Going Green on Both Sides of the Planet
You may have thought our spinning planet was blue (and you are right of course)—but it is going GREEN. 
From California to half-way around the world in Israel, builders are happily creating energy efficient manufactured homes.
Both California and Israel have historically, and necessarily, been mindful of natural resources. Israel has long been an inventor and producer of energy and water saving devises with California close behind. Both have also had historically large influxes of population necessitating quickly built homes—especially after WWII. Unfortunately the early manufactured homes were not environmentally friendly at that time.
Meet two NEW builders of now Energy Efficient Affordable MHs: Steve Lefler of Modular Lifestyles Inc, trained in Natural Resources at Cal Poly, California and Chaim Brown of Real Housing Ltd, one of the engineers who designed Twin Towers in New York.
What they have in common:
Both of Steve and Chaim's clients receive money BACK from the electric companies; both have passive solar water systems; and both, being home designs placed in summer high-heat areas are amazingly cool on blazing hot days. (I experienced this in Chaim's without any air conditioning being on.)
What is different:
Technically Steve's product is a Manufactured home. He used loads of recycled materials, all Energy Star appliances, and a "cool" roof (the plywood has been laminated with aluminum foil on one side to reflect the heat) along with many more energy saving features. Because the home was placed in a high-fire area, he 
also put in double panes that will not blow out in a fire. The home was placed in a MH community, though it could easily have been placed on a private lot. The price was $170,000.
Chaim's is a techincally a Modular. He used containers as "spines" in order to add structure and life support: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. The kitchen and baths are in these units (often using more than one container depending on a clients needs). The attached modules (using S.I.P.s*) house the living and bedroom spaces. His price includes all site prep work and delivery. This particular home was $200,000 for 190 square meters - a spacious home.
Modular Lifestyles homes are custom. Steve's clients (Bill Haff and his wife), had lived in a condo in Boston. Using Modular Lifestyles he could have an attractive AND green unattached home. They chose a Craftsman. Furthermore he and his wife could pick out their own individual amenities (colors, cabinets, counters and more) instead of the having to take the generics of a condo—all for for $170,000, which is a bargain in California—and he "wouldn't change a thing."
Real Housing homes are designed in full cooperation with the client. At least one of them, still on line, is two story. This home was placed in an attractive neighborhood in the countryside where the clients, fom New York, can now be closer to their grandchild.
Though there are differences, both homes are not just green...they save greenbacks! ....and encourage more greening of the planet.
www.realhousing.net
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Modularlifestyles.com
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