Transforming Energy film - free screening!

Knickerbocker Group is proud to sponsor a free screening of Transforming Energy on February 27, 2:00 pm at the Harbor Theatre in Boothbay Harbor.

Presented by the Boothbay Region Land Trust and sponsored by the Knickerbocker Group and Midnight Oil, this inspiring and informative documentary film features unique and passionate visionaries who are committed to creating new and sustainable energy resources.

According to its website, "Transforming Energy is a a documentary about the hope of alternative energy as a solution to the problems of global warming and the end of cheap oil and gas. It takes us into the lives, the passion, the commitment and the hard work of the people who are on the ground now, working to create a new energy paradigm.”

Two-time Academy Award winner for Best Documentary Mark Harris calls it “a must-see film for anyone who cares or worries about our future after fossil fuels.”

For more information on the film, go to http://www.transformingenergy.com/about/index.html

For more information on the free screening, call the Boothbay Region Land Trust at 633-4818.

Cabinetry Shop Gains Acceptance in Industry Certification with Forest Stewardship Council

Walter Shea, Woodworking Manager of the Knickerbocker Group, is excited to announce that our cabinetry and millwork shop has earned acceptance into the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands (TCNF) and agreed to assume the exceptional accountability standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for projects involving FSC certified products.

As a member, Knickerbocker Group pledges to avoid unacceptable sources of wood, adhere to quality system, production control, record keeping, FSC label and documentation requirements. TCNF chain of custody system is designed to connect responsible forest management practices and products with consumers.

For more information on cabinetry, millwork and kitchen projects, contact Walter Shea at 207-633-2209.























About the Forest Stewardship Council:
The Forest Stewardship Council was created to change the dialogue about and the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide. FSC sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span economic, social, and environmental concerns. The FSC standards represent the world’s strongest system for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes. The FSC standards for forest management have now been applied in over 57 countries around the world.

In 1995, FSC-US, located in Washington, D.C., was established as the national “chapter” of FSC. Its purpose is to coordinate the development of forest management standards throughout the different biogeographic regions of the U.S., to provide public information about certification and FSC, and to work with certification organizations to promote FSC certification in the U.S.

Industry Certification in Building Construction and Performance

We are pleased to announce that Frederic Lilly, a construction manager at the Knickerbocker Group, has earned certification as a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). The LEED green building certification is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.

This certification recognizes the completion of a program designed to demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. The U.S. Green Building Council established the LEED rating system to provide building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. It is an internationally recognized certification providing third-party verification that a building or community was completed using strategies aimed at performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO 2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

Please feel free to contact Fred at 207-633-3818 to discuss your construction or renovation project and how LEED standards can be applied.





About the U.S. Green Building Council:
The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501 c3 non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org

Knickerbocker Group... on the magazine stands!

From design consultations to award-winning kitchens to green building, we are very excited to share some of our recent publications:

• Better Homes and Gardens: Kitchen Makeovers, Spring 2009 issue - the article "Map for Success" highlights how a do-it-yourself couple turned to an expert (Knickerbocker Group's Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer Elaine Murdoch) to give their old kitchen a new look on a budget.

• American Builders Quarterly, Summer 2009 issue - the Custom Residential editorial profile of Knickerbocker Group includes an in-depth interview with members of our design-build team: architect Rick Nelson and construction manager Marcus Golding. They cite relationships and technology as two keys to our success, and also share insights and examples of our approach to building performance. View the article on-line at: http://www.americanbuildersquarterly.com/abqsummer22/pages/84.php
  

• Maine Home + Design, May 2009 issue - "Now We're Cooking", highlights the transformation of unworkable kitchens into beautiful spaces with a photographic overview of winners in the "Ugly Kitchen Contest: Before & After." The article details Elaine Murdoch's design, which took the Grand Prize, Best Overall. The award-winning kitchen, which was part of a larger renovation project overseen by construction manager Fred Lilly, features the stunning custom cabinetry of Knickerbocker Group cabinetmaker Walter Shea. For more details and photographs, see the 2/26/09 post: http://kitchenaward.blogspot.com/

• Maine Home + Design, July 2009 issue - "The Drawing Board" features architect Rick Nelson's green home Sonne Ledge. For construction photos and highlights of energy and material efficient features utilized in construction of the building envelope, visit the Sonne Ledge page: http://sonnelodge.blogspot.com/

Click on photo above to enlarge and read the article. If you would like to receive more information on any of these projects, please contact us at info@knickerbockergroup.com.

Maine Downtown Conference

On Friday, June 5, Knickerbocker Group attended the Maine Downtown Conference in Rockland. It was organized by the Maine Development Foundation and provided a day full of information, ideas and networking.

The real message of the day was “THIS PLACE MATTERS” and for all of us to consider, more often than not, supporting local businesses. One group presenting information provided the following thoughts on why we should do this:

• Keep dollars in our community: For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 stays in the local economy, creating jobs and expanding our tax base.
  
• Embrace what makes the Boothbay Region unique: Our one-of-a-kind shops, unique ‘neighborhoods,’ our maritime heritage and amazing artist community.
• Foster local job creation: WE provide better wages and benefits than national chains!
• Help the environment: Walkable neighborhood/business districts are a win-win. Leverage our ‘trails’ and think green.
• Nurture Community: Our businesses contribute nearly DOUBLE that of chains to charitable causes, as a percentage of our revenues, and our owners and employees are so accessible for advocating causes.
• Conserve our tax dollars: We require less public infrastructure-less sprawl requires less roadwork and police services.
• Benefit from Local Owner’s Expertise: There is a knowledge, passion and pride for the products made or sold by a local owner that is unmatched by employees and managers of national chains. We also like to GET TO KNOW our customers.
• Preserve entrepreneurship: Small businesses fuel the national economy and are a real-life inspiration to young people. Let’s show them they can and should STAY IN MAINE.
• Ensure the Boothbay Region stands out from the crowd: Let’s continue to place a high value on our individuality and distinctive character!

For more information about the programs and initiative of the Maine Development Foundation, please visit http://www.mdf.org/.

Expertise in Kitchen and Bath Design

We are pleased to announce that Elaine Murdoch of the Knickerbocker Group has earned certification as a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry. This is the highest level of achievement offered by the NKBA, and less than 200 designers across the country have attained this distinction.

The CMKBD certification recognizes a professional’s extraordinary achievement as an exemplary designer and utmost dedication to the kitchen and bath industry. The premiere hallmark for kitchen and bath professionals, NKBA Certification is based on written examinations and extensive industry experience. The CMKBD must possess both their Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD) certifications, as well as a minimum of 17 years of industry experience. Additionally, a CMKBD must successfully complete 100 NKBA Education hours and submit three examples of design excellence by third party endorsement.

This combination of experience and education ensures that Elaine is an authority on the design, planning and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms, and possesses advanced knowledge of technical and personal communication skills required to succeed as a design specialist.

For more information, please contact Elaine Murdoch, CMKBD, at 207-633-3818.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry since 1963. With over 40,000 members and growing, the NKBA owns the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS). The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. www.nkba.org

Environmental Permitting News

Recent updates related to Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permitting:

Vernal Pools

It's that time of year again! There is a short window each year for verifying whether or not a vernal pool is "significant". The significance is partly determined by an egg mass count.















DEP recently released the 2009 dates for vernal pool egg mass counts in the southern Maine region, which includes the Boothbay area:

April 10 to April 25 for woodfrogs
April 20 to May 10 for salamanders

If you own a property with isolated forested wetlands, and are considering a subdivision or development at any time within the next year, you may want to consider a vernal pool inspection this spring. A significant vernal pool is protected and requires protection not only of the pool itself but of a large portion of the surrounding critical habitat.

For more information about State-regulated vernal pools:

http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/docstand/nrpa/vernalpools/index.htm

GIS Mapping

The DEP is now offering selected data, geographically referenced, from a number of the department's databases to the public via Google Earth (you will need to have Google Earth installed to view this data).

http://www.maine.gov/dep/gis/datamaps/index.htm#PBR

The "Land & Water NRPA" links include mapped Significant Bird Habitats (including inland wading waterfowl, tidal wading waterfowl, shorebird feeding & roosting areas, and seabird nesting islands). There is also mapping for known Significant Vernal Pool locations.


After opening Google Earth, just type in your address and it will zoom in on your property, with significant bird habitats mapped in color bands along the shoreline and vernal pools noted by a green oval and ID number (note that vernal pools known to be not significant are also mapped, with a red oval).


If you have any environmental permitting questions, or need assistance in navigating through the maze of local, State or Federal environmental laws, please contact Danielle Betts, P.E. at the Knickerbocker Group for assistance: dbetts@knickerbockergroup.com or 207.633.6563.

Cutting Edge Technology

Over the recent months, we have had the opportunity to utilize several new resources for accomplishing various tasks on our jobsites. Some of our current projects have presented us with unique challenges, for which we have had to pursue unique solutions.

On one project in particular, some of our extensive stonework required greater accuracy than what would be accomplished with the usual measuring and cutting methods; enter Funcpro. Funcpro is a small company that specializes in precision 3-D scanning; their equipment and software allow them to completely scan all sides of an object with an accuracy of about 1/8^th of an inch for every 60’!

So we were faced with a somewhat complex pool shape, the photo below gives you an idea of what we had to work with:

The design calls for long pieces of stone along the top of the pool walls that follow the curves; so to measure those curves, the guys at Funcpro placed reflective dots along the sides and top of the walls:

then used a laser scanner to pick up each point along the wall.

Their computer software turns these points into a 3-D CAD line drawing of what was just scanned, and this data can then be used by CNC machines in millwork shops, metal shops, and, in this case, stoneyards. Because the slabs will be somewhat thin, the folks over at J.C. Stone in Jefferson will be able to cut the curves directly from the drawings using a water jet.

This is a close up of where the top of the pool's south entry area meets a taller sidewall.

This is the whole top step of the south entry area. All the holes and jagged edges were places lacking reflectors; if necessary, they would have been able to go back and fill them in.

A screen shot.

One other place on-site where we found this to be essential was in the templating for the edge stones in an octagon shaped room:

The uses for this technology are pretty diverse, and we hope to be able to continue using it in different ways on future projects.

For more information, feel free to contact us at 207-633-3818 or info@knickerbockergroup.com; Kevan Cole with Funcpro at 207-557-2056 or Kevan@funcpro.com; J.C. Stone at 207-549-4729. Pool layout design by Gates, Leighton & Associates, agalle@glala.com.

Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

The recently enacted "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" (Stimulus act) includes a package of tax incentives to encourage investments in renewable energy projects and technologies. In trying to sort out what this means for builders and consumers, we have found the EPA Energy Star website has a great overview of "Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency":

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits

The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) website also provides guidance on federal income tax incentives, starting with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and subsequent amendments, and includes updated information from the Stimulus Act:

http://www.energytaxincentives.org/

Peter Callnan, from CPA firm Honeck O'Toole has supplied us with an overview of some of these credits, for consumers and businesses:

Business energy credit. The new law enhances the business energy credit by eliminating the cap on small wind property and repealing the basis reduction requirement for subsidized energy financing.

Energy-efficient existing homes. The new law extends the tax credit for improvements to energy-efficient existing homes through 2010. For 2009 and 2010, the amount of the tax credit is increased from 10% to 30% of the amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer for qualified energy efficiency improvements during the tax year. The property-by-property dollar caps on the tax credit are also eliminated, and an aggregate $1,500 cap applies to all property qualifying for the credit.

Residential energy property. The new law removes the dollar limitations on certain energy credits, e.g, for qualified small wind energy property ($4,000 cap); for qualified solar water heating property ($2,000 cap); and qualified geothermal heat pumps ($2,000).

Grants in lieu of electricity production credit and energy credit. Under current law, taxpayers are allowed to claim a production tax credit for electricity produced by certain renewable energy facilities and an investment tax credit for certain renewable energy property. These tax credits help attract private capital to invest in renewable energy projects. Current economic conditions have severely undermined the effectiveness of these tax credits. As a result, the new law allows taxpayers to receive a grant from the Treasury Department in lieu of tax credits. Most facilities are eligible for a 30% grant, but some (geothermal, qualified microturbine, combined heat and power, and geothermal heat pump) qualify only for a smaller, 10% grant. To earn a grant, the facility must be placed in service in 2009 or 2010, or construction must begin in either of those years and must be completed prior to the termination of the credit.

Finally, John Logan, B.Sc., Ph.D. of Water Energy Distributors, Inc. has also shared this link, which specifically addresses the tax credit for homeowners who install geothermal heat pump systems in 2009 or later:

http://www.geoexchange.org/component/content/article/90-stimulus-bill-increases-homeowner-tax-credit.html

This information has been helpful to us in sorting through the new tax credits but please check with your accountant for more detailed information.

Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs)

This past fall, Knickerbocker Group architect Rick Nelson had Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) installed at his Sonne Ledge site. Please check out a series of exciting construction photos under the Sonne Ledge link.

What are ICFs?

Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are a system of concrete forms made from insulating foam and connecting ties that stay in place after the reinforcing bars are set and the concrete is poured. ICFs are primarily considered a green product for their energy efficiency, durability, sustainability and air quality aspects. They may also contain some recycled materials.

Click on the link below for a more technical discussion of ICFs including the benefits, drawbacks and a comparison to traditional concrete foundations:

Additional Information on ICFs

Feel free to contact us for more information at 207-633-3818 or info@knickerbockergroup.com.

Breaking Ground!

It has been a while since our last update, but we are pleased to say that construction of 2 of the 4 green cottage homes has begun this past week! Sonne Ledge is under construction in Edgecomb and Windance Farm is under construction in Boothbay. Our intent is to provide updates throughout construction, highlighting some of the green building techniques and how costs compare to traditional construction.

As design plans have progressed, each home has gone through design changes to fit the specific needs and aesthetic desires of the owners. Check out this rough massing model of Sonne Ledge:

While the floor plans remain largely the same, the exterior has been stream-lined to promote natural ventilation. Windows were placed high to enhance the stack effect, drawing air through the home.

“Hey-Di K-11”

In this photograph, “Hey’Di K-11" has been applied to the top of the concrete footing at Sonne Ledge. Traditional foundation construction typically involves waterproofing of the exterior wall. While this prevents moisture from entering the basement through the sidewalls, it provides no protection for ‘wicking’ of moisture up from the ground, through the footing, into the foundation wall, and ultimately into the wood of the home. Hey’Di K-11, through a crystallization process, grows and fills the capillaries in the concrete creating a waterproof barrier between the footing and the wall.

In addition to waterproofing the exterior foundation walls, another Knickerbocker Group standard practice is the use of foundation drainage panels, similar to the sample shown below (with the gray painted board simulating the foundation):

This system provides protection of the foundation as well as positive drainage and insulation. The board (or grid, depending on brand) acts as a drainage medium, allowing moisture and water to drain vertically down to the footer drain, and preventing hydrostatic pressure from building up on the foundation walls. The insulation also keeps foundation wall temperatures closer to the air temperature of the basement, which helps reduce interior condensation. Reduced condensation ensures less humid, more comfortable basement space and helps deter mold and mildew.

Coming Soon…

Next week, an insulated concrete form (ICF) foundation is going in at the Sonne Ledge site. In addition to action photos of the install and a description of some of the benefits of ICFs, we will put together a comparison of the concrete vs. ICF construction cost estimates.

Knickerbocker Cottage Homes

We have added a link, "Cottage Home Designs", with information on the four green Cottage Homes that were presented at the Energy Expo in April: Crow's Nest, Northwind, Sonne Ledge and Windance Farm. Our primary design goal for each Cottage Home is to blend the qualities of a classic Maine cottage with state-of-the-art technologies in order to achieve sustainable, energy-efficient and healthy homes that can also be affordably constructed. Our ultimate goal is to offer these plans for sale to the public, in an effort to take the guess-work out of a building an affordable green home and encourage more mainstream use of green construction techniques.

By using simple classic Maine forms and efficient construction techniques, the Cottage Homes are cost-effective to build while still offering the quality of construction that signifies a Knickerbocker home. Heating systems, air sealing and insulation techniques are considered in a “whole home” approach that minimizes energy usage and heat loss while maximizing healthy indoor air quality. While each of the four Cottage Home designs are unique, they all share the following features and benefits:

Advanced design techniques	Maximizes efficient space while minimizing circulation space Use of open floor plan with flexible spaces to support multiple uses
Advanced construction techniques	Efficient framing techniques (e.g., alignment of rafters/studs, trusses, 2-stud corners) Reduces amount of wood and improves energy efficiency Minimizes waste
Steeply pitched roof, no dormers	Traditional Maine architectural elements Maximizes solar panel efficiency Simple and efficient framing
Narrow home width set lengthwise on east-west axis	Best roof orientation for solar panels Maximizes southerly exposure and solar gain in living spaces Lends itself easily to modular construction Open plan and long views increase sense of spaciousness
Living spaces with large windows on south side	Abundant natural light in all living spaces Passive solar heating “Brise soleil” can be used to control winter/summer sun exposure Use of high performance glazing
Utility spaces with minimal glazing on north side	Physical separation between public spaces (street) and living spaces Appropriate usage of smaller and fewer windows on north side Windows promote natural interior air circulation by taking advantage of prevailing wind patterns
Masonry heater with granite/ soapstone surround	Super-efficient European style masonry heater Can heat a 1,500 - 2,000 s.f. home Heart of the home – thermal mass radiates heat from a central location
Super-tight, super-insulated building envelope	Use of technologically advanced air sealing and insulation techniques “Energy audit” testing assures that all homes meet ASHRAE standards
High efficiency primary and/or secondary heat sources	Propane or oil high efficiency boiler w/radiant heat as primary heat source Geothermal, active & passive solar &/or masonry heater as secondary heat source
Mechanical ventilation	Energy-efficient energy recovery ventilator (ERV) heats and humidifies fresh, ventilated air Ensures proper indoor air quality Balances air pressure in a tightly built home
Exterior finishes	Traditional Maine architectural elements: cedar shingles, board & batten, and cement board siding, metal roofing Locally harvested & milled lumber Environmentally friendly product choices
Interior finishes	Environmentally friendly product choices
Site / landscaping	Plan can be adapted to a variety of sites Thoughtful site selection minimizes impact of clearing and grading Use of native species and environmentally-friendly products in landscape gardens
Reuse / Recycle	Use of reclaimed lumber from site as columns or other architectural features Recycle at least 75% of waste Gray water system for water conservation

We will continue to add new information and details as the Cottage Home designs progress. Please feel free to share your comments or suggestions!

Midcoast Sustainable Energy Expo

As a follow-up to all of you who attended the Midcoast Sustainable Energy Expo, we wanted to say thank you for stopping by our booth and sharing your comments. We had wonderful conversations with so many of you and were pleased with all of the energy and excitement for the green home design concepts. These green homes are truly 'on the drawing board' and so it is very helpful to receive comments and suggestions at such an early stage so that the final product will be even better! We are hoping the design phase can continue to be interactive and we will send out periodic updates as we make progress or gain new information. Please feel free to post comments to this blog or email me directly if you have any questions at: dbetts@knickerbockergroup.com.

Thanks again for your interest and support!

Photographs from the Midcoast Sustainable Energy Expo at the Damariscotta YMCA, April 18 and 19, 2008:

b.green talk, April 8: Geothermal Energy

People are sometimes surprised to learn that geothermal or “ground heat” energy is available in Maine as a low cost energy source for heating and cooling. In fact, Maine’s subsurface rock structure is uniquely suited for very low cost heating from geothermal sources.

In Maine, the most convenient form of ground coupling uses a well, which may also be the well providing domestic water to the residence. This dual use of the same well significantly reduces the installation cost of the geothermal system. With existing domestic wells, both new construction and geothermal retrofits may have already paid for half of their heating systems, right there in their own back yards.

Geothermal systems also have much lower operating costs (as low as 1/4 to 1/8 the cost of traditional oil and propane heating sources, respectively), giving a quick payback on the investment. As the cost of fossil fuel will undoubtedly continue to rise, this payback time will decrease even further.

Please join us at the April 8th b.green talk to learn why new geothermal system deployment in Maine has been growing at a rate of over 30% per year. Dr. John Logan, Regional Director for Water Energy Distributors, Inc., will discuss the costs-benefits of a geothermal system as an environmentally-friendly energy recycling heat source for today’s homes.

Knickerbocker Group would like to invite homeowners, builders, architects, designers, mechanical contractors, and all others interested in learning more about geothermal energy systems. The event is free to the community and light snacks will be provided. The presentation will be held on Tuesday April 8th in the bar room at the Opera House, from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. followed by a social hour from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Please contact Danielle Betts at the Knickerbocker Group for more information: 633-6563 or dbetts@knickerbockergroup.com.

b.green talk, March 11: Emerging Trends in Green Building Products

Sifting through the latest green building products is not an easy task! The last few years have seen a tremendous rise in the availability, diversity and affordability of environmentally friendly products and materials. The challenge is narrowing that search to find sustainable products that have both excellent performance and reasonable, competitive prices.

Join us at the March b.green talk to learn about some of today’s most innovative and cost-effective building materials from one of Maine’s top green building suppliers. Don Skeffington, of Maine Green Building Supply, will present an overview of new products, from UltraTouch recycled cotton textile insulation, Paperstone (a recycled paper countertop material), to Apricus Solar Hot Water Systems and Hallowell Acadia All Climate heating and cooling systems. This will be a hands-on meeting with several products and mock-ups available for review and discussion. Don will also highlight the State and Federal Tax Incentive programs and provide a guide for easily accessing and applying for these incentives. This will be an open forum, with ample opportunity for questions and discussion.

Knickerbocker Group would like to invite homeowners, builders, architects, designers, mechanical contractors, and all others interested in learning more about sustainable building. The event is free to the community and light snacks will be provided. The presentation will be held on Tuesday March 11th in the bar room at the Opera House, from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. followed by a social hour from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Please contact Danielle Betts at the Knickerbocker Group for more information: 633-6563 or dbetts@knickerbockergroup.com

b.green talk series continues on February 12th at the Opera House

Knickerbocker Group is proud to present this month’s b.green talk “PUSHING THE BUILDING ENVELOPE: Best Practices for Energy Efficient, High Performance Buildings”. Improving energy efficiency of buildings has never been more crucial with the dramatic increases in oil prices, wider acceptance of the problem of peak oil, and concern over global warming. While there is great interest and glamour in alternate sources of energy like solar or bio-heat, a building’s outer shell, or “building envelope”, is the determiner of how much energy is required to keep the interior comfortable for its occupants. Maximizing the performance of the building envelope can dramatically reduce the demand for energy, whatever the source.

Richard Riegel Burbank, founder of Evergreen Home Performance LLC, will introduce the concept of the building envelope and how it is a crucial detail for achieving energy efficiency in any new construction or renovation project. He will focus on the state of the art practices that integrate a well insulated, air tight building envelope with ventilation for good indoor air quality.

Richard will also demonstrate how high-tech diagnostic tools, including the infrared camera and the blower door, can help assess the performance of a building envelope. During the event, these tools will be demonstrated on the Boothbay Harbor Opera House to show lack of insulation in the walls and air leakage through the building. Some recent projects in new construction and retrofit will be presented including a new super efficient dormitory project at College of the Atlantic, a local home energy and building performance renovation project, and an elementary school air leakage reduction project.

Knickerbocker Group would like to invite homeowners, builders, architects, designers, mechanical contractors, and all others interested in learning more about sustainable building. The event is free to the community and light snacks will be provided. The presentation will be held on Tuesday February 12th in the bar room at the Opera House, from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. followed by a social hour from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Please contact Danielle Betts at the Knickerbocker Group for more information: 633-6563 or dbetts@knickerbockergroup.com

Introduction to Knickerbocker Group

The Knickerbocker Group offers quality design and construction services from concept to completion.

Based in Boothbay, Maine for over a quarter of a century, we have consistently completed projects recognized for their innovation and excellence throughout the coastal region.

Our Mission

Knickerbocker Group’s mission is to meet our clients’ expectations by creating the finest quality building using the combined power of vision and craftsmanship.

Our Philosophy

Building design is an organic process involving owner, architect and builder in an ongoing conversation. In that regard, architecture is as much about communication as it is about construction.

As the plans are drawn, the vision changes; as a building takes shape, the vision becomes refined. Successful projects require an understanding of the dynamics that alter the vision, and we come to each project prepared to adjust the process without diminishing the quality of the product. It requires careful management of the owner-architect-builder discussion to ultimately deliver the client’s dream.

The Knickerbocker Family

Designers...Builders…Craftsmen…Caretakers

While the varied disciplines of the Knickerbocker Group offer an efficient "one stop shop" for those who combine all of our services, we regularly cater to those who prefer to employ only one or some of our divisions.

Knickerbocker Design

We provide complete professional design and planning services to guide you through your project. The scope can include any of the following:

• Complete homes
• Additions
• Major & minor renovations
• Kitchens & Baths
• Architectural Woodworking
• Site Planning & Civil Engineering
• Environmental & Regulatory Permitting

Our “style” is truly your vision. We pride ourselves in creating owner-driven designs based on images and lifestyle preferences you convey to us. Many of our projects have a shingle/cottage/Maine coastal theme because that is frequently the ideal of our client. The most exciting part of our work is discovering your dreams and finding a way to make them real.

Boothbay Home Builders

Boothbay Home Builders was established in 1978, and has spent the last quarter century building a reputation for constructing distinctive custom homes throughout Midcoast Maine. Today, over 20 highly skilled carpenters, supported by a full-time office staff, combine craftsmanship with professional fiscal management to deliver a quality product on time, and within budget.

• Complete homes
• Additions & Renovations
• Light Commercial
• Construction Management

Our experience has allowed us to build strong relationships with all subcontracted trades required in a construction project. We are happy to work with the plumbers, electricians, etc. that are already familiar to you and with your property; we can recommend those we feel will be the best fit for you; or we can bid among several.

Knickerbocker Woodworking

A beautiful home's exterior is important, but life is lived inside. The interior is where we eat, sleep, entertain and unwind. Established as a logical spin-off of Boothbay Home Builders in 1985, Knickerbocker Woodworking has become known throughout New England for its exquisite architectural woodwork products.

• Kitchens
• Baths
• Dens
• Libraries
• Custom furniture
• Paneling
• Bookcases
• Entertainment centers
• Fireplace mantels

Custom interiors are extensions of the people who inhabit them. Our team of talented designers and craftsman can create custom woodwork and cabinetry to fit specific needs-whether in a traditional Maine coast cottage, or the salon of a boat. Capturing the essence of the design is what we have been doing for two decades. This experience, combined with our appreciation of Maine’s time-honored styles and rich architectural heritage, ensures a vision is crafted beautifully.

Knickerbocker Home Services

We appreciate the investment you have in your home and are committed to helping you maintain its value and comfort. We provide services and solutions that can improve how you live and play in your home, whether it be seasonal or year round.

Reliable Caretaking Opening/Closing properties Periodic Inspections Fully Bonded Home Maintenance and Repairs Carpentry/Odd Jobs Interior/Exterior Painting Seasonal Services Lawncare/Gardening Snow Removal

Comprehensive Property Management Complete Coordination Customized Services Cleaning, Shopping, Dock Maintenance Professional Service and Support from the Knickerbocker Group companies offering over 25 years of experience.

We recognize that each property is unique and look forward to tailoring a plan to best meet your needs. Your peace of mind is our priority.

Member of the United States Green Building Council

P.O. Box 142, Boothbay, ME 04537
info@knickerbockergroup.com
www.knickerbockergroup.com

Tel: 207.633.3818 * Fax: 207.633.3963