Journal
The Avalon Journal explores the decisions, systems, materials, and conversations behind better-built homes — translating complex residential construction topics into useful information for homeowners.
Because what happens behind the beauty often determines how a home performs for years to come.
Featured Story · Building Better
A custom home build involves an architect, engineer, builder, trades, and inspectors — each with a defined role. Here’s where an owner-side advisor fits, and where it doesn’t.
Julia Thomson · September 3, 2026 · 6 min read
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Published guidance, field notes, and Project 001 stories — organized by category and educational first.
Where owner-side advisory fits alongside the architect, engineer, builder, trades, and inspectors — and the boundaries that keep each role clear.
Read story →What We Cover
Homeowner preparation, planning, builder selection, proposals, communication, and decision-making.
Hidden assemblies, details, and decisions that affect how a home performs.
Indoor air, moisture, ventilation, materials, comfort, and healthy-home principles.
Windows, wall assemblies, roofs, HVAC, insulation, air sealing, water management, and other residential systems.
Stories and lessons arising directly from the real design, research, decisions, and field observations of Project 001.
From Project 001
Project 001 is the first ground-up application of the Avalon Standard. As design decisions, research, field observations, and lessons develop, selected stories will become part of both the Project 001 record and the Avalon Journal.
Follow Project 001 →Why We Publish
Homeowners don't need to become architects, engineers, or builders to participate intelligently in their projects. Better information helps them understand what questions to ask, recognize when decisions matter, participate more confidently, understand how one choice affects another, document important information, and collaborate more effectively with their professional team.
Better-informed homeowners build better homes.
Explore the Avalon Standard, follow Project 001, or start a conversation about your own home.