January 2013: HOG Review of 2012

Rainwater HOG had a productive 2012, watching our customer base expand and sharing the bounty of rainwater harvesting across the U.S. and internationally in a variety of venues – from big city affordable housing developments to big island affordable housing developments, from elementary schools to LEED Platinum homes, and from contests to conferences.

                                        What People Are Saying

“I liked [the HOG tank] not only for its technical purpose, but also for its innovative design that I thought the kids would connect with. At that age the “cool factor” weighs in on personal connection.”
– Mindy Germain, co-chair Daly Green Committee on HOG tanks at the Daly School Garden

“Water is already a scarce resource, even more so on an island. We anticipate changes in utility fees and building codes to encourage more harvesting of rainwater. HOGs are an important first step in that dialogue.”
– Daniel Sandomire, Vice President of Armstrong Development, Ltd. on HOG tanks at the Department of Hawaiian Homelands Maui development

“Instead of taxing the taps, the home’s drought-tolerant garden can be watered with runoff from the roof… Because the HOGs [tanks] are slim, they can be positioned directly under a downspout without blocking the walkway – a necessity on a tight city lot like this.”
– Dwell Magazine on HOG tanks at the Simpatico Prototype House

The Whole HOG: November 2012

Water-centric Green Design News

As November comes to a close, we have lots to share and lots to be thankful for – including some great online press from AIArchitect, not to mention rain, rain and more rain. GreenBuild 2012 in San Francisco was certainly worth writing home about, and for that matter, sharing with our readers. Did we reconnect with you at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, or perhaps meet for the first time? Either way, welcome (back) to The Whole HOG!

Check out our B.U.G feature for our top five from Greenbuild including green roofs, green walls, big ass fans, and indoor/outdoor alternatives to traditional timber.

We’re partnering with old friends in Hawaii for a new sustainable housing development on Maui. Our tanks have been a vital piece of the ‘green’ puzzle for Armstrong Builders since they included HOGs in their 2010 Lai Opua development.

Speaking of green building in Hawaii, we recently came across Green by Design Hawaii’s post on an open house for the first NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) certified green home. What did we find? That’s right – a HOG tank industriously storing rainwater for garden irrigation. The Oahu home, rebuilt after a fire, is the first to meet the NAHB’s National Green Building Certification Program standards.

HOG CEO Simon Dominguez says, “Rainwater HOG is excited to be a part of helping advance sustainable building practices.”

November 2012: HOGs Wow Maui Homeowners

Rainwater HOG tanks to be included in Maui Housing Development

HOGs have already made a name for themselves in Hawaii. And the word is spreading. Through their affordable housing developments (such as the LEED-H Gold certified Lai Opua residential community) Armstrong Builders are one of the primary messengers on the islands.

Each home in the 2010 Lai Opua development has one HOG tank (and room for more).

“Water is already a scarce resource, even more so on an island,” says Daniel Sandomire, Vice President of Armstrong Development, Ltd. “We anticipate changes in utility fees and building codes to encourage more harvesting of rainwater. HOGs are an important first step in that dialogue.”

In partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Armstrong Builders is building a 26-home sustainable subdivision in Kula, Maui. Each home is installed with one Rainwater HOG tank near the carport, which homeowners can use for irrigating a garden or lawn or washing cars.

The inaugural residents of the 2012 Kula development inspect their Rainwater HOG tank.

 

The first occupants moved into their new home this month on November 2, 2012.  Three to four new homes are being built each month. Other green features include solar photovoltaic panels, low flush toilets, EnergyStar appliances, and whole house fans to reduce the need for air conditioning.  Armstrong Builders expect the Kula development on Maui to be completed by July 2013.

“This house for me represents everything as a Hawaiian,” says Raenani, a Lai Opua homeowner, talking about the care and pride she saw in the construction of her home, and the partnership and support she received from Armstrong Builders. “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,” she finishes, with a nod.