Monday, March 15, 2010

A Greener Way..



When I moved to Asheville to pursue Green Building my timing couldn't have been better. Two weeks after my arrival I noticed the Western NC Green Building Council was offering a green home tour. I chose to take part in the tour by riding my bike to the properties on the tour and as far as I know I was the only one taking part in tour by alternative means. I toured several progressive homes and also got to talk with several Realtors who pointed me in the direction of Ecohouse Realty which I now call home.



I would be willing to bet that I spend more time getting from A- B via bicycle than any other real estate agent in Asheville. I have an intimate knowledge of the streets and the green properties in the downtown area so it would only be fitting that I pull together my knowledge of Real Estate and Green Building and experience on a bicycle and host another unique event.


Press Release..


WNC Green Building Council presents the Many Shades of Green Property Tour

Take a bike ride through Asheville’s core neighborhoods and learn more about green building during the Many Shades of Green Property Tour on April 10th. This year, the WNC Green Building Council will offer a cycling option for the annual green property tour. The tour will include a variety of green properties and provide participants information on bicycle routes and alternative transportation options in Asheville.

Avid cyclist, Justin Mitchell with Ecohouse / Dwell Realty, will lead a tour of seven properties ranging from a commercial green rehab to the first passive hempcrete home built in the country. Green building professionals will be available at select properties to answer questions and provide information about green features and construction methods.

The tour will originate at Biowheels Bike Shop and visit properties in the Downtown, North and West Asheville areas. The ride will be approximately ten miles in total distance and due to the hilly nature of the Asheville landscape a moderate fitness level is suggested and helmets are required.

Time: 12:00 – 5:00
Cost: Free
Start: Biowheels: 81 Coxe Ave. Presentation at 12:00. Ride begins at 12:30.
Finish: Biowheels: 81 Coxe Ave. 5:00

Reception to follow at Biowheels with refreshments & light appetizers.

For general information or to register for the tour visit www.wncgbc.org.

For specific questions pertaining to the bike tour contact Justin Mitchell with Ecohouse / Dwell Realty at Justin@justinasheville.com or 828.713.9400.


Here are a few of the homes that will be featured on this years bike tour.





The Nauhaus - "Prototype House Becomes First Passive “Hemcrete” Home in the World. The material, called Tradical Hemcrete, is made from waste hemp shiv and a lime-based binder. Designers from NHI have opted to pursue Passive House Certification which would make the house not only one of the first ten certified in the US but also the first Passive House hemp home in the world."






Possibly the 1st LEED cert. home in AVL! (certification pending) Truly innovative Healthy-Built home featuring steel and SIP construction. Modern style incorporates passive solar design for serious energy efficiency/money savings. Solar panel awnings shade interior & produce hot water. All appliances included (Energy Star), Icynene, no VOC paints, rainwater harvesting & more.





Cool green built, west-coast style courtyard cottage community in walkable West Asheville. Cottages surround a central patio & are HealthyBuilt Silver and Energy Star. Green features include solar panels, radiant heated floors.











Trend setting, Healthy Home built, affordable downtown residence- views of the river. Prewired for Solar PV or water heating, bamboo floors, gas fireplace, back deck front patio, urban infill at its best. The first of 6 contemporary healthy built Urban "dwellings" in Chicken Hill







The Springtime Cottage. One of the more efficient homes built in Asheville. EcoPanels SIPS construction all but eliminates thermal breaks. Thermosiphon solar H2O, passive design, energy monitor, ERV. Concrete countertops, custom cabinets. One of best blower door tests in history of NC. Projected to use just over 25% energy of code built home of the same size.



So as you can see this ride should be informative and fun. Since I am a sponsored bike racer with Pisgah Brewing Company you know there will be some good beer and the post ride gathering at Biowheels should offer some good food as well. Come and meet new people and learn something new as well. Hope to see you on April 10th.



Justin Mitchell

Ecohouse / Dwell Realty

828.713.9400

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Bikes and Porn. Now do I have your attention?

More snow fell yesterday in Asheville. We picked up several inches in town which probably means there is a new foot or two in the higher elevations. The decision to postpone the Heartbreaker Super, Super D once again has me looking for the next thing to get excited about and maybe you're thinking the same thing.

Well, look no further, the Bike Porn Film Festival is coming to Asheville and the Brew Crew are all about it. There is even going to be an Alleycat Race to kick things off.


We have all heard the stories about what negative effects cycling can have on your bedroom workouts. So we need to counteract those possible let downs with something to get you going.


After giving bikes and porn some thought I have come to the realization that riding bikes is a lot like S&M. Race promoters, jump builders and even your best friend often find great pleasure in making you suffer on a bicycle, damn Sadist. As bike addicts, we sign up for events like Double Dare, we feel compelled to chase down our friends when we feel like we are going to die, or push our limits on a new gap jump knowing we might end up in the Hospital. We know it’s going to hurt but we do it for pleasure that comes once the pain is gone, how masochist is that..

Well don’t expect too much pain from this alleycat (it’s all about pleasure really) but we are going to get crazy sexy for this one. Spring will hopefully be here soon and with it comes a deep instinctual desire to get down so here’s your chance to let it all hang out if you want.

The Bluelight Alleycat / poker run will kick off the Bike Porn Film Festival. The ride / race will start and end at the Kmart parking lot in West Asheville (the Bike Porn Film Fest takes place a block up the street at 9:00). The course will require you hit five checkpoints around West Asheville and Downtown, each checkpoint will provide some naughty good times. Various prizes will be awarded for fastest time, best dressed (male and female) and best poker hand for those that hit all five stops.

Bring five bucks, a bike, a helmet and an open mind. (we encourage you to practice safe riding and safe sex).

You will get a map with the checkpoints listed at the start of the event. Various checkpoints will provide you the opportunity to quench your thirst. Since this is a kick off to the bike porn event so dress appropriately (naughty).

Sponsored by the Pisgah Brew Crew, Pisgah Works and all those who like to get dirty.


The event details are here on Facebook. Try to let us know if you plan to show so we can plan appropriately.


As for the event to follow.. The Bike Porn Film Fest, will take place right up the street from the Kmart parking lot. It's five bucks, BYOB, and will offer a film, various performances, and a DJ dance party, woot woot. The event details for the film fest are simple.


Location: The Mothership 594 Emma Road.


Time: Door opens at 9 pm. Film at 10 pm.


Cost for the film and party: 5 bucks if you ride a bike, 7 bucks if you drive.


18 and over only.

More information about the film and tour can be found here. (May not be safe for work)


That's it for now..


Jut Rut