Updated 5-17-2012

Welcome to the PlayHaven Green Building Project website!

My name is Bobbi Walker (the Owner/Designer of Intuitive Design). I have spent the last 30+ years dreaming of the day when I would be able to build an earth-friendly home. When I first started researching the possibility, there was very little available to give me hope that it could ever be accomplished... unless I was willing to do it all myself.

Over the years, hope turned into optimism and optimism has turned into joy. Now, there are:

• architects who design sustainable, net-zero energy houses,
• builders who use energy efficient construction techniques,
• contractors who have networks to build sustainably,
• energy raters who make sure it is energy efficient and works the way it should,
• financial institutions who understand that this is more than a "niche" market,
• renewable energy products that are more affordable to the average homeowner,
• products made from reclaimed and recycled materials,
• and lots and lots of information on the internet (assuming you know what the questions are).

The PlayHaven Green Building Project is the culmination of those dreams. In addition to being our home, it is so very much more than that!

It has always been my intention to make a showcase of products and techniques that the average homeowner could show to their contractor or builder and say "see, that's what I want in my house."

And even better yet, an example that contractors and builders can show to their clients of what kind of energy efficiency and sustainable features can be incorporated into their projects.

And even further still, a place where many options and ways of doing things can be used in a single location to show what choices there are and comparisons can be made.

This all being said, the PlayHaven Green Building Project is available (by appointment) for physical tours; both during renovation/construction and ever after. AND, this website provides virtual tours for anyone interested in what we're doing but who are unable to make the trip to the Kansas City MO (U.S.A.) area.

The "Description" Section details the plans and goals for both the Green Renovation of PlayHaven East and the New Construction of PlayHaven West. It also provides a bit more background information.

Please visit the "Sponsors" page to connect with the businesses who are so graciously working with us; and to learn how to become a part of the project.

"Project List" Section will give you the details and photos of each project.

Check out our "PHGBP Blog" for ongoing tips and projects that you can do for little or no cost. I've started with ways to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and how I got started.

May 17, 2012

More Pictures of the Bees!

As of today, we are still providing sugar water to the girls. BUT, since they are working hard on the frames in the 2nd hive body, we are A-OK with helping all we can. Afer all, everyone has said "Feed them for as long as they will drink it." When they stop, we'll stop. Check out our experiences on the Bee page.

Sleep Is Wonderful!

Our Savvy Rest bed is set up and we are sleeping in it! Can't say enough great stuff about Diane Gercke, the owner of Eagles' Rest Natural Home and her great store in Lawrence, KS. She is our most recent sponsor and you should go check out her merchandise. Say "HELLO" from us. Cick here to learn about the bed and see pictures.

Chick, Chick, Chick..

We were expecting our chicks to arrive sometime during the week beginning Monday, May 14th. BUT, low and behold, they arrived on Saturday, the 12th! Luckily I checked my email on Saturday morning (I don't often do that) and saw the notification of shipment. So I called the Post Office and arranged to meet them at 11:00 a.m. to pick them up. Check out the new page for the Chickens for pictures of the cute little things... they are growing quickly!

Sponsors

Please check them out and consider them for your next project!

Check back to find out the progress of our efforts.