Happy Earth Day

6 ways to "green" your home:

Improve the energy-efficiency of your home by selecting energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

Create an energy-efficient building envelope by using superior insulation in your walls, foundation and roof, in addition to high performance windows and doors.

Consider an alternate energy source for your home, such as geothermal or photovoltaic systems. Take advantage of the tax credits that encourage the use of these systems.

Reduce water demand by selecting water-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances, and by collecting and storing rainwater on site for landscape use.

Consider the source and impact of materials in your home. Use salvaged materials whenever possible and consider the life cycle of a product. Quality construction and low maintenance products reduce impact on our landfills.

Improve the indoor air quality of your home by selecting materials and finishes with low emissions and VOC's. Proper ventilation and humidity control are also critical.

Text by Jennifer Hilla Schlag, AIA
www.americanprairiehomes.com

Mission Trip to the Copper Canyon

American Prairie Homes’ owner John Hilla will be joining his wife, Dr. Kathleen Garry, on a LIGA International dental mission trip to the Copper Canyon of Sinaloa, Mexico.

LIGA International (The Flying Doctors of Mercy) is a non-profit organization that provides free health care and education to the people of Sinaloa, Mexico since 1934.

The goal of this 12-day mission trip is to make a long-term difference in the oral health of the people who live in and around the Copper Canyon. They will not only provide free dental work in isolated pueblos inhabited by Tarahumara Indians, but also encourage the local Tarahumara students to consider a career in dentistry.

We wish John and Kate safe travels and personal enlightenment throughout their stay in the Copper Canyon.

 

 

www.ligainternational.org

www.americanprairiehomes.com

Handcrafted Wood Doors

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

This is true for your home too, and it begins at your front door. Work with the artisans at American Prairie Homes to create a beautiful, handcrafted, solid wood door not only to make a good first impression but also to protect your family and preserve the integrity of your home.

Our handcrafted doors provide safety with a Multipoint Locking System.

According to the Home Safety Council, unlocked or improperly locked doors and windows are responsible for nearly half of all home break-ins. Multipoint Locking Systems enhance security because the lock engages the frame at three or more points, rather than only at the strike plate.  The Multipoint Locking System takes that a step further, by providing a better seal and reduction of air infiltration.

The patented HOPPE Multipoint Locking System offers added security, tighter weather seals, smoother operation and protection against warpage and twisting in fine wood entry doors by offering multiple locking locations along the lock stile.

Improve the energy efficiency of your home.

The Multipoint Locking System seals the door tightly into the jamb, which reduces heat loss. Also, our solid wood doors are 1 3/4" thick with double insulated panels, which is thicker than the industry standard. In addition, a flexible gasket seal is applied around the entire perimeter of the door to create a tighter seal.  Select from multiple glass options, including insulated glass for higher performance in our cold climate. All of these steps result in a higher R-value for your home.  And, since all of our doors are custom, there is no limit on how "green" or energy efficient you want your home to be.

Enhance the architectural style of your home.

Some of the best ideas come to us sketched on a napkin or ripped out of a magazine. Our handcrafted doors are as unique as the homes we encounter, and the families that inhabit them. We do not have pre-built doors in stock; we design every door from your conceptual ideas and specifications, and expertly lay up each piece of wood for every rail, stile and panel. This insures that our doors are built with a consistent look, quality and beauty.  We always us the finest woods and raw materials while employing the best construction techniques to everything we build.  Browse through our door gallery here.

Consult with American Prairie Homes to create a lasting first impression.

Text by Jennifer Hilla Schlag, AIA
www.americanprairiehomes.com