A Chinese proverb says, “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.” Sometimes we find people who share a common vision and values. Seemingly out of nowhere they appear and we find an organic synergy and connection. This is the story of the red thread connecting Refuge Sustainable Building Center, Geomatrix and YesHaus.

“My vision is to help consumers make better choices for the environment and their personal health” Alexa Calio, Refuge

It doesn’t get more simple or elegant than this statement. Refuge Sustainable Building Center, Geomatrix and YesHaus are homegrown local companies working together to build a brighter future with green highly energy efficient homes at an exceptionally affordable price.
When the YesHaus team found out about Minerva countertops by Geomatrix, it was natural to include them as standard equipment in the YesHaus. What’s so special about this material?

Geomatrix partner and Refuge owner Alexa Calio explains, “Minerva countertops are 14 years in the making. They use flyash instead of Portland cement and recycled glass as the aggregate. The result is a countertop of extraordinary beauty and unequaled environmental qualities. And, Portland cement is the third largest greenhouse gas contributor worldwide.” Using flyash instead of Portland creates the perfect product which is 98% recycled.

The standard countertop these days is granite, quarried, cut and shipped from far away. When we looked for an alternative, we found it in our own Bozeman backyard. Minerva is a unique, durable and exquisite product!

“Minerva countertops are beautiful pure and simple. Imagine sparkling recycled glass in bold bright colors or more muted if you wish, finished to perfection in a custom look that you will enjoy for years.”   Duke Elliott, YesHaus

Refuge’s local partner YesHaus is about changing the way homes are built. YesHaus is creating elegant energy efficient homes with a custom look available at affordable prices right here in the Gallatin Valley.

Most people think energy efficiency has to cost a lot of money. This is not true when all of the parts are put into a holistic system. Rather than the homebuyer having a say in what they want, the market is driven by appraisals that value a granite countertop over energy consumption.
“I want to create a healthy comfortable home where people can enjoy their time with their families, and pay minimal energy costs. I was just reading President Obama’s recent state of the union address where he says we want to reduce home energy use by 50% over the next twenty years — this is what we are doing.” Bernhard Uhl, YesHaus

Refuge Sustainable Building Center and YesHaus offer American Clay, a natural and pleasing finish with character, depth and beauty. Imagine a child writing on a wall … it happens! With American Clay you simply use a damp cloth to rub out the marks. And, clay absorbs moisture so no more fogging mirrors in the bathroom. YesHaus is so impressed with this product that we are exploring it as an alternative to sheetrock and paint. We might even charge extra for sheetrock! That’s one way we can change the culture of building and create homes that are works of art.

Each YesHaus has an independent HERS (Home Energy Rating System) evaluation to determine the home’s energy efficiency. The HERS score ranges from 0 to 150. The YesHaus received a rating of 47. This means the YesHaus is 83% more efficient than a typical pre-existing home on the market today.

This is a bit like a “miles per gallon” sticker on a car. How else can a homebuyer be assured of energy performance and have a way to compare homes? Over 1 million homes have been evaluated nationwide using HERS in an effort to define a standard by which the energy efficiency of different homes can be compared.

We are so confident in the low heating cost of our YesHaus, that we will pay the heating bills for the first three years on selected models. This is possible due to our attention to engineering, design, quality and performance. The YesHaus has an average heating bill of only $20.00 per month.
Life is wonderful and exciting when we meet people whom we are connected to in a special way. Somehow we find we are not alone. Combine that with business and we have a truly magical synergy of people, products and positive change. Come join us in this adventure! Come share your vision with us. YesHaus, Geomatrix and Refuge Sustainable Building Center.

The YesHaus Team may be reached at 406.209.8019 and info@emcmt.com, or please visit our website at www.yeshaus.com. Contact Refuge Sustainable Building Center at 406-585-9958 and info@refugebuilding, or visit them at their new location located at 1525 N. Rouse in Bozeman, or online at www.refugebuilding.com