Project Journal

A comprehensive visual log of current passive builds, surf sessions, supervisor pups, and our talented and indispensable crew.

View fullsize This is knocked way outta the park. It’s also a pretty dang good example of using cheap, readily-available, off-the-shelf material (1x4 redwood fencing) and combining that with some brains; some give-a-s*** factor; and some craftsmanship (Brian
View fullsize Disclaimer (A): the person pictured was financially compensated for this review with a paltry sum (pennies, really, plus a faded-logo, dirty hat) by the dictatorial socialist tyrant who owns and operates Cairn Collaborative Design-Build, LLC (but tax
View fullsize Been a long time in the works. After moving here, John at @pack_design_group was one of the first architects we connected with and mutually admired, and we’d been looking for the opportunity to work together since. Stars aligned. Great clients.
View fullsize Kinda, sorta, almost makes pushing on a little bit later on a Friday worth it. Certainly makes living here worth it. (Really just makes Monday morning more organized and easier, but the sunset’s a nice bonus, too. Plus, plaster graciously c
View fullsize Two years ago, same time/day of year. Built this new deck (on existing piers) first-step as part of this big renovation because it then gave us our only off-street storage and workspace on this entire property. Economics of movement really play a fac
View fullsize 80-mph wind gusts right now; rain coming down, up, and sideways like sheets of little water-pellets; power’s out everywhere; lines down all over the county; trees uprooted and fences blown over everywhere. Can’t even watch Bluey on this r
View fullsize Even when it’s recycled paper insulation, it’s still messy, hard, cumbersome work. Yet, it really is an art form in that it takes a lot of skill to do well, it’s generally done by touch, and it’s very pretty once the messy stu
View fullsize Logistical jumping jacks. Board delivery day. 8 hours to hand-carry 12’ sheets through one door and shoulder-load the second half of the delivery, one board at a time, around the home with no space on the sides, and down a steep, slippery hill.
View fullsize Higher and higher. Morn to aft. Stacking staging. Pre-cutting swathes of cement siding. Teamwork makes the dream work. These two do/did all the harder, higher-up, multi-cut work while I stayed a day ahead on another lower section, kneeling in soppi
View fullsize Downpoured all day to the point we were wringing out sweatshirts, and then…right at 4:30 as we were kinda hooting (in Spanish and English) at how much was accomplished in one day despite sopping wet clothing…like clockwork… ⛅️☀️☀
View fullsize The only dry job-site on the central coast today ☔️☔️, and maybe this week. We’ll take the rain though! Getting closer to ripping the roof off this upcoming, now fossil-fuel-free, remodel this year once the rainy season slows down. Thankful w
View fullsize Inspectors have always gotten along well with us, whether back east with Horgan Design-Build or here with Cairn. I’ve always seen them as allies and never as adversaries - no one benefits with that combative thought. These inspections and the s
View fullsize Good people doing good things. Twice a year, the Passive House California board spends a weekend in our General Meeting. We’ve been doing this in San Luis Obispo the last few years, but this weekend, with some travels, some family things, and
View fullsize The Henri Cartier-Bresson *decisive moment* of construction photography 😊 Lighting was beautiful (staying lighter, longer 🙌) and the point was a quick snap just to show clients the sample cement-siding boards up again for them to test their paints.
View fullsize Book club? The perks of volunteer boards and continuing education ❤️ @passivehousecal Nice little present (and motivation) to find in the mailbox after a busy day on sites. “All those who envisage a sustainable future for our common cultural
View fullsize In the last two weeks, three different people from around here have told us we should connect with Brenna from @walkthroughproductions because she offers a streamlined service for something we’ve been doing like trogdolytes and luddites for all
View fullsize Peace out, blue wall. Thanks for being the unsung hero of the project, the warranty, everyone’s dryness, everyone’s comfort, the entire home’s durability in a climate where things are sopping wet every morning from the marine layer
View fullsize Not only some of the kindest humans I’ve known for a long time now - way before even moving here - but also one of our most trusted trade partners, to boot. Rich and Danielle at Pacific Heating had their entire shop deluged last year by the rai
View fullsize And awayyyy we go… Vermonters can claim both stick season (thanks @noahkahanmusic) and mud season. And, to be fair (to be fairrrrrrr @letterkennyproblems 😂), mud season could legitimately be a fifth season out there in Les Monts Vert. But ask

Follow our journey on social media.