Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 107 By BARBARA BRYAN Committed Montanans in growing numbers are bringing green home design and building into the mainstream — busting myths, leaping barriers real and imagined, and cultivating the best instincts of Montanans to do right by our families, our communi- ties, and our natural environment. Here, we share the comments of five parties involved in the state's green building industry — an architect, a retailer, a nonprofit, and two builders — each with insights into the status, accessibility, and promise of green home construction and renovation across the state. REFUGE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CENTER 1525 Rouse, Unit C; Bozeman, MT 59715 www.refugebuilding.com 406-585-9958 ABOUT: Locally owned retailer of sustainable, healthy interior building products, from flooring and countertops to paint, plaster, and wood panels; nationwide service ALEXA CALIO, OWNER: "anks to a strong local environmental ethic, Refuge weathered an economic downturn in 2008-10 that broke many of our U.S. contemporaries. Today, our biggest priority is finding products affordable to the average buyer. You might be able to sell a more expensive product in Los Angeles or New York, but not here. It would help if big- ger Montana builders and bigger homes used more sustainable materials, which would drive down costs. "We tackle the cost issue and build volume through product research and by talking with architects, builders, and customers to share resources and identify items in greatest demand. As a result, we're able for the most part to keep pricing is in line with traditional materials. "Our Montana customers range from a ranch family in Havre to a young couple on the north side of Bozeman. In each case, the buyer wants to make smarter choices with their building dollar. at might mean using a low-water toilet or paint and carpet that don't off-gas harmful chemicals. e latter is more important than ever due to the tight building envelopes associated with energy-efficient construction." The Refuge Sustainable Building Center showroom displays dozens of sustainable flooring choices made from bamboo, cork, engineered wood, regional hardwoods. Refuge owner Alexa Calio's new 3,500-square-foot demonstration home in Bozeman (kitchen shown here) showcases many of her store's products. CONTINUED

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