Sustainable Bamboo Prototype Home in Nicaragua

Ola!!!!

As you all know by now, I am in love with eco-friendly/sustainable houses with a small footprint.
Today, I came across an article on HOUZZ.COM entitled - Sustainable Bamboo for a Prototype Home in Nicaragua. 
When I saw the front door screen that was made from bamboo rings, I immediately knew that I would have to learn more about this house!!!!  Would it be great for life here in Hawai'i?

Here is the link to the article:

My Houzz: Sustainable Bamboo for a Prototype Home in Nicaragua

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

Renovate And Be Kind To The Earth

Aloha,

In my previous blog entitled, SUSTAINABILITY IN INTERIOR DESIGN, I talked about my goal of incorporating sustainability in my projects.  Recently,  I came across an article that made me SIT UP AND PAY ATTENTION!!!

The article on HOUZZ.COM was entitled -  'Contractor Tips: 10 Ways to Remodel Greener.' 

The first tip was my AH-HA MOMENT:

1. Start with an existing house. Obviously you can go out of your way to break this rule, but when you remodel, you are reusing an existing structure. Both building and remodeling are wasteful processes. But by remodeling, you are creating less waste, using less energy and putting your money into more labor than materials, which helps support your local economy. A side benefit of not building new: Existing buildings are more likely to be close to established infrastructure, trees and cool old neighbors with lots of stories.

Here is the article from HOUZZ below:

Contractor Tips: 10 Ways to Remodel Greener

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Window Treatments on Houzz- For Example:

Cellular Shades · Curtain Poles · Curtains · Roller Blinds · Roman Blinds · Venetian Blinds · Vertical Blinds · Window Blinds ·

What do you think of remodeling instead of building from scratch?

Do you think that remodeling is a good way to reduce the amount of waste produced in construction?

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.

  

Sustainability in Interior Design

Aloha!!!

I have been an advocate for eco-friendly and sustainable designs for many years and decided to incorporate SUSTAINABILITY in my future projects.

"Sustainability is not just a marketing buzzword anymore. In fact, one could say that it has become an important-and some would even argue necessary-factor for many designers and architects when considering any new project today." 

- Sustainability as a Best Practice  

Sara Pepitone, Interior Design Magazine

Here are some examples of projects that have used sustainability in their designs:

Heifer International Education Center, Little Rock, Arkansas  

City of Tucson Police Department Forensic Crime Laboratory, Tucson, AZ

Engine House No. 5, Denver, CO.

NASA Sustainability Base, Moffett Field, CA

After my sister had my nephew, it made me think about what kind of world are we leaving for future generations. At the same time, I feel that children learn by example and if they see us being sustainable they will naturally incorporate sustainability into their lives.

What are your feelings about sustainability?

How would you use sustainability in your projects?

Please share your ideas. It will help all of us!

MAHALO!!!! [THANK YOU!!!]

POCKET DOORS

Aloha!

I came across an article on HOUZZ.COM that made me scream with excitement!

It was an article on POCKET DOORS. When I lived on Miami Beach, I had a cute, large studio with a lovely dining room.  One day, I was talking with the owner and he told me that my apartment originally had POCKET DOORS and he decided to take them out before I moved in.  I WAS DEVASTATED!!!! I have always felt that pocket doors were such a CHIC AND CREATIVE way to divide rooms.

While reading the article on HOUZZ.COM, I noticed that the photos illustrate the many ways POCKET DOORS can be incorporated into interior design and are LIMITLESS! The examples shown have got my CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING!!!!

Here is the article and let me know what you think!!!!!

- Eddy

Discover the Ins and Outs of Pocket Doors

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:

Ceiling Fans · Ceiling Lighting · Chandeliers · Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting · Light Bulbs · Pendant Lighting · Recessed Lighting · Table Lamps ·