Greg Walter, a retired Telemark Ski Bum, has been involved in construction on and off since 1978 and has been specifically dedicated to alternative construction methods since 1994.

“I am very dedicated to the exploration and development of sustainable construction methods. Specifically building with tire and Strawbale and working with natural materials. It is my belief that the home of the future will be of recycled and natural materials that have a low amount of embodied energy, using appropriate technologies, resulting in a very efficient, self-sustaining home.”

He and his wife live off the grid on a remote piece of property [Located 10 miles from Salida] that they have been developing from scratch since 1994.On his land Greg installed gravity fed spring and well lines, septic system, and solar electric, at the same time restoring a homestead cabin built in 1907 and building a Tire/Strawbale addition housing the bathroom and kitchen.
Some of his experience includes: Complete site design including installation of septic, gravity fed well and spring and all other infrastructure concerns. Greg is currently working on his 8th alternative building project including 2 tire and Strawbale homes, and is well versed in many aspects of building with tire and straw from the ground up.

"When I was 10 years old or so I remember the need to decide on my favorite color. Even then I was subject to practical thinking, so in my thought process I remember deciding that what I loved the most was the earth and the prominent color in my mind was GREEN.
I have built 8 Strawbale Homes and numerous other straw projects. Three of these homes have tire footer / foundations and the last home was energy star rated and is a near net zero home.
All of my homes have been built with permits and according to the International Building Codes. My Wife and I live in my first home, which is an “off grid” Tire/Strawbale hybrid and is the site of our workshops.
As a general contractor of Strawbale homes I have developed an intimate relationship with our local building dept, Local banks and insurance companies and have therefore developed incite in dealing with these various entities.
All of my homes are primarily passive solar"

Terri Dunn (wife of Greg) is an ECO-Broker with Pinon Real Estate Group in Salida and Greg's #1 helper on the job site. She has three grown boys and now three granddaughters, too! She lives with Greg in a Strawbale/restored Cabin (Off-Grid) home in the mountains. She has been part of the building process/ construction for seven years now. Mudding and Tiling are her favorite parts of the job.

“There's nothing like living in a Strawbale Home. Feeling the warmth from the thick walls like you’re actually part of your environment let alone the insulation factor and visual beauty is a treat.”
“Alternative building is the right thing to do for the health of not only the environment but for the people living in a home of this kind.”
“Using the sun (the 300 plus days of sunshine we get here in Colorado) as part of being sustainable makes total sense! Let us embrace and utilize this beautiful gift we’ve been given!”

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