Wanted common area for people, not cars. Built a Pocket Hood

[@jayare6804]

THIS is the kind of community-conscious, multi-dwelling higher density building that makes sense. It is sensitive of the existing neighborhood, mindful of its landscape, and could be a replicated model for affordable and sustainable urban housing.

[@cupbowlspoonforkknif]

There's a lot of great elements here. The only thing I would do differently is designing with the sun in mind. I would like to see passive solar heating elements and roof overhangs to shade windows in the heat of summer.

[@SapioiT]

@@cupbowlspoonforkknif Yeah, and maybe even plastic mirrors to place outside to reflect more sunlight onto the windows, to heat the house passively in the colder seasons. And that windmill could be put in function with a small motor, to generate power, and have that element of movement to draw people's attention towards that shop.

[@shawna1278]

If it was fully accessible from the ground floor that would be amazing!

[@wesgrooms941]

Just need to extract the profit-making so it is of, by, and for the residents.

[@oxymom2002]

Love the intent and the aesthetic, but wish this was actual housing instead of ab&b. This concept could work incredibly well for the elderly and disabled. 💜

[@jaynedo326]

Much love the perception of what housing is in your mind is what is lacking vision. We are not all creatures of same habits.

[@marvanbee]

@@jaynedo326 there are housing crises all over the world; I don't think any "vision" was lacking in the comment; if anything it was opening up the discussion to inclusivity of all people. Short-term rentals are really only financially viable for the owners and do little to nothing to house people who actually need it on an ongoing basis. It's not called "housing" if it's a vacation home for people who don't struggle to put a primary roof over their heads.

[@dog-ez2nu]

@@jaynedo326 'vision', you mean profit seeking. Making money.

[@britaeirikr8609]

Except disabled people can't usually handle two stories and likely not the ladders. Also, much of the building seems too narrow to get around with most mobility devices, like a walker, let alone a wheelchair.

[@ledzep3692]

@@britaeirikr8609 What about people who have other disabilities like PTSD...were this sort of environment could be calming?

[@jpsimon206]

I don't know how you fund this project, but I have enjoyed these videos immensely over the last years. I really think you're doing a great service by indirectly getting people excited about different designs and lifestyles. I think your channel alone does a great deal to spread these ideas. Thank you very much for doing what you do, it has certainly inspired my own choices regarding development

[@soopermen5]

man i really wish this wasnt just a hotel, this concept could be a very nice actual neighborhood

[@Coolcatz2500]

really cool - it would be even cooler if they were able to capture the roofs for patio areas and space to grow veggies and berries.

[@fucku3460]

They did.

[@Mega4ort]

There are probably code limitations that prevent them from having a roof with a full sized stair for easy access. But it is nice that resident's can still access it, even if it's via a very steep stair.

[@epg423]

@Mega4ort I don't think so. Haven't watched the video but I dont think I need to in order to say that any stairs are allowed. People usually do spiral staircases because they are cheap not due to code. In fact spirals are pretty dangerous( think drunk and disabled and injured people) they have a steep angle usually and the turning is not good. Best thing is always a big staircase that isn't too steep ideally with a ramp next to it for wheel chair or perhaps instead of the stairs just the ramp is ok when cost doesn't allow both. Elevator is nice too. Definitely want to try to make it easy to get up there, and probably put a locking gate on the staircase at the bottom so people can't just use the stairs so easily

[@nebulka-]

SO proud they kept the trees, it's what makes a living space beautiful

[@achsahkaleb4844]

I love all the electrical being exposed. In South Africa I have built 3 houses with plumbing and electrical exposed! So much easier if you have to fix something. Love that you did what we do in the farm. Walk the area and mark the area without taking out trees. My grandfather built the farmhouse surrounding a tree. It was part of the house. Beautiful.

[@conniefletcher6884]

I can’t debate any of the construction criticisms, but I do love the idea of being purposeful, leaving the old trees, and using wood inside and out. Happy that Spokane is home to this project!

[@kirstenjaguilar]

Great idea, with still maintaining quality of living. It'd be nice to have pocket hoods like this for adults with physical disabilities. I notice that there are steps at every entrance here. Accessible housing tends to be more expensive, and people with physical disabilities have more difficulty in employment.

[@ChrisPage68]

Exactly my thoughts. We're an afterthought - when we're even considered.

[@carochan86]

I think it's good for people who are homeless who need an affordable set up from homeless shelters .Also it would be a step up from just reminding room and shared living space . That way you have privacy and space of your own.

[@harrymills2770]

Maybe this isn't the place for someone who's wheelchair-bound. I noticed all the steps, too. Maybe that wouldn't be the place for me. I don't want to be a burden, and I can find and design spaces that are right for me. Making EVERYthing wheelchair accessible puts a burden on the vast majority of people, who've been SUPER-accommodating in so many ways to people like me... Part of my attitude towards my disability is that I don't want to be a burden. I make sure I'm highly skilled at something that doesn't require me to do anything physical, and then I pay my own way.

[@reivenne]

@@harrymills2770 Okay but this attitude is WHY you think you could be a burden. If spaces were just DESIGNED with differing abilities in mind, it wouldn't even be something you'd need to think about. Spaces would just work for you the same way they work for everyone else. Which is how it should be. And not everyone with a disability CAN be "highly skilled at something that pays well". Remember, physical limitations can often be accompanied with learning difficulties.

[@ChrisPage68]

@@harrymills2770 We're wheelchair *users* - and "our place" should be wherever non-disabled people live.

[@gingerludtke8503]

Comparing this to any tiny house community and the first things that you don't see are wheels and axles-love that and leaving the old growth made all the difference!

[@carochan86]

I agree and it feels more like a home not a trailer. Technically the bigger ones aren't tiny homes.

[@Swimdeep]

I’m so glad and grateful for your channel Kirsten. All kinds of alternative living that purposely incorporates green concepts and living off-grid is ESSENTIAL for the well-being of the planet 🌿🌎

[@al-du6lb]

Very cool. We need much more people doing things like this. There is a huge opportunity in infill projects. I would love to embark on some kind of project like this.

[@Dbb27]

We need mostly planning and zoning to get on board.

[@al-du6lb]

@@Dbb27 Agree. It it happening in some places.

[@al-du6lb]

@White Raptor News What are you, some kind of soothsayer?

[@fucku3460]

@@Dbb27 get on city councils and change it

[@LouisFPak]

Great project! Thoughtful. In the early 1970's they tried this design in all wood and it rotted. They've obviously overcome this. Surfaces, flashing, drip edges, pitch...all of it to carefully manage water with grace. Bravo.

[@bkbroiler8069]

Nope. It's all gonna rot and mold in ten years if they don't put a pitched roof on it.

[@Dbb27]

@@bkbroiler8069 I have flat roofs and they are fine. But they must be pitched.

[@dmnddog7417]

This is terrific! I love how they integrated the dwellings into the existing tree group. What a great way to add density without it sticking out like a sore thumb. Well done!

[@morgans4977]

That guy had SUCH sleezy startup energy. Green washing and buzz words galore.

[@annescholl420]

Absolutely amazing! So cool that they can actually reuse the dead trees and not destroy the forest! Beautiful homes! ☺️♥️

[@raymondk4682]

Well thought block houses blending with nature and neighbourhood. Excellent!

[@id104335409]

They sacrificed build space for community space! That's a WIN for me! That's a company that understands that a place to live is a community - not a cell block. Very fresh look. I bet people who live nearby can't walk past it without looking in.

[@Wooplot]

and saved space for the trees 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@sandasturner9529]

FR

[@jasonmoquin9245]

I hope the future of living spaces are as practical as this.

[@bubblypompom]

I do like the concept of no car around residential area. Not only feel like living in resort but also safe for kids. Big trees can absorb the air and noise.

[@dardar1862]

Really, very EXCELLENT!!! I fully believe in incorporating the existing trees into the design!! I think all states should implement a policy that all contractors and designers must include existing trees. With a penalty for every tree that has to be cut down and be required to plant new trees for every one cut down. 🙏💜🙏 I would love to have a home of my own and that little micro studio is perfect!! 💜🙏💜 thanks for sharing!!!

[@ssue4q]

Wow those homes are stunning! Any homes that huge trees remain that are not cut down. Is the only place I would live. I must have my huge shade trees wherever I live. And always have!

[@Ursaminor31]

Perfection. Designing and creating pocket neighborhoods is my passion.

[@kristeng8325]

Beautiful designed, and I Loved hearing about their design philosophy & the CLT. The shot of them lowering the panel w the plumbing & electrical lines in place was super neat! Glad to see more and more design firms following these trends.

[@ronsmith1364]

Its neat but, seems to be bnb for $100/per night for a 240. So affordable?? Those trees don't qualify as "Old Growth" but, were left intact so kudos for that site plan. However, pruning & cleanup are going to be an ongoing issue so curious how its going to be later on. Also a lot of the needed root zone has been covered & what's left may not be enough to sustain them viably. Love for a city forester to comment on the longevity of that sites extant trees. Still much better than a glass box on a cleared parcel.

[@paxundpeace9970]

100$ a night is cheap in areas like this.

[@edinstruction2011]

@@paxundpeace9970 $100.00 a night for only 240 Sq. Ft. in Spokane Washington in the winter with NO nearby parking...Who could be so desperate!?

[@TheRachag]

It looks like the roots were not “covered” up. Seems they put raised foundation.

[@rare.phukin.spotted.halibut]

I 2nd how covered the root zones are especially for such large trees. Maybe if the structures were so close to the trees. If this were in a hurricane zone I'd worry about falling branches.

[@rudimentaryganglia]

@@rare.phukin.spotted.halibut have you ever heard of summer limb drop?

[@lourdesgarcia2969]

Awesome! Owns property, pays himself back, easy takedown and he still owns property. Just Awesome!! Plus design n building materials!! Beautiful!! Thank You!

[@sidilicious11]

I’m a country dweller but I really like the style of these buildings and layout. The grounds are wonderful with the mature trees and oasis feel. All the wood really give the complex and earthy feel. I can see people being very happy to live there.

[@juliewest7966]

I like the community feel, but for me, I would need garden space, and lots of it! A community growing and sharing food is what I am looking for or wish to create.

[@blueman5924]

Wow ! This development ticks so many good boxes. Love the use of CLP/CLT. Here in BC 🇨🇦, Structurelam is doing some amazing builds with their products. Love this local content !

[@introduxium]

Awesome idea and the houses is perfect for that area, we need more of this in Sweden where i live. Now a days its more remove everything and then build stuff. Better to do it like the Blockhouse people, try to not remove the trees and build around em.

[@enjoystraveling]

The sliding wooden doors for remind me a little bit of the Japanese doors to divide the rooms really beautiful

[@coraleez]

Brilliant!! Was a nice surprise to see this community in my home state! Nice upgrades Spokane 👍🏼

[@shielatv22]

Beautiful community!❤️ They're being practical, house size wise, materials wise and they're being one with the nature by having more trees and plants!💚 Amazing! No more concrete materials to keep the heat but the materials let the air flow. 👍 Plants release more healthy air for humans and it gives the "happy" vibes to residents which is good for not only physical health but also MENTAL HEALTH! This idea is so AMAZING! 🤩

[@vanessavergara3047]

I feel this needs to be a trend, good aesthetics but still very functional and eco friendly!

[@Trying_very]

A really clever idea, like living in nature, but in an urban environment, increasing housing density, by going up, building smaller rooms, but without making them feel small due to using wood everywhere , plenty of light and a view of tree foliage rather than direct view of the neighbouring building. People seem to be much happier in these mini communities, there’s less loneliness as people feel more comfortable getting to know people in a small community and there are usually community buildings and shared outdoor spaces which provide opportunities to socialise with other members of the community. Beautiful and very well thought out design. 👏👏👏

[@terryallen6688]

Very cool. I love this type living style. My wife and I lived in a small private estate community in the chicago area that was absolutely fantastic to be a part of. There were community orchards and gardens with common garage, snow removal garage and refuse handing etc. It was great. It's not for every one.

[@reddymon]

Normal construction would normally include a vapor barrier under the interior finish wall material. Is this inviting a mold problem? Are exterior walls insulated? Spokane does not have a temperate climate. Did not realize these are day to day rentals. I got the impression this was more a micro community.

[@KKresent]

I'm also concerned about the cracks of the woods are explained to be normal from a brand new house.

[@fucku3460]

@@KKresent yeah... If I was to buy something I would not be happy with these, they will spend a lot of money in repairs, he said everything here was thoughtfully set out...uh huh. Sure.

[@Corsonmcnash]

I'm sure these buildings have exterior insulation and vapor barriers as well as a rain screen. They wouldn't be able to build them without adhering to regional code. From inside to outside the wall section is probably something like this: CLT - peel and stick or fluid applied water/vapor barrier - insulation - airgap and rain screen. The point is having the physical structure be inside the building envelope instead of outside where it would see greater fluctuations in temp and humidity. This also means there is probably very little thermal bridging. I wouldn't be surprised if these were actually extremely efficient.

[@vitaminluke5597]

Actually, to be pedantic, Spokane does have a very temperate climate. Sometimes people lazily use the word "temperate" to mean "warm" but that is not the case; "temperate" just means summers aren't blazing hot, and winters are cold but not at arctic levels.

[@AMYV3]

That’s why I’m not impressed at all. Just taking homes off the housing market that were previously there and added a business. Kinda defects the whole idea of community. Airb&bs need a cap Enough already. We have a huge housing crisis that is only going to get worse. This doesn’t nothing but make it worse. No thanks.

[@lucypearlmorgan3115]

The first bed seemed to have dead space in the top/header. Storage space with doors on both sides would have been a great addition. All and all a cool concept!

[@reivenne]

I thought the same thing, but Id put big things up there like the Christmas tree or large suitcases and whatnot, so maybe leave the doors off is a better idea. As long as its strong enough, people will put stuff up there.

[@Treefamily187]

Kristen does such a great job with her videos. I was surprised to see this one, which is a bit of a commercial for Vaagen Timbers. The wood is sourced from restoration projects and is the most eco groovy wood on the planet.

[@curiousfirely]

With Spokane being a 'hot' housing market, the last thing they need is more high-end short term rental units. These are incredibly cool, but I would have rather seen them try and help residents find decent long-term housing.

[@TMITNA]

Thought the same thing. There is no "community" with short term renting.

[@Nphen]

Flip the concept around upon it's head in your mind. This is in a commercial area, the units are too small for proper homes anyway, and the short term rentals will eat up all the demand for that service, potentially leaving more homes around the neighborhood to be rented or owned by families. Government needs to lead efforts to build substantial public housing.

[@Sardenta]

Yes, there are commercial properties on one side of the property. But you can clearly see several single-family homes on the other side of the property, on the same street. And the aerial shots clearly show this thing is in the edge of a large residential area.

[@Channel-gz9hm]

@@Nphen The government efficiently and expeditiously provides for our every other need, we should definitely put them in charge of housing too.

[@dispmonk]

@@Nphen You sir are a genius

[@liszaf3976]

Thanks Kirsten once again, great content, we have followed you around the world! We are renovating a very small awkward home, which is 100 over years old in Crete and your vlogs have made us look at the space again and reassess our design, many thanks!!!

[@eljaysmiley]

I love that my sweet city has accomplished some sustainable and unique home choices. Congratulations!🌲💜

[@Zt3v3]

Spokane is a cool city. My sister moved up there about 15-20 years ago from California. Over the past decade most my siblings, then my parents ended moving up there too. It's got most the stuff a big city has without all the expense, although prices are going up. The only drawback I see is the winter weather....

[@9catlover]

i love it he kept the old trees

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

Very cool sharing community. "You have to find unique communities to team up with." And these spaces bring the goodness with unique people with a similar sharing, reciprocal mindset. So good. Well done. Thanks for sharing, Kirsten!

[@Constantinesis]

Yes, this is a real Pocket Neighbhourhood !

[@janettawallace3722]

That is a very lovely built development. I love that exterior and interior.. Greatly done.

[@las174]

this is part of the future we need more of.

[@robincrawley311]

Love the idea of a Blockhouse, I Love the smaller spaces , The Natural wood and the Trees!Great Video! Blessings! 🌲🏡🌲

[@TheNightOwlKS]

This could be a nightmare in areas where termites are major issue, especially in the Southern US. Using steel to surround the bottom exterior of the structure may help in that regard. However, wherever that isn't a concern, this is an excellent idea. Great use of space & preserving the trees for shade & privacy. Less materials & ease of construction also should keep costs down.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

I'm pretty sure termites are a major issue in most of the USA, not just the South.

[@villeneuvewoodworks]

Use cedar that's rot/pest resistant. Shou sugi ban will also make it water-resistant and gives the darker color.

[@alisonaddicks1584]

Termites are not an issue in NE WA State.

[@Dbb27]

Termites aren’t an issue in treated soil. And guess what I have seen them do in block houses? They do tunnels up inside the block walls and eat up the rafters. And they are absolutely everywhere.

[@davidfoust9767]

If termites become an issue you treat for them. Happens every day in all parts of the country.

[@zx5218]

This video would be good for most City Planners to view and take seriously.

[@marzymarrz5172]

All in all the builder gets an A+ for keeping people first. Well designed, functional with outdoor spaces. If you build places to sit and chat people will sit and chat. Good video!

[@nofurtherwest3474]

How many acres is it? It looks like maybe close to one acre?

[@robertvanbuskirk3492]

This should be the new benchmark across this ENTIRE world ABSOLUTE EXCELLENCE 👍👍👍

[@vcheekv]

Loving the aesthetic 💖

[@critterkarma]

Love the concept of these “composite wood” structures. Leaving large old growth trees amidst the buildings. That said, having such large trees, so close to the buildings has its own maintenance, and health care for the trees challenges. I hope the trees care is part of their model. Secondly, what is the insulation value of just having wooden walls? Certainly viable for a temperate climate, but not likely to translate to either a desert or frigid seasonal environment. Lastly, thank you both for all the videos you’ve created over the years, it’s truly inspiring to learn about folks all over our planet who are building sustainably. 🙏☮️

[@fucku3460]

If they don't have unicorns it will be a hard no for me to purchase one.

[@moarsaur]

Spokane has got to have some cold winters, and I believe those panels are a common choice for LEEDS certification, so they must do pretty well as insulation

[@deansmits006]

R value of wood is 1.4 per inch. Not bad, but needs to be supplemented by additional insulation

[@kerflop]

I love these, they are beautiful and I appreciate all the work they did to try to make it low impact. They might consider more native landscaping and roof usage?

[@jerrymarquez642]

I love to live in a community like that I hate driving ten minutes to 30 minutes to get anywhere and then park in a massive parking lot of nothing. then drive another 30 minutes. I miss living in a town where I only drive to get to work. Keep it going

[@guve25]

I want to live here so bad! Perfect balance of community, nature, and eco friendliness. Some of Kirsten videos showcases eco friendly/sustainable homes that is far removed from the community, although I found it cozy, but a bit lonely. This however, oh my God... Simply gorgeous!

[@sweetpotato5543]

I Live in 480 square feet the key to a small space is organization and some storage. I love to recycle I've helped all my friends furnish their homes I'm the recycle queen. This is so awesome to see and watch thank you!

[@graffiticreative7649]

This development is gorgeous.

[@shawna1278]

So much to love about this property! I would totally live in a place like that. My biggest problem was that it was new construction and not mobility accessible out the gate, which they really could have done easily. Hopefully for the next project it’ll be designed with more communities in mind.

[@AMYV3]

It’s a business an Airb&b. They built to make money not provide housing I doubt they care. Sorry to say. I wish it was accessible and actual homes

[@conniepleasantnails]

I think it would be so cool to have small businesses run out of structures like this. Built in clusters to make things easy to access. Beautiful functionality on these units. 🖤

[@garrygballard8914]

I saw this on another video, but not as detailed as yours. This is so cool, all of it, the way it was set up and the way it was built.

[@krisnovo5375]

Thank you for this content, it's so valuable, I hope you understand the magnitude of what you do, thank you 🙏💗

[@MrJoegotbored]

I think the thing that sells this community is the human scale of it. One of my favorite ski resorts in the US is Telluride because of the human scale of the village. There's a vibe to small communities like this that I feel instinctively drawn towards and the builders here did a great job of capturing that vibe.

[@MrKelaher]

That composite timber should NOT have those cracks in it. Sign of incorrectly seasoned and bonded timber. Allows ingress of pests. Why it would usually be hidden by facing materials.

[@taterkaze9428]

Relax, it's not OSB or ply.

[@fucku3460]

BINGO

[@fucku3460]

@@taterkaze9428 have you ever seen OSB crack? And are you kidding? OSB would SWELL AND FALL APART as siding, no one would ever consider that. This is a very serious issue not to mention gaps in the walls!!

[@ryanzacsanders]

so, right? Very nice work, great that he did this with his team 🤩👌

[@drsteviejasengnsangma8739]

Beautiful neighborhood, city within city.. Excellent video dear Kristen

[@Anastasia-gw4hf]

That is absolutely amazing. I hope we will get more those kind of developers and those kind of houses.

[@AMYV3]

I don’t. They are Airb&bs. Just hurts the housing crisis even more. They seem to be trying to hide that fact now. Just a motel

[@khookeatchye6883]

It’s super cool & lovely use of space. Excellent job bro👍🏼

[@PhilipSteeves]

A wonderful idea and very well executed!

[@ravent3016]

Overall, a nice addition to the city. Great ideas here for infill housing. Add a community garden and shared covered picnic/grilling area, and it would be perfect. I also think the Murphy beds are crying out for those desk shelves that swing down and the stuff on it is undisturbed.

[@AMYV3]

It’s not a community if it’s just another Airb&b. Not helping the housing market actually hurting it. Taking the previous homes there off the market

[@janetwalker3541]

Another good one Kirsten, but I was hoping there would be some shared vegetable gardens and fruit trees. At least there is green space and some flowers.

[@rileylong]

Hi Janet! I live here in Spokane and this community just finished construction. I am pretty sure they do have some plans for this type of thing

[@janetwalker3541]

Riley good to know! Thanks for your reply.😊

[@laurietheiw]

This is a hotel. Guests are not going to be growing vegetables.

[@johnswartz7872]

The roofs do not even seem to be “planned”…on being used … therefore they should not have been left …virtually flat … because it increases maintenance cost in the future… they should’ve been left tapered.. at least on a 2/12 pitch …which would make them be totally walkable… but they would also shed water extremely well…! which, then causes?… much less maintenance in the future… And because this set is already been built this way...? I would consider putting something over the whole rooftop system ; and build a greenhouse.. on top of each… even if you had to build a deck system on top of the roof to give it a little more sport perhaps just a walkway deck system and then an upper platform system that holds the plants at waist height… And I understand there’s air conditioners up there …and those could have a box built around them and, windows of ventilation of exterior air …went from one side to the other… just in the area of the air conditioner units…. And if this was done properly ?….there could be a caretaker , greenhouse expert… who cares for many of these roofs …and there’s a lot of food and flowers that could be created up there! And the greenhouse enclosures give a reason to maintaining the whole system which which: that sheds all water to areas… where that water could be collected and reused…

[@keithklassen5320]

Never tell an architect that flat roofs increase maintainance. It just makes them want flat roofs even harder.

[@johnswartz7872]

@@keithklassen5320 I completely understand about competing with local egos…. Lol… I have designed, and built houses?… since I was in my early 20s … & even though; I was never a … “certified architect”.. I did all the same work …submitted all my own drawings..& I got the city,@ banks to approve everything …and local building departments:… to approve ( & Pass-) everything …. I based my reputation on the fact that even though I was in my 20s ?…I passed all my inspections -myself….! (I did three custom homes, by myself…& with no more than two helpers ever)… in 18 months…) And then?… I got the heck out of town ! because; there was so much politics,& BS with the other competing builder;…. (that was…” the fat cat”…) He essentially had the whole area controlled… This was back in 89 to 90 … & my mission in life was not to get tangled up in a bunch of politics and competition …so I left! I moved 100 miles south; & Got out of his sandbox…

[@michaelvignale7265]

It rains a lot...

[@freedomdove]

I love how they saved all the old-growth trees when designing the neighborhood. That CLT looks amazing. So cool that they are using wood harvested from proper forest management. It's a little sterile inside, but nothing a few living plants couldn't fix. It seems like a nice concept for a community but it's far from self-sustaining. They need large areas for growing food crops. I didn't see anything like that. Where are the farmers/gardeners/ranchers/bee keepers?

[@MarySanchez-qk3hp]

I thought about bees, too. But I lean towards attracting and building homes for mason and other solitary bees. It takes skill and a lot of time to tend to European honeybees and their hives, and they're dying of colony collapse syndrome. And I don't think we will be changing the problems in time for European honeybees. They're European, not native North Americans. They're a monoculture, which isn't safe. Mother Nature doesn't use monocultures. Solitary bees naturally evolved on our continent. They don't waste time or energy making honey. They take care of themselves. They're just workaholics who pollinate and reproduce. They have no worker bees... every bee is a queen, who lays eggs, with a little pollen food pellet for each egg. No wasted energy. And they aren't being affected by CCS the way European honeybees are, and work even harder. No time and energy wasted making honey. Variety is what is natural and saves ecosystems, not a single monocultured bee specialist. Solitary bee homes are so easy to build from scrap! They could be attaching them to every structure and tree. Kids would have fun. And solitary bees don't sting (unless you sit on one) because there's no hive to protect. All they do is pollinate by crashing into flowers, and lay eggs for future bees. They're safer, more industrious, and don't waste energy. We should be supporting them. You can find a very good episode about solitary Mason bees online, on PBS's "Growing a Greener World." No one wants to become a beekeeper. I don't. But I've got solitary bee homes that were made from simple scrap, paper tubes and twigs, and they do find them and move in. Honeybees swarm and move away to new locations when they overpopulate. Solitaries don't.

[@freedomdove]

@@MarySanchez-qk3hp Yes to all the above. Lol.

[@J.B.1982]

I like that they intentionally left old growth trees. Hope to keep seeing more of that

[@JoelWelter]

This was cool. I was wondering if they needed to insulate the buildings. They looked like they had common heating and cooling units on the top, but I'm not sure.

[@wilsonmetry]

They would need to meet the energy code so the envelope would need insulation. I suspect they used rigid insulation on the exterior and then covered it with the siding.

[@perlitacardenas8067]

Wow! So nice! Sizes of houses are practical too

[@Gummmibaer]

I was gonna mention "uuh, too bad theres no renewable energy production included", but then he shows the PV farm on the neighbors roof which is a great way. In fact, most people or companies dont even think about this opportunity. What still bothers me is, that he calls the inhabitants "guests". Now I dont really now about the US, but in Europe this is kind of a chiffre for super high rental cost and bad overall rental conditions because people arent really tenants and thus dont have the same rights.

[@fucku3460]

First world problems.

[@laurietheiw]

It's a hotel, not a community.

[@KnowArt]

Hi Kirsten, new sub here, so I don't know all videos and if it's really a recurring problem but I wanted to say it anyway. Those videos that I watched often had some audio problems. Mostly clipping on the lavalier mics. This is a stark contrast with the visual quality, which is sublime. I think these videos would've been greatly improved by recording with too low volume and then turning it up, as noise reduction and stuff can always be applied, but clipping will sadly never go away. And that makes it really harsh on the ears. You probably have people in your circles that know a lot about audio, if not you can always hit me up and I can give some specific pointers. Hope this helps. Keep on going, you make some great content.

[@jnanacaksusa3932]

9:30 "even you were touching the wood" -kirsten "yeah it's natural...everybody does it it's a very natural feeling"

[@MemoBar100]

What a great place to live!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@CHMichael]

Absolutely genius. Finding people that can coexist is going to be the next step. ( little rainwater harvesting, some solar and space to grow some vegetables would be nice. Just a little)

[@aarongrey6848]

Take a shot every time that guy says "right"

[@dontcare3430]

Can't drink that much!

[@thedaredevil1907]

@@dontcare3430 not with that attitude you can't....you should be able to do it at least once 🤣

[@farley9255]

Lol I was smoking bud and taking a hit everytime he said that. Pretty loaded now 😤👌 10/10 would recommend

[@dontcare3430]

@@thedaredevil1907 I'll try the bud route. Safer for everyone involved.

[@user-pc8tb7hg1lHandlesRDumb]

Or every time he says “Sore thumb” 🤣 cool place tho.

[@salty6pence672]

You find the best stuff. Thank You ✌❤

[@mpendulomkhize5394]

A great neighborhood. 👍👍👍

[@melikesleepy]

Ah man! You guys were in my home town and I didn't even get to hang out with you all! I've been a long time subscriber!

[@crowbarzero]

OH MAN! I missed you guys while you were in town!

[@ghost-ez2zn]

Absolutely love this, especially the micro studio! But next to the dumpster? If you wanted to sleep with the window open, what about the odor? And the noise of opening and closing? Also, insulation in the units?

[@SiSwitzer]

This is a great idea, looks very cool and seems really sustainable with the CLT…..I wonder how it is insulated? There was no mention of this, and it’s normally a big topic….. does the CLT keep it insulated? Grateful if anyone knows, other than this it seems like a fantastic project 👌👍

[@T_P_W_ThachoZenjuan]

I love this property design. Beautiful and great use of space. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️

[@GraftingTactick]

Great video, beautiful sharing 👏👏💕💕

[@taterkaze9428]

If anyone else didn't understand these units are rented by the night, the website says prices start at $78/night (for the micro-unit). Not bad. Compares favorably with room rates at a decent hotel with better ambiance and dinner is right around the corner.

[@teresabell1014]

I wasn't clear on these being a BNB. Thanks for repeating that.

[@msherrill1739]

This is absolutely AWESOME. Would love to apply this concept in other cities. Wonder how many hurdles they had to deal with with the city?

[@worldchangingvideos6253]

There's a lot of money involved, they have good attorneys to find all the loopholes.

[@msherrill1739]

@@worldchangingvideos6253 some cities are adding micro zoning to allow this, that’s a big factor - choosing a progressive city with smart planners!

[@JP-bv7bf]

Love this concept of community.🇨🇦

[@margorowe9052]

Gorgeous and very green..love it🦋🦋🍀🍀🍀

[@kittimcconnell2633]

Those flat rooftops are going to leak forever and ever. Super nice that they kept the old trees!

[@consciousbeing912]

This was fun! Keep’em comin’ Dirksen Fam! Mahalo🙏

[@TheScannavacca]

It may look like a critic, how you call a building energy efficient and than having ACs sticking on the rooftops? What is than to understand with "energy efficient"?

[@TheFunkybert]

It’s first world arrogance.. LEAD certified.. reclaimed everything.. Yada Yada.. and then the price.. 😂

[@JenniferGrayThompson]

I absolutely love everything about this - I would only add green roofs as an addition. But as is, this is completely amazing.

[@gardenboots7464]

And a bathtub for soaking!