Thomas Hirsch

Benzonia, Michigan

Bungalow Builders of Northern Michigan, Inc.

231.651.9131

About this Affiliate

Thomas Hirsch is a builder, designer and carpenter with over 35 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. He has worked as a Licensed General Contractor in the states of Florida and Michigan. He has an A.S. in solar architecture and over 25 years research, development and application of “green” and sustainable building practices. He studied at the Jordan Energy Institute (now defunct) in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the International Institute for Baubiologie (Building Biology) and Ecology in Clearwater, Florida, and the Econest Building Company in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Mr. Hirsch was a founding member of Harmony Home Construction, LLC, in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. After training with Paula & Robert, Harmony Home Construction revived and updated a centuries-old building system here in Michigan called “leichtlehmbau” or light straw/clay building.

Today, Mr. Hirsch owns and operates Bungalow Builders of Northern Michigan, Inc., a green design/build construction firm serving the NW lower peninsula. The ideals guiding their work include: thoughtful placement on the land, creative and inspiring designs, passive solar & energy efficient design, renewable energy systems, improved indoor air quality, reduced electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, quality nontoxic building materials from sustainable sources, recycled building materials, reduced waste and environmental impact.

Mr. Hirsch was a member of the Built Green Grand Traverse Advisory Committee sponsored by the Michigan Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Region, served on the design committee and was project manager of Traverse City’s first American Lung Association sponsored “Health House.” Mr. Hirsch has earned LEED Accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council and was twice nominated as Environmentalist of the Year by the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council. Besides building, Mr. Hirsch speaks and leads workshops regularly on natural building, ecological restoration and sustainability issues.

"When I was studying at the Institute for Baubiologie in the early 90’s, I became aware of the work of Paula and Robert Laporte. In 2000 I travelled to Santa Fe, where I finally met Paula & Robert face to face and attended an Eco Nest building workshop. It was the right decision and an excellent investment. Since then, myself, business partners and crews have designed & built 10 fully permitted straw clay structures in the NW corner of Lower Peninsula Michigan. We moved into our straw clay home in 2002 and all these Michigan winters later, I have to say this is the quietest and most comfortable home I have ever lived in. With the experience I have with this system I am planning to build myself another in the next few years with further refinements; can’t wait! ;)

As a hands-on builder having experience with all sorts of products & techniques, there is nothing as satisfying as working & living around natural building materials; straw, clay, wood, and stone. My training and work with the Baubiologie Institute and Paula & Robert @ Eco-Nest Building Company has been the cornerstone for how I conduct myself in the building industry.”

DISCLAIMER

EcoNest recommends the Affiliates based solely on the training provided at an EcoNest professional building seminars and a completed EcoNest project in the Affiliates home region. The identification of a builder as an EcoNest Affiliate is not intended as a representation, assurance, warranty, or guarantee of the work of an Affiliate on any home the Affiliate may construct for you. Your contract for construction will be with the Affiliate and not EcoNest. It is the sole responsibility of the owner to determine the Affiliate's qualifications . EcoNest does not monitor any Affiliates' compliance with or adherence to EcoNest plans, either stock plans or custom plans, and does not inspect any work either during or after the construction. If your builder did not purchase either EcoNest stock or custom plans, your home may not be identified as an EcoNest home even though it may be built with clay/straw and timber-frame. We recommend that you to seek the advice of an attorney to review any construction contract that you enter into.