BATHTUB + HAMMOCK = RELAXATION

Ola!

I am always looking for things that are interesting and new.  Recently, I received an email newsletter from FRESHOME.COM - THE ART OF RELAXATION: BATHTUB AND HAMMOCK COMBINED BY SPLINTER WORKS.

Being that I grew up with MACAS [HAMMOCKS], I was immediately drawn to this BATHTUB/HAMMOCK combination.  Just imagine - the relaxation of a hammock fused with a bathtub.  The only word the comes to mind is CALMA [CALM].  

Designed by Splinter Works for use in a wet room, the limited edition Vessel tub is suspended from the walls and does not touch the floor. It is fixed with stainless steel brackets that can be covered over, or left revealed. The bath is filled using a floor standing tap and the waste water released through the base into a floor drain. A down-pipe drain can also be installed if a wet room setting is not possible.

More about Splinter Works

Splinter Works was formed in 2009 and is a collaboration between Miles Hartwell and Matt Withington. Their mission is to create sculptural furniture that is engaging and inspiring. 

They strive to enrich the lives of the people who use their furniture, by creating pieces that enhance their environment and elevate the experience of everyday life. Their aim is to create work that is individual, thought provoking, aesthetically beguiling, intelligently designed and a delight to use. 

Their designs are experimental and theatrical, but the function of the piece is always paramount. We love to play visual tricks especially where balance comes into question. Opposing dichotomies of solidity versus weightlessness, motion versus stillness, and strength versus fragility are played out in our ambitious designs through innovative materials. 

They work on both a limited-edition collection of furniture and on special commissions. Examples of commissions currently include mini bars, conference tables, extending dining tables, reception desks, kitchen installations, integral storage and cabinet solutions and dressing room furniture. Their limited-edition furniture collection currently includes, a desk, dressing table, console, stool, a bathtub and a pool slide, with new designs released throughout the year. 

Their ambitious projects are fuelled by their passion for absolute quality, technical ingenuity, artistic integrity and a solid belief in creating the most considered and exquisite work befitting of its purpose.

I am happy to add the VESSEL TUB into my design repertoire!!!! 

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!!!!

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!!!

A Great Reused Item | End Grain Flooring

Ola!!!

In my earlier post entitled -  A Great Example of a Loving Restoration, I mentioned that I received a great comment from Kristi Nelson at KM NELSON DESIGN on my blog entry entitled RENOVATE AND BE KIND TO THE EARTH.  She suggested using costly pieces such as wood floors, doors, window, etc. from homes that are being renovated or demolished.  Reusing these kinds of items are so great for the environment and the pocketbook!!!!

Last week, I found a great example of reused wood paired with brick to create a beautiful floor on HOUZZ.COM.

Here is the photo:

Contemporary Wood Flooring by Smithville Specialty Contractors Elmwood Reclaimed Timber Inc.

Have you found any great items that can be reused in a design or remodeling project?

Please share!!!!

- Eddy

Necessity is the Mother of INVENTION

Aloha!!!!

I live in a 1 bedroom in-law cottage here in Honolulu with my partner and our 1 1/2 year old Jack Russell, Keona.  I love our little house and I am finally ready to decorate.  I have decided on minimalistic approach due to the fact that our house is so small and too many things will make it feel even smaller.

I was reading the article below on HOUZZ.COM and realized that I made the right decision!!!

Houzz Tour: Airplane Efficiency for a Minimalist Hong Kong Flat

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Outdoor Products on Houzz- For Example:

Gardening Tools · Greenhouses · Grills · Hammocks · Bird Feeders · Doormats · Mailboxes · Retainer Walls ·

I will definitely let you know how my design project is going here in my litte house!

What would be your ideas for designing a small space?

Let us know!!!!

A Great Example of a Loving Restoration

Aloha,

I received a great comment from Kristi Nelson at KM NELSON DESIGN on my blog entitled RENOVATE AND BE KIND TO THE EARTH.  She suggested using costly pieces such as wood floors, doors, window, etc. from homes that are being renovated or demolished.  Reusing these kinds of items are so great for the environment and the pocketbook!!!!

Kristi has inspired me to look further into remodeling first when working on a project, if at all possible.  I came across a great example of a Home Restoration that looks so chic and modern on my favorite interior design source, HOUZZ.COM.

My Houzz: 1950s Rebound for a Cliff May House

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Home Office Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bulletin Board · Cable Management · Desk Accessories · Desks · Filing Cabinets And Carts · Task Chairs ·

Have you thought about reusing items in your design projects?

Please share your comments!!

The Front Porch

Aloha,

As you probably have guessed, HOUZZ.COM is one of my favorite sites!!!!!

I came across an article on FRONT PORCHES and here is the first paragraph:

"The front porch has evolved along with the quickening pace of everyday life. Porches were originally designed to create a more tolerable living space — a place for rest, relaxation and cooling breezes. Their decline can be attributed to many things: air conditioning, cars, radios, televisions, backyard decks. But despite modern conveniences, we can still revive the front porch, restoring and enjoying its quaint beauty."   

- 7 Ideas to Get You Back on the Front Porch, written by Alex Jewett

 I have always loved front porches.  When I would visit my avo (Grandma in Portuguese), we would sit on her front porch and wave hello to the passing cars as they would TOOT TOOT as they passed her house!! Being that she lived in small town, everyone knew everyone else and would always say hello to one another....

Here is the article from HOUZZ.COM:
 

7 Ideas to Get You Back on the Front Porch

With the quick pace of everyday life, the front porch was always the place to rest and unwind after a hectic day.  Sitting outside in the fresh air with a cool drink in my hand is all that I needed to wash away the day.  On the weekends, there is nothing like sitting on your front porch reading a good book and from time to time, watching the world pass by.

My dream house has a wrap around porch and I plan to use it to rest and recharge,a place to play with my doggie daughter - KEONA and have memorable 'AL FRESCO' dinners with close friends.

Do you have a memories of being on the front porch of your home, parents' home, grandparents' home??? To me, those kinds of memories are PRICELESS and always put a HUGE SMILE ON MY FACE!!!

Let us hear about your memories or tell us about the front porch you have now.

  

Furniture | Carl Hansen & Son

This morning while thumbing through my current issue of ELLE DECOR, I came across an ad for CARL HANSEN & SON. I remembered pinning a lot of their items to one of my boards on PINTEREST and I said to myself, "You love their work so much, why don't you write about them in your blog!!!" So, here goes!!!

Carl Hansen opened his furniture workshop in Odense, Denmark in 1908. The company produced bespoke furniture - from dining room sets to bedroom suites. The combination of hand craftsmanship and national series production became the firm's hallmark.

SALESCO played an important role in promoting "Danish Modern" furniture internationally, "Danish Design" began to capture interest around the world.

Carl Hansen & Son likes to find and incorporate new designers. Today, Carl Hansen & Son produce furniture by the Danish design duo Strand & Hiass as well as Thomas Bo Kastholm, son of the famous architect Jörgen Kastholm.

SAFARI CHAIR

The Safari chair has been a design gem since its debut in 1933. With its simple functionality, it has become a true modern classic.

Watch the movie from the production of the Safari chair

What are your favorite furniture designers/companies? Please share because I feel that we all can learn from one another!!!

MAHALO!!!!