Trilogy Partners. First-ever Net-Zero Energy Home in Breckenridge, Colorado

Although the notion of an energy efficient or even solar home is not a new concept, there are many modern solutions to the age old problem of staying warm and comfortable within one’s house. Although mountain homes are located in particularly strenuous environments, they do offer many unique approaches to both luxurious comfort and energy efficiency.

The first approach is from the planning and construction. It is best to embed as much of the house as possible within the earth. Primarily it is the exposure to the cold mountainous air and high wind currents which compromises the ambient temperature of the home.

From there it is best to angle the home to maximize solar exposure and minimize exposure to the other elements. Window placement allows to both warm the house and feed the plants which will flourish in the direct sunlight, and the plants in turn stabilize the ambient temperature and humidity.

Water for the plants can be captured from rainfall and snow melt, and further more this same water base can be warmed with rooftop solar water heaters. This captured water can be used throughout the house with little or no filtration necessary depending on the use.

If you are planning on building an energy efficient and sustainable home please give Trilogy Partners a call at 970-453-2230.

Tom Brady has had quite a week, first his team clinches the AFC Championship Game, though barely, and it also seems he and his family are moving into a 22,000 square foot home in Los Angeles, California. This massive home– which features 8 bedrooms, lagoon-shaped pool with spa, wine cellar and its own bridge that adjoins the two wings– has reportedly set the Brady family back $20 million.

What really caught our eye is that Gisele has asked that her home be “eco-friendly”, which is quite a feat with 22,000 square feet of wasted space. The home comes equipped with solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and rainwater recovery programs.

Photo via Fashionista

What do you think of their new home?

Last night The Descendants took home two Golden Globe awards, one for Best Motion Picture – Drama and the other for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for George Clooney. The Descendants tells the story of Matt King, played by George Clooney, who must come to terms with his wife’s betrayal, while she lays comatose in a hospital bed. A parallel storyline in the movie, that entwines with his wife’s affair, is a decision he must make on whether to sell his family shares in 25,000 acres of pristine land on the island of Kaua’i.

Hawaii plays an important part in this film and it’s beauty and poverty are both highlighted. We had a chance to experience the beauty of Hawaii, especially the island of  Kauai, while we remodeled the home of South Park’s Trey Parker. The scenery captured by director Alexander Payne reminds us of our time in this most magical and mystical place.

Take a look at our Kauai home below.

Trilogy Partners

Ullr Fest, named for the Norse mythical god of snow Ullr,  is currently invading the streets of Breckenridge this week. The festivities began on Sunday and will conclude this Saturday, January 14th, with the Breck Chilly Chili Cook Off. Come out and celebrate Ullr Fest all week and make sure you don’t miss the Ullr Parade on North Main Street this Thursday starting at 4:30pm. There will be a lot of Viking hats for sure!

With over 12,000 attendees expected this week to honor the god of winter, Breckenridge will be the place to be! Winter in Breckenridge wouldn’t be the same without this fun tradition!

There are very few hotels in this country that are as infamous as Chateau Marmont. Modeled after a royal residence in the Loire Valley in France,  Chateau Amboise, Chateau Marmont hits high up in the hills of West Hollywood, a beckon to celebrities and millionaires.

Photo via Chateau Amboise

Photo via Chateau Marmont

This Hollywood landmark has become an extension of the city itself. Hosting some of Hollywood’s most famous actors like Bette Davis, Erol Flynn, Stan Laurel, John Wayne, Vivien Leigh, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland and Greta Garbo. Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin and The Office star John Krasinski are currently writing a min-series for HBO based on the book Life At The Marmont by former Chateau Marmont co-owner Raymond R. Sarlot and Fred Basten.

The famous hotel features 63 rooms, cottages and bungalows and was built in 1927 in a Norman architectural style. With a European flair, when you enter the Chateau Marmont you feel like you’ve gone back in time. The Spanish-style bungalows are very impressive as well and the pool cottages mix in a little of the American Arts and Crafts style era.

Photo via Chateau Marmont

Photo via Chateau Marmont

If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles, make sure you head over to Chateau Marmont and experience a touch of Hollywood royalty.

White snow glistens. Towering timbers protrude the mountains. Chilly temps prevail. It’s safe to say that winter is in full swing. Architects and interior designers can fully seize these cooler months through the style of a rustic home. As we illustrate below with the deluge pictures, every room inside a house and meticulous details of the home’s exterior can radiate the countryside feel longed for in the wintertime. Houzz’s architects and interior designers are sharing how they achieve rustic-chic ambiance for the modern-day home.

Starting in the entryway, this home uses a woodstove to greet guests and family. With cold, wet temps this added feature is an inviting way that you and your company can swiftly warm up.

Photo via Houzz

Throughout the home the feeling of modernity is never lost, as the designers place industrial stools and pendants, contemporary light fixtures and stainless steel appliances throughout to seamlessly mix with the wooden-planked ceiling.

Photo via Houzz

The bedroom sustains the wood cabin motif, with a wood ceiling and wood wall in place, complemented by neutral tones of the stone fireplace.

Photo via Houzz

As a final note, we’d like to point out that we are truly inspired by the cooper roof and branch railing on the exterior. Isn’t this the perfect way to pass through the winter months?

Photo via Houzz

Show us how you are staying warm by connecting with Trilogy Partners – Breckenridge on Facebook.

We wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays from Breckenridge, Colorado. We are so fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful setting like Breckenridge, where it is always a winter wonderland. For those of you in parts of the country who won’t be having a White Christmas we wanted to share some of our favorite “snow” top moments from Colorado.

We hope you enjoy…

Trilogy Partners

Trilogy Partners

Trilogy Partners

It’s not surprising that today marks the first day of winter. It is after all a cold, snowy day here in Breckenridge, Colorado with a low tonight of -6 degrees. In honor of the first day of winter, we complied a list of ways to help you stay warm this winter season. From radiant flooring to ventless fires, see how you can beat that winter chill!

We love Planika’s remote-controlled, smoke-free, eco-friendly, ventless fires. Since there is no need for any kind of ventilation, this “fireplace” can be installed anywhere. In an existing hearth or even in the middle of your coffee table.

Photo via Planika

Photo via Planika

Radiant floors will help keep your toes nice and toasty this time of year. It can even be used with hardwood floors, but be careful of which type you choose, it could possibly expand from the heat.

Photo via Elle Decor

Tired of stepping out of a hot shower and wrapping yourself in a cold towel. Towel warmers in the bathroom will help solve this problem.

Photo via Trendir

How do you stay warm during the winter months?

Many of you have probably heard that beginning on January 1, 2012, a new law will go into effect “phasing out standard 100-watt incandescent bulbs”. This law was enacted to encourage the use of more energy-efficient lighting and other countries like Switzerland and Australia have already started their planned phase-outs. Some have criticized this new law stating that it puts a imposed cost increase on light bulbs for those who might not be able to afford them, but the new and improved energy-efficient light bulbs will save you the cost of replacing the bulbs earlier.

Yahoo! has put together some myths that have sprung up with this new law, so here’s a link to their story “The Truth About the New Light Bulb Law”.

We’d love to hear what you think about the new law?

Photo via Yahoo!

We understand that many of you find joy decorating your home with thousands of lights during the holiday season, we just want you to think green this year and try using eco-friendly LED lights. Holiday lights use a lot of energy and as you can attest run up your energy bill.

This year decorate your tree with energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. They not only conserve electricity, but are encased in hard plastic, which is safer to use around small children.

Another benefit of using LEDs are that they produce less heat than traditional lighting, reducing the risk of fire.

Photo via Sunset magazine

So this holiday season throw out your old lighting and reach for the LEDs.