Genesis of KONAUS™ House LLC

Early in 2010, Jim and his wife Kathy were researching housing and land in Hawaii (Big Island) with the prospect of buying an existing house or perhaps building. They saw many houses, and were quite disappointed with those in the "mid-level" price range for this market. The only existing houses that were well-built seemed to be extremely large and prohibitively expensive - even in a depressed housing market. They were referred to Paul Bleck who is an innovative and well-known home designer both in California and Hawaii and is based in Kona, Hawaii. In the course of discussing house … [Read More...]

Power Budget

Power Budget

KONAUS™ HOUSE Power Budget Comparison Explanation. The KONAUS™ House data is totally based on currently available appliances, materials and technology, as well my partner’s (Paul Bleck) environmental housing design expertise.  The KONAUS™ House energy usage data is based on using recommended appliances, systems and technology listed as widely available on the Energy Star®  website and elsewhere. The “Existing” house data has been compiled from Energy Star and other sources.
The comparison assumes new, all-electric, 2400 sq. ft. houses, located in the US Sunbelt.  The KONAUS™ House will be … [Read More...]

Specifications

KONAUS™ HOUSE Specifications Executive Summary KONAUS Patent Four-sided design variable steel roof at 20° (HI) or 30° (CA) angle from horizontal to maximize solar panel efficiency. Open, airy sunbelt design, factory manufacturable Optional rainwater catchment system with hidden cistern (dependant on climate area) Excellent Insulation, including doors and windows – “Smart” efficient heating and cooling. 4-6 kW on-grid net-metered PV system (80+% replacement) a. Assumes propane or gas availability for cooking, water heating, heating, clothes drying, or passive solar hot water … [Read More...]

Genesis of KONAUS House LLC

Early in 2010, Jim and his wife Kathy were researching housing and land in Hawaii (Big Island) with the prospect of buying an existing house or perhaps building. They saw many houses, and were quite disappointed with those in the “mid-level” price range for this market.

The only existing houses that were well-built seemed to be extremely large and prohibitively expensive – even in a depressed housing market. They were referred to Paul Bleck who is an innovative and well-known home designer both in California and Hawaii and is based in Kona, Hawaii.

In the course of discussing house planning and building options with Paul, it became apparent that Jim’s skill set in consumer electronic applications and marketing would be a good match with Paul’s architectural expertise for developing an energy-independent Smarthouse. Jim has been involved with the TRON House of the TRON Association as well as many electronic housing applications and electric vehicles. Paul developed the First KONAUS™ House building plan in early September, 2010.