of stone, wood or glass to make a table from.

 Kitchen

Before Photo of Kitchen

Painting the kitchen cabinets with an off-white glaze finish will be one of my first interior projects after the rest of the contact/shelf paper is removed. I have found that one of my favorite paints for painting cabinets - Kilz Casual Colors - now comes in a low VOC - low odor formula. I will have to do some research on the glaze that I have normally used to see how the VOC rating works out.

The stove is electric and no longer works. We have decided that we would like to replace it with a gas range that fueled by propane gas. Propane makes sense to us because Jeremiah Ridge is located in a rural area, propane is a clean-burning fuel and much more cost-effective than electricity.

The refrigerator is an older Coldspot side-by-side, is in great shape and runs very well. No, it wouldn't qualify as an Energy Star appliance. But we are planning to keep it and experiment with a faux stainless steel paint or faux steel film to update it. There are two products that seem pretty good for this:  Thomas LiquidSteel [made in USA] and Softmetal Stainless Steel Film [imported from Germany]. We're leaning toward the LiquidSteel because it receives a lot of good feedback, is made in the USA and is fairly affordable [$40 for a refrigerator].



Funky Light Fixture

This area has a somewhat funky light fixture that will have to come out because it does not fit in with the clean modern look we want for the project trailer. The other reason it will have to go is that people over 5 feet tall will keep running into it. But, I am rather attached to it and it may show up some other structure at Jeremiah Ridge. Perhaps in the cottage?

So tell us - how do you think we can make the kitchen area green and create a cleaner, modern look? What should we do for the floors? The countertops? The lighting?



Bedroom 1



Before Photo of Bedroom 1

We have no particular plans or color scheme for the bedroom yet other than to remove the wall sconces and ceiling fan and to place a bed and small chest of drawers for storage when we are working on the project. The floor has a decent carpet but it would be nice to replace it with a greener choice like bamboo or cork.

 
   Bathroom 1

Before Photo of Sink Area - Bathroom 1

The sink area is in decent shape but we may paint the cabinet. It does have a somewhat funky mirror [funky - hmmm -- do I date myself?!] that probably will be re-purposed and renewed.



Before Photo of Tub Area - Bathroom 1

I would like to see a lot of tile on the floor and the tub surround. Additionally, we will initially displace some of the water in the toilet tank with a filled half-gallon plastic jug and look at installing a low-flow retro-fit kit to make it more efficient. We can also conserve water by installing a low-flow shower head. Although we would love to have a more luxurious tub, it is probably not very cost-efficient to replace it for a construction project trailer.



Bathroom Inspiration



This is a shower curtain my daughter passed along to me some years ago. I have had it packed away and never used it but have always loved the colors and scene. I hung it up this bathroom and am thinking that I will use it for my inspiration for this bathroom and perhaps into the adjoining bedroom.



Laundry

Before Photo of Laundry



The dryer shown was actually retained by the owners but we will look for some energy-efficient replacements. Possibly a propane-fueled dryer? Wouldn't it be great if we could manage to power the laundry appliances and refrigerator with solar power?



A word about cleaning supplies. It is time for all of us to start thinking more about the soap and cleaning supplies we use and there are many more green options for us to choose from now. Or, you might consider going back to the basics: vinegar and baking soda are low cost and very effective in cleaning many items around your home. Links are provided below to get your started in thinking about making wiser choices.

Green Your Cleaning Products

How to Green Your Cleaning Routine

How Green Cleansers Measure Up

Office/Guest Room

The palladium windows in the room face out to a view of the entire property and we think it will make a great office area with a futon for guests who may need (or want!) to stay overnight. Because of the small size of the room, we would have to block that wonderful view to set both a desk and a futon in the room. So we have decided that, since the closet doors are missing anyway and we don't actually need the extra storage in the closet, we will slide a desk into the closet and convert it into an office work area.

The ceiling fan will have to go - too dangerous for anyone over 5 foot tall! We have not chosen a color scheme yet but will find a dramatic color for the area where the desk will go.



Before Photo of Office/Guest Room





Before Photo of Office/Guest Room

Bathroom 2



Before Photo of Bathroom 2

This is another full bathroom directly off the Office/Guest Room. Again, I think it can benefit from a lot of tile on the floor and tub surround. We've seen some great tile products at the Habitat ReStores and can't wait to go back there - soon!

As with Bathroom 1, we will look at installing a low-flow retro-fitting on the toilet and a low-flow showerhead.


Before Photo of Bathroom 2


There is a decent sink cabinet and medicine chest that we may pretty much leave as is.

 

We do have some more ideas floating around and look forward to sharing our progress as we begin to make this a Green Construction Project Trailer. But we also want to hear your green ideas and suggestions. Let me say that again - we really want to hear from you! If your idea doesn't resonate with us, that doesn't mean it won't with another of our readers. After all, this is a community.

Ask us questions you may have about the project. Post here or on our Facebook page to tell us you ideas. Do you have links you want to send us that relate to this subject? Have a green product you want to have highlighted in this project? We will be happy consider all, post applicable links and give you credit. Send your information or link to info@jeremiahridge.com.