Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sustainable Timber Homes with Thermal Inertia Technology
Founded by mechanical engineer Michael Sykes in the 1970s, our company revolutionized sustainable home construction through the development of the patented Enertia Building System. Our approach combines thermal inertia principles with renewable materials to create energy-efficient timber homes that adapt to environmental conditions. With over four decades of innovation, we have delivered durable, climate-responsive housing solutions that eliminate traditional heating and cooling systems. Our team specializes in customizing designs to optimize site-specific factors like latitude and topography. Recognized by TIME Magazine as an Invention of the Year, we continue to lead in eco-conscious residential architecture.Our process ensures precision from site selection to final delivery, maintaining rigorous environmental standards throughout construction. We prioritize client education about our unique thermal management technology and its long-term cost benefits. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through certified low-carbon materials and construction practices. As industry pioneers, we bridge historical building techniques with modern engineering advancements to redefine residential energy performance. Our mission remains focused on creating thermally stable living environments that harmonize with natural climate patterns.
Services
Energy-efficient home construction
Custom timber home design
Thermal management systems
Sustainable construction consulting
Site-specific adaptations
Patented building technology
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We utilize patented thermal inertia technology for unmatched energy efficiency
- Our homes eliminate need for traditional heating and cooling systems
- Custom designs adapt to site-specific climate conditions
- We combine mechanical engineering with sustainable forestry practices
- Recognized by TIME Magazine as Invention of the Year
What people say
No furnace needed
Energy costs reduced
Natural temperature regulation
Custom site adaptations
Durable construction
Services
Energy-efficient home construction
Our patented construction method uses thermal inertia principles to create homes that naturally regulate temperature. Solid timber walls store and radiate solar energy, eliminating conventional HVAC systems. This approach reduces energy consumption by 60-70% compared to traditional homes while maintaining optimal indoor comfort through seasonal changes.
Custom timber home design
We create bespoke home designs adapted to specific site conditions including latitude, topography, and climate. Our engineering team optimizes floor plans to maximize solar gain and natural ventilation. Customization options maintain structural integrity while accommodating client preferences for layout, finishes, and functional requirements across 1,500-4,000 sq ft configurations.
Thermal management systems
Our passive solar technology utilizes laminated mass timbers to absorb, store, and distribute heat. The system creates convection loops that move warm air between sunspaces and living areas. This natural temperature regulation maintains stable indoor environments without mechanical intervention, proven effective in climates ranging from subarctic to tropical.
Sustainable construction consulting
We provide expertise in low-carbon material selection and eco-friendly construction practices. Our consulting services cover renewable resource sourcing, energy performance optimization, and environmental impact reduction. Clients receive guidance on achieving LEED-like standards through our proprietary building methodology developed over 40 years of research.
Site-specific adaptations
Each home undergoes site analysis to determine optimal orientation, insulation requirements, and thermal mass placement. Our engineers adjust wall thicknesses, window placements, and sunspace configurations based on regional climate data. This ensures maximum energy efficiency while complying with local building codes and environmental regulations.
People
Michael Sykes
Founder
Mechanical engineer who developed the Enertia Building System after discovering thermal properties of Southern Yellow Pine in the 1970s. Holds multiple patents for sustainable construction methods and received national recognition for innovative home design solutions addressing energy efficiency challenges.
Questions
How does the Enertia Building System work?
Our system uses solid timber walls to absorb and radiate solar energy. The thermal mass stores daytime heat and releases it at night, creating natural temperature regulation through convection loops between sunspaces and living areas.
What makes these homes energy-efficient?
The combination of thermal inertia, strategic window placement, and laminated mass timbers reduces energy consumption by 60-70%. The design eliminates conventional heating and cooling systems through passive solar technology.
Can I customize my home design?
Yes, we adapt floor plans to your site's latitude, topography, and climate. Our engineering team modifies wall thicknesses, window placements, and sunspace configurations while maintaining structural integrity.
What sizes are available?
We offer small (1,500-2,000 sq ft), medium (2,000-2,500 sq ft), and large (2,500-4,000 sq ft) designs with customizable basement configurations to suit different family needs.
How are homes delivered?
After securing deposits, we customize your home to the site specifications. The pre-cut timber components are delivered ready for assembly, with final payment due 30-60 days before delivery depending on home size.
