Comments on: The Everhouse, a market solution for coastal housing

By: Dr. F. Hoffman

Dr. F. Hoffman — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:45:18 +0000

I am a retired person living in Woodmere N.Y. within “evacuation” area of the Atlantic ocean. I own a home at present. I believe there would be much interest by others like me if Mssrs. Sawyer and McKenna have any intention of taking this very viable concept further north.

By: Ed Z.

Ed Z. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:54:48 +0000

The $68 sqr ft pricing appears way too low and will invariably increase to get a unit up to true “turn key” (all costs loaded, ready to move in) status for a desirable unit.

The ideas regarding jobs and employment and economic development are not new. The perpetual challenge is to have “can do” feet on the local street.

By: Frankf

Frankf — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:11:53 +0000

Mr. Sawyer returned my call today. I like what he is saying. Seems to be a well though out system of construction. He has been trying to keep it out of the limelight to give time to get the complete system together. First units to be put up at Moss Point, Mississippi.

These are not do it your self kits, but instead, turnkey projects for building affordable and insurable home for people that own the property already. A system of precast concrete walls with special connection system. Various designs will be available. Skilled labor problem will be addressed thru a training program that he is in control of with the cooperation of the Carpenters Union.

I’d say, keep an ear & eye open for Everhouses. I have no way of verifing this information at this point, but do have a tenative plan to work in the area in the Fall of 08, and will make a point of doing so then. I wish Mr. Saywer sucess in this much needed project.

By: Rebecca Raubacher

Rebecca Raubacher — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:46:18 +0000

Are these houses built with insulated concrete forms? (ICF’s)
Why is there no website?
If the product is as it seems in the article and uses ICF’s, utilities should also be affordable.
Please forward info regarding website. thank you

By: Frankf

Frankf — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:18:04 +0000

Very strange about things that sound too good to believe, they usually are.

Why does something like this not show up in any kind of web search?
Did Mr. Halpern actually meet Mr Sawyer and see a completed Everhouse?
Where have any of these homes been built?
Was the picture in the Wall Street Journal a photo shop produced rendering of what they will look like, or is it of an actual house, and if so, where is it?
Has there been any verification of the $68/ sq ft pricing?

I am very curious. If anyone can enlighten me I would be most interested in knowing the details.

By: Steve Darden

Steve Darden — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:14:56 +0000

To all: many thanks for the comments. Jake Halpern has kindly provided the contact information for Environmental Building Systems as follows

Email: johns [at] environbuildingsystems [dot] com
Phone: 617-648-0566.

By: Kristin Nesline

Kristin Nesline — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:28:41 +0000

I am building a home in Annapolis, MD and would like to find out more about the “Everhouse” and the company “Environmental BUilding Systems” and the founders John Sawyer and Harold McKenna. Please email me or send info to 2 E. Lake Dr., Annapolis, MD 21403

By: Jake Halpern

Jake Halpern — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:40:30 +0000

This is Jake Halpern, who wrote the piece in the Wall Street Journal. I emailed to Steve the contact info for John Sawyer — see his comment below.

By: Michele

Michele — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:12:09 +0000

Was anyone ever able to find any contact info for them? I have been looking and have not been able to

By: Roger Mattea

Roger Mattea — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:50:46 +0000

I too would like to find more information on this. Cannot find a phone number or website. If you find any info please post it here or lets share emails - mine is mattear@gmail.com

Pass Christian MS has no problem with the concept - but I will see as I find some information.

By: Fat Man

Fat Man — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:39:12 +0000

“I discovered that both are rather invisible in Google’s index.”

A big 10-4 to that good buddy.

By: Gary Gasperich

Gary Gasperich — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:18:54 +0000

I am a builder in Florida. I am interested in more information on the homes.

By: Noel Webb

Noel Webb — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:03:39 +0000

I am a builder. Can I get some more information on the Everhouse? I’m interested in building the homes in the LA area.

By: Patti Rosenberg

Patti Rosenberg — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:20:28 +0000

We have owned a lot near the Gulf in Northwest Florida and are looking to build an affordable, durable house. Are you planning to be in Destin, FL anytime soon? Thank you. Patti and Stuart Rosenberg, Brookline, MA