Blog
Recognition
Montana Hall Update
Historic Architecture
06/17/2019 • by Emarie Skelton
“Second oldest” may not sound that impressive, but the building was occupied in 1898, just nine years after Montana became a state. Read More →
Garden Beds in the Garden Room
Urban Frontier House Living
05/12/2019 • by Janna Hafer
I think I should have invested in the Metal Garden Bed Company Read More →
The Slinger Returns and the Patio Begins
Urban Frontier House Living
04/24/2019 • by Janna Hafer
Spring is trying to appear, so Randy and I are strategizing our future patio along the north side of the house. Read More →
Painting the Garden Room – Part 2
Urban Frontier House Living
03/23/2019 • by Janna Hafer
Some of you might be wondering whatever happened in the Garden Room. Read More →
Randy’s Shop
Urban Frontier House Living
02/16/2019 • by Janna Hafer
Now, he can (usually) find what he is needs because there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. Read More →
Roof Rake
Urban Frontier House Living
01/26/2019 • by Janna Hafer
Randy discovered that the company that made his Sno Joe snowblower also makes a product called Roofer Joe. Read More →
Electric Snowblower
Urban Frontier House Living
12/26/2018 • by Janna Hafer
It just so happens that a person can get a really good deal on a snowblower in August. Read More →
Extended Study
Project Tours
12/05/2018 • by Josi Wilgus
We want to let these 4th and 5th graders and their teachers know how appreciative we were to receive their postcards filled with their own images and words. Read More →
Get To Know High Plains Architects
Ed Gulick, Associate Principal
02/06/2019 • by High Plains Architects
Ed brings extensive green building experience to High Plains Architects, having worked with some of the foremost green building professionals in the country. But what set Ed on the road to becoming an architect in the first place? Read More →
Painting the Garden Room
Urban Frontier House Living
12/10/2018 • by Janna Hafer
Our Garden Room had a setback last spring Read More →
Cove Heaters
Urban Frontier House Living
10/22/2018 • by Janna Hafer
As delighted as Randy is with his weather station, I am equally thrilled with the cove heaters! Read More →
Weather Station
Urban Frontier House Living
10/25/2018 • by Janna Hafer
The data screen is generating indoor and outdoor information and producing graphs in various colors. Read More →
Native Landscaping Plus
Urban Frontier House Living
09/14/2018 • by Janna Hafer
We have Gaillardia, Primrose, Yarrow, Coneflower, two types of grasses... Read More →.jpg)
Indoor Air Quality Test Results Part 1
08/27/2018 • by Janna Hafer
the scientist in me wants to see the data. Read More →
Fencing Phase 1
08/08/2018 • by Janna Hafer
It reminds me of the story of Peter Rabbit and Mr. McGregor. Read More →
Metal Garden Beds
07/30/2018 • by Janna Hafer
Montana is known for its beautiful summers. Read More →
Indoor Air Quality Testing
07/17/2018 • by Janna Hafer
Before we can start monitoring our Twelve Month Performance Period... Read More →
Revitalizing Downtown Billings
07/26/2018 • by High Plains Architects
High Plains Architects is working with the building owner, Dianne LaFever, to reuse the Billings Hardware building and continue the revitalization of downtown. Read More →.jpg)
Why the Buzz about Mass Timber in MT?
Lessons from the Mass Timber Conference
06/27/2018 • by High Plains Architects
I was really struck by the magnitude of wood mass that grows every year in Montana compared to the amount that is harvested. If the forests are responsibly managed and harvested (and it’s important to include the qualifier “if”), we have the makings of a major, environmentally-sound industry that uses a widely abundant renewable resource in Montana. Read More →.jpg)
Forests: Nature’s Building Material Factories
The case for Cross Laminated Timber as a sustainable building material
06/19/2018 • by Ed Gulick
Wood has a number of environmental benefits compared to other structural materials like steel and concrete. In fact, I think forests are like nature’s factories for producing the ideal green building material. Read More →
More Solar Panels
06/09/2018 • by High Plains Architects
Henry from Sundance Solar showed up today to install more solar panels. Read More →
Blower Door Test
04/16/2018 • by High Plains Architects
We have had several Blower Door Tests performed to determine if there were any significant leaks where cold in the winter or heat in the summer could infiltrate into the house. Read More →
Second Snowiest February
03/10/2018 • by High Plains Architects
And, snow is in the forecast. Oh, my word, there is snow everywhere! And, with snow usually comes a certain amount of cold weather. Read More →
Finished Interior Doors
Urban Frontier House Living
12/28/2017 • by Janna Hafer
What happened between October 15 and December 28, 2017??? Read More →
Pavers in the Garden Room
Urban Frontier House Living
10/15/2017 • by Janna Hafer
Large concrete pavers are extremely heavy! Read More →
Road Mix
Urban Frontier House Living
10/05/17 • by Janna Hafer
I am really looking forward to Randy shoveling the road mix in place so we can get those pavers down. Read More →
LEED Update
Urban Frontier House Living
08/15/17 • by Janna Hafer
All that glitters is not gold! In this case, it’s PLATINUM!!! Read More →
The Gang’s All Here
Urban Frontier House Living
06/11/2017 • by Janna Hafer
In 1980, while Randy was attending graduate school at Yale University... Read More →
First Fruits
Urban Frontier House Living
06/01/2017 • by Janna Hafer
The indoor garden room is not ready for plants yet and the outdoor landscaping is barely even started; however, Read More →
The Slinger
Urban Frontier House Living
05/24/2017 • by Janna Hafer
I am a BIG fan of the “slinger!” Read More →
Rain
Urban Frontier House Living
05/24/2017 • by Janna Hafer
Billings taxpayers are facing a huge tax burden to expand the current water treatment facilities. Read More →
Looking In The Composter
Urban Frontier House Living
03/30/2017 • by Janna Hafer
“This is the most exciting experience of my life.” Read More →
Clipboards
Urban Frontier House Living
03/14/2017 • by Janna Hafer
If it has been a sunny day, the meter reading will be less than the day before which makes Randy very happy. Read More →
Up The Spiral Staircase
Urban Frontier House Living
03/14/2017 • by Janna Hafer
He has been contemplating what materials to use and how he wanted to build this staircase for a very long time. Read More →
The Linen Closet with the Most Mistakes
Urban Frontier House Living
02/05/2017 • by Janna Hafer
The upstairs linen closet was one thing that we felt didn’t need to be finished before we moved into the house. Read More →
Going for LEED® Platinum
Urban Frontier House Living
01/27/2017 • by Janna Hafer
Platinum is the highest level attainable on the LEED scale (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Of course, Randy will strive for nothing less. Read More →
A Place for Everything
Urban Frontier House Living
01/27/2017 • by Janna Hafer
I think I can hear my mom saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place” Read More →
How Low Can It Go?
Urban Frontier House Living
01/04/2017 • by Janna Hafer
Randy was excited to see just how low it would get in the house. I did not necessarily share his enthusiasm. Read More →
Electric Fireplace
Urban Frontier House Living
01/04/2017 • by Janna Hafer
Then, one day, we were visiting the house of our low voltage engineer and I commented on how much I liked his fireplace but that we couldn’t have a fireplace in our house because of the combustion. Read More →
My Mom’s Patriotic Tree
Urban Frontier House Living
12/14/2016 • by Janna Hafer
Just so we are perfectly clear, all the red, white, and blue lights on my tree are LED in hopes of preventing Randy from hyperventilating because too much energy is being consumed every time I turn on the Christmas lights. Read More →
We Are Thankful for Matthew
Urban Frontier House Living
12/07/2016 • by Janna Hafer
It’s almost Thanksgiving and our son Matthew arrived on the Friday before to spend Thanksgiving week with us. Read More →
Fix-it Man
Urban Frontier House Living
12/02/2016 • by Janna Hafer
We have barely moved in, the house isn’t even complete yet, and I have already found something that needs to be fixed. Read More →
Party at the New House
Urban Frontier House Living
11/18/2016 • by Janna Hafer
It was a beautiful fall evening... Read More →
My Moving Day
Urban Frontier House
10/03/2016 • by Janna Hafer
October 2, 2016 was when I officially moved into the new house with my essential stuff – things like my toothbrush, my curling iron, and all my shoes. Read More →
The Water Test Results Are In!
Urban Frontier House
09/23/2016 • by Janna Hafer
All of the water provided by the Water Production Division of the City of Billings comes from the Yellowstone River and I always felt confident that the water provided was of the highest quality. Read More →
What’s That Smell???
Urban Frontier House
09/06/2016 • by Janna Hafer
Randy checked the rainwater tanks, the graywater tank, the pumps, and the filters but there was no obvious odor. Where could it be coming from??? Read More →
The Governor’s Innovate Montana Symposium
Urban Frontier House
08/17/2016 • by Janna Hafer
All in all, it was a really good day! Read More →
Reinforcements
Urban Frontier House
07/10/2016 • by Janna Hafer
Randy and I were again working at the house on Friday night after work. (Boy, do we know how to have fun or what???) Read More →
The Fridge Fiasco
Urban Frontier House
07/10/2016 • by Janna Hafer
Randy and I were planning on purchasing a DC refrigerator for the new house; however,.. Read More →
Being First Is Not Easy
Urban Frontier House
07/10/2016 • by Janna Hafer
Our banker wants to know when the house is going to be done. That is a fair question. Read More →
It Looks Like A Toilet
Urban Frontier House
05/25/2016 • by Janna Hafer
There are various models of composting toilets on the market, none of which I wanted in my new house. Read More →
Alkylphenols
Urban Frontier House
05/06/2016 • by Janna Hafer
So, what the heck does that mean??? Read More →
Insect and Fungus
Urban Frontier House
05/06/2016 • by Janna Hafer
And now here is a little biology lesson: Read More →
Wood Flooring
Urban Frontier House
04/06/2016 • by Janna Hafer
We investigated all types of wood flooring materials but ran into numerous roadblocks with ingredients on the Red List. Read More →
Gravelpave
Urban Frontier House
04/05/2016 • by Janna Hafer
Yes, this stuff is made to drive on and it’s 100% made in the USA Read More →
Weekend Warriors
Urban Frontier House
02/23/2016 • by Janna Hafer
Since last November, Randy and I have spent a good portion of almost every weekend working at the new house. Read More →
Rain Gutters and Rain Barrels
Urban Frontier House
02/22/2016 • by Janna Hafer
The metal for the rain gutters finally arrived last week and were installed in one day. Read More →
The Wall of Many Colors
Urban Frontier House
02/22/2016 • by Janna Hafer
I want some color in the house. But what color??? Read More →
Operations Control Central
Urban Frontier House
02/17/2016 • by Janna Hafer
While construction and painting is continuing upstairs, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing is happening downstairs. Read More →
Brotherly Love
Urban Frontier House
01/26/2016 • by Janna Hafer
He created mountains of sawdust and was covered from head to foot but the walls look great! Read More →
Scavenger
Urban Frontier House
12/31/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Re-purposed materials tend to have inherent “character” and an associated story that can’t be found in newly manufactured products. Read More →
Sheetrock
Urban Frontier House
12/30/2015 • by Janna Hafer
We don’t have much sheetrock in the Urban Frontier House but we do have some. Read More →
Gingerbread House
Urban Frontier House
12/11/2015 • by Janna Hafer
They decided that our Urban Frontier House was going to be the inspiration for their creation. Read More →
We're a Silver BFB!
Of Bikes and Buildings
12/10/2015 • by League of American Bicyclists
"bicycling is playing a central role in making the country a safer, happier, and more sustainable place to live and work" Read More →
BioPCM
Urban Frontier House
12/09/2015 • by Janna Hafer
This mystery stuff is a “bio-based material … encapsulated in flame retardant, super-engineered polyfilm.” Read More →
Barnwood and Beadboard
Urban Frontier House
12/02/2015 • by Janna Hafer
In 1909, Congress passed the Enlarged Homestead Act. As a result, more than 80,000 homesteaders moved into Montana between 1909 and the early 1920’s. Read More →
Clash in the Kitchen
Urban Frontier House
10/12/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Then, there was the disagreement about the corner in the kitchen. Read More →
Sustainability Revolution Tour
Urban Frontier House
10/13/2015 • by Janna Hafer
The house isn’t complete yet but we hosted our first event on Friday night Read More →
Tilting at Windmills – Part 2
Urban Frontier House
10/01/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Vertical axis windmills aren’t installed in residential front yards every day Read More →
Bike Rack Comparison 2
Of Bikes and Buildings
09/28/2015 • by Ed Gulick
"functionally useful" Read More →
Bike Rack Comparison 1
Of Bikes and Buildings
09/24/2015 • by Ed Gulick
This rack is worth more as scrap metal then as a rack. Read More →
On Green Architecture and Good Bike Rack Design
Of Bikes and Buildings
09/17/2015 • by Ed Gulick
What is a biking post doing on an architecture firm’s blog? We’re glad you asked! Read More →
Windows and Doors
Urban Frontier House
08/14/2015 • by Janna Hafer
These are NOT your typical windows and doors. Read More →
Skylights and Roofing
Urban Frontier House
07/31/2015 • by Janna Hafer
I really like these skylights! Read More →
Where Is “Away?”
Urban Frontier House
06/22/15 • by Janna Hafer
It’s big! It’s blue! It’s a ……………..??? What is it??? Read More →
The Garden Room
Urban Frontier House
06/15/2015 • by Janna Hafer
The south facing wall will be mainly glass and there will be three windows on the north wall but there won’t be any glass on the other walls. Read More →
Interior doors
Urban Frontier House
06/05/2015 • by Janna Hafer
We are well aware of the fire season which strikes Montana forests every year, but we were not aware that someone was repurposing some of the dead logs. Read More →
The “RED LIST”
Urban Frontier House
05/27/2015 • by Janna Hafer
“The Red List represents the “worst in class” materials, chemicals, and elements known to pose serious risks to human health and the greater ecosystem.” Read More →
The Speaking Circuit
Urban Frontier House
05/15/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Randy was selected to present a TEDx talk at the newly opened Billings Public Library. Read More →
Why Are We Covering Up The Windows???
Urban Frontier House
04/28/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Remember, we will NOT have a heating or cooling system in this house. Read More →
Let The Sun Shine
Urban Frontier House
04/27/2015 • by Janna Hafer
My architect (Randy) had to figure out a way to maximize the sun exposure to the garden room. Read More →
My Front Porch
Urban Frontier House
04/27/2015 • by Janna Hafer
We frequently sat on the porch swing to chat with our granddaughters or to observe the weather or... Read More →
Raising the Roof
Urban Frontier House
04/22/2015 • by Janna Hafer
There is going to be a small room (crow’s nest) at the very top of the new house on the third floor. Read More →
‘Dem Bones
Urban Frontier House
04/22/2015 • by Janna Hafer
I was quite amazed how something that I had seen on paper many, many times was now coming together Read More →
Moving On Up
Urban Frontier House
04/22/2015 • by Janna Hafer
It was about this time that March decided to “roar in like a lion” Read More →
Two Beam or Not Two Beam
Urban Frontier House
04/21/2015 • by Janna Hafer
What difference does it make where it is fabricated? Read More →
We Have Walls!
Urban Frontier House
04/14/2015 • by Janna Hafer
A future resident can look out her bedroom window, It’s pretty exciting! Read More →
Structural Insulated Panels
Urban Frontier House
04/14/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Randy didn’t want thermal breaks anywhere in the house Read More →
Wood Arrives
Urban Frontier House
4/6/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Things are going to start happening now! Read More →
Waiting for FSC Wood
Urban Frontier House
03/27/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Why wouldn't everyone choose to use wood from a sustainably harvested forest. Read More →
It’s All About the Insulation
Urban Frontier House
03/16/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Randy was all about the insulation and it’s everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE! Read More →
What Did You Do About the Water?
Urban Frontier House
03/13/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Any residence within proximity of a municipal water supply must hook up and pay the price to do so. Read More →
Not Everything Runs Smoothly
Urban Frontier House
03/11/2015 • by Janna Hafer
The fourth truck arrived and immediately had to turn around Read More →
And So It Begins
Urban Frontier House
03/09/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Since the property was a parking lot for 40 years, there were wheel stops that needed a new home. Read More →
Building Permit
Urban Frontier House
03/06/2015 • by Janna Hafer
The drawings have been at the Building Department for months. What is taking so long? Read More →
Financing
Urban Frontier House
03/04/2015 • by Janna Hafer
What bank wouldn't want to be a part of this “Urban Frontier House” project? Read More →
Tilting at Windmills
Urban Frontier House
03/04/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Enter Taisei Techno, a Japanese company producing wind turbines which even has a fabrication plant in Billings, Montana. Read More →
What Did You Do On Your Vacation?
Urban Frontier House
02/27/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Let me just say, that I am WAY OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE on this one... Read More →
Was 2013 the Year for Groundbreaking?
Urban Frontier House
02/25/2015 • by Janna Hafer
Let me just say that it is not easy to have a ground breaking in an asphalt parking lot. Read More →
Passive House Modeling
Urban Frontier House
02/23/2015 • by Janna Hafer
As if Living Building Challenge was not enough of a challenge, Randy was intrigued with the Passive House energy modeling program. Read More →
ILBI Membership
Urban Frontier House
02/18/2015 • by Janna Hafer
It somewhat reminds me of the “Green Acres” sitcom back in the 60s and 70s where the husband and wife leave the city and decide to “work the land.” Read More →
Prepping the Site
Urban Frontier House
02/16/2015 • by Janna Hafer
After 40 years as a parking lot, the site had started its transformation back to a contributing member of the residential neighborhood. Read More →
Selling the Big Tin House
Urban Frontier House
02/12/2015 • by Janna Hafer
We put the house on the market but knew that it might take awhile to sell since it would take a buyer wanting a big house. Read More →
Goals and Program
Urban Frontier House
02/10/2015 • by Janna Hafer
I like to think I'm the adventurous type but what have I gotten myself into??? Read More →
Land For Sale at Auction
Urban Frontier House
02/09/2015 • by Janna Hafer
The State of Montana had purchased this property on December 15, 1967 for $10.00 and had owned it for 40 years. Read More →
