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

Hourglass LED Lamp Powered By Falling Sand

Ola!!!

While having my second cup of coffee and reading my emails, I came across an article entitled - Danielle Trofe’s LED Hourglass Lamps Are Powered by Falling Sand.

The article said:

"After the debut of her Live Screen hydroponic garden during NY Design Week 2012, Brooklyn-based designer Danielle Trofe is returning this year with a new series of off-the-grid LED lighting fixtures that are illuminated using the power of falling sand. Based on the shape of the hourglass, the new lamps need to be flipped to continue working and require the user’s involvement to stimulate awareness of the finite nature of lighting energy sources."

And this is what I fell in LOVE with: 

Danielle Trofe's Hourglass Floor Lamp

Danielle Trofe's Hourglass Table Lamp

I read more about Danielle Trofe's work on the Wanted Design website and the first paragraph in her writeup struck a deep cord with me:

"Danielle Trofe Design promotes a function-forward, sustainable and socially responsible approach to furniture and lighting design.  Keeping mindful of the philosophy that with creation comes the responsibility to not only bring beauty into the world, but to do so with little environmental impact, while serving a functional need within society."

After seeing the photos of Ms. Trofe's latest work, I can most definitely say that she is bringing to the forefront lighting design that is function-forward, sustainable and socially responsible. 

What do you think about these lamps?

What are your opinions about being sustainable and socially responsible?

Green Design Principles

Ola!!!!

My most important goal is to incorporate GREEN DESIGN PRINCIPLES into my future design projects.

I read a very interesting article on WILLIAMS SONOMA MARKET PLACE entitled GREEN DECORATING FACTS EVERY INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOULD KNOW by Jay Johnson.

"If you know the facts, it's a systematic approach to help your clients stay healthy, lessen their impact on the environment, and save money."  

- Jay Johnson, Williams and Sonoma Market Place

The Five Principles of Green Design: 

• Energy efficiency
• Use of low-impact materials
• Use of high-quality, durable materials
• Design for reuse or recycling, and the use of recycled materials
• Conservation of water.

FSC CERTIFIED - West Elm WOOD-SLAT EXPANDABLE
DINING COLLECTION

I am sure you are wondering what is FSC CERTIFIED?  I was too, so here is some information on The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC):

• FSC is an independent, non-profit organization that protects forests for future generations. 

• They are an open, membership-led organization that sets standards under which forests and companies are certified. Their membership consists of three equally weighted chambers -- environmental, economic, and social -- to ensure the balance and the highest level of integrity.

• FSC US is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operates as a National Office of FSC International, which is based in Bonn, Germany. 

Pottery Barn HASTINGS RECLAIMED WOOD COFFEE TABLE

Here are a few green design elements that every designer should keep in mind:

• Higher Home Resale Value
• Energy Savings
• Green Is Easy
• Brighter Ideas
• Reuse, Recycle
• Product Lifecycles
• Support Green Vendors

Do you use Green Design Principles in your projects?

Do you feel that being 'GREEN' is a fad that is no longer popular?

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!!!

Interior Design | The Kitchen 2013

Ola!!!

Recently, I received a link to a great article entitled: Interior Design: The Kitchen 2013 by  Jura Koncius - The Washington Post.

"The reign of the trophy kitchen is officially over. The dream kitchens of today aren't about the sexiest six-burner range or the most exotic countertop material. As cooking has returned to center stage and remodeling budgets have sobered, the kitchen island is nurturing family togetherness and reviving casual entertaining."

A Solis Betancourt & Sherrill kitchen in Virginia with mahogany cabinets that were bleached and cerused
to a driftwood gray color. (Marcos Galvany.)

The 2013 member survey by the National Kitchen & Bath Association identified a menu of some of today's top style choices in kitchens:

1. WHITE PAINTED CABINETS
2. QUARTZ COUNTERS
3. MANY SHADES OF GRAY
4. LED LIGHTING
5. ELECTRONIC FAUCETS
6. SATIN NICKEL FINISHES
7. GLASS BACKSPLASHES

When I saw the image above of the kitchen done by Solis Betancourt & Sherrill, I immediately felt that I would love to have friends in the kitchen with me while I prepared a meal.  I have often noticed when I attend a party, it always ends up in the kitchen. I feel it is  because of its size and it is the place of great childhood memories.  Everyone always gravitates to that room in every one's home.

Do you feel that the latest trend in kitchen remodeling/design food takes center place and is now a place of nurturing? 

Share with us what you think!