Designing for OFF

Ola!!!

I came across an AWESOME concept in GREEN DESIGN.  DESIGNING FOR OFF is a design concept where - 

"... designing efficiency and simple intelligence into the building so that systems can be turned off for the majority of the year." - High Performance Magazine

As I go forward with my interior design studies, I want to incorporate this kind of green design in my future projects.

The best method in achieving this design concept:

Diagram of a Wall

First, focusing on the building envelope. A lot of insulation is required for the walls up to value R-32 (Rvalue means resistance to heat flow. The higher the Rvalue, the greater the insulating power. tiny air pockets trapped in the insulation resist the passage of heat—heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. The thicker or more dense the insulation, the more air pockets and the higher the Rvalue). 

Facade - Rice Fergus Miller Office and Studio

There should not be a lot of glass in the building design (no more than 16%).

Interior - Rice Fergus Miller Office and Studio

The building should have a "passive-active" system; when the outdoor temperature is 55 - 77 degrees, the building transitions into "passive mode" where the occupants use the windows to manually adjust the temperature in the building. Ceiling fans can be used to increase air circulation through out the building. The HVAC System is now TURNED OFF. When the building opens up during passive mode, fresh air enters the space and provides several air changes per hour of outdoor air flushing throughout. 

Example of a Passive-Active System

Heat pumps which also have  energy recovery ventilators with enthalpy wheels help keep the heat pumps off 70% of the time. 

It is all controlled by sophisticated monitoring with a Direct Digital Control System that " provides occupants instant feedback on building energy performance and status" and turns those red and green lights on and off.

DESIGNING FOR OFF integrates passive systems like good envelope design and natural ventilation.  It may cost a lot more than a typical "design for on" system, but the operating costs will be far lower and the equipment should last far longer. 

- Eddy

Bien Hecho

Ola!!!

While surfing the internet this morning, I came across a very interesting site 
INHABITAT NYC.  INHABITAT NYC is a website devoted to green design, architecture and innovation in New York City.

On INHABIT NYC, I learned about BIEN HECHO.

BIEN HECHO is a woodworking studio founded by John Randall in 2006.  Bien Hecho bridges past and present with contemporary designs made with quality wood such as cedar and pine harvested from water towers and other sources. A devoted Brooklynite who genuinely cares about the environment, Randall delivers furniture that is bound to enhance any home or office.

BIEN HECHO means WELL DONE in Spanish. I would love to say BEM FEITO [Portuguese] to John Randall for his beautiful, handcrafted wood work made from RECLAIMED FURNITURE!!!!!

I am so ANXIOUS to see more of his work!!!

 

Australia’s First Flat-Pack Apartment Building

Ola!!!

In my last post entitled - FabCab | Spaces For Changing Needs, I talked about FabCab and how they design and sell Environmentally Friendly Pre-Fabricated Homes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

This week, I read an article on Australia's first Flat-Pack (Modular) Apartment Building on DESIGNBUILDSOURCE.COM.AU. 

Modular Apartment Building - Wayfarers

The two-story modular apartment building, dubbed the Wayfarers, will feature two, three and four-bedroom apartments and is expected to be completed in an amazing five weeks as opposed to the six months it would generally take to build such a project using traditional means.

In my post entitled - FabCab | Spaces For Changing Needs, I noted the differences between modular versus traditional building:

"Modular Homes are built to the same IRC building codes and State Building Codes that site built homes are. The difference is that all Modular Homes are built in a controlled environment and third party inspected at the factory before they are delivered to your site to make sure they comply with all local building codes. Site built homes are constructed out in the elements and only have the electrical system inspected unless you are in a code-enforced area. The contractor may say it is built to the IRC code but no one is inspecting the home to make sure it actually is. 

Modular homes are built with the efficiency and quality control only found using factory assembly line techniques. Each home travels through departments staffed with specialized workers who represent every building trade. Work is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing material. Materials are also protected from the weather instead of being piled outside. The average typical waste of building a 2,000 sq ft. home is in excess of 8,000 pounds. In Modular Home construction that waste can be recycled. 

Quality engineering and modular construction techniques significantly increase the energy efficiency of modular homes. After Hurricane Andrew, a FEMA study showed that system built (Modular Homes) construction stood up better than site built homes in the storm-ravaged Dade County. “Overall relatively minimal structural damage was noted in system-built homes. System-built construction provides an inherently rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.” Along with quality control processes, inspectors and code compliance you are assured your new home will be every thing you dream it will be. "  - Anderson Homes, Inc. 

After writing about FabCab and their modular homes, I wondered why there aren't any modular apartments?  Be careful what you ask for!!!!

What are your opinions on modular building?

Do you think this will replace traditional building?

Let us know!!!!

FabCab | Spaces For Changing Needs

Ola!

This week I received a link to an awesome site that designs and sells Environmentally Friendly Pre-Fabricated Homes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - FabCab.

FabCab’s highly skilled architecture and design team is  dedicated to environmental sustainability, universal design and gorgeous spaces.

FabCab’s approach to sustainability is simple; design healthy efficient environments to accommodate peoples’ varied lifestyles.

Here are the differences between Pre-Fabricated (also know as Modular) and Built (also known as Stick-Built) homes:

"Modular Homes are built to the same IRC building codes and State Building Codes that site built homes are. The difference is that all Modular Homes are built in a controlled environment and third party inspected at the factory before they are delivered to your site to make sure they comply with all local building codes. Site built homes are constructed out in the elements and only have the electrical system inspected unless you are in a code-enforced area. The contractor may say it is built to the IRC code but no one is inspecting the home to make sure it actually is. 

Modular homes are built with the efficiency and quality control only found using factory assembly line techniques. Each home travels through departments staffed with specialized workers who represent every building trade. Work is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing material. Materials are also protected from the weather instead of being piled outside. The average typical waste of building a 2,000 sq ft. home is in excess of 8,000 pounds. In Modular Home construction that waste can be recycled. 

Quality engineering and modular construction techniques significantly increase the energy efficiency of modular homes. After Hurricane Andrew, a FEMA study showed that system built (Modular Homes) construction stood up better than site built homes in the storm-ravaged Dade County. “Overall relatively minimal structural damage was noted in system-built homes. System-built construction provides an inherently rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.” Along with quality control processes, inspectors and code compliance you are assured your new home will be every thing you dream it will be. "  - Anderson Homes, Inc. 

My Dream House

I am a true advocate dwellings which eco-friendly, sustainable and not  intrusive to the surrounding environment.  When I saw these designs, I SAW MY DREAM HOUSE. The size is PERFECT (more room means more to clean!!!) and my dream house would blend in beautifully with the environment.

What are your feelings about pre-fab/modular homes and 'built' homes?

Please share your thoughts and feelings!!!

Sustainable Expectations: An Interior Perspective

Ola!!!

As you all know, I am a serious advocate of SUSTAINABILITY in Interior Design.

Recently, I have been reading in various publications that sustainability is a trend and not very important to consumers here in the United States.  It made me sad to read this, but it has given me even more impetus to always include sustainability in my design projects.  Living here in Hawai'i, where we are always so close to nature, one realizes that we are all connected to everything here on this planet.  

This week, I came across an article entitled: Sustainable Expectations: An Interior Perspective, by  Angela Fedele, Interior Design Source.

In the article, it discusses Sustainability in Australia:

“The ‘trend’ face of sustainability at its most accessible is up-cycling because the concept of reuse is becoming more and more important to consumers whose focus has shifted from brand new and replaceable pieces to one off or hand made pieces,” Palmer explains.  

Darren Palmer, Designer. Image Courtesy The Interiors Addict

Green Interior Design is basis of my work and, while writing this blog entry, it brings to mind  my favorite quote and life mantra which is so dear to my heart:

"You must be the change you want to see in the world.” 

                                                                    - Mahatma Ghandi

Do you feel that sustainability is a passing trend?

What is the view of sustainability in your country?

Please share!!!