Posted in
Andrea Girolamo,
books on February 5th, 2010
In the preface to New Green Homes, architect Guillermo Hevia Hernandez spells out his doubts about sustainable architecture’s ability to impact the larger topics of global warming, ongoing and worldwide energy crises, and other topics of environmental calamity. Hernandez writes, “Sustainability is an issue that has come to the fore, although it 
is still not clear what this concept implies and whether it can be applied to all fields.” His honesty is refreshing, particularly because he goes on to write that the topic’s clarity or obtuseness should have no bearing on the practical reasons for building energy efficient, materially responsible homes–in fact, he seems to tie the architecture which does so to an ethical standard.
New Green Homes by Sergi Costa Duran, Ethel Baraona Pohl and Liliana Bollini, published by Collins Design, is a colorful tour through over 20 homes built using these sustainable practices, with energy- and water-saving features and environmentally responsible materials. From conception to completion, each project is lovingly detailed with an architect’s precision, covering terrain and climate challenges.
Whether the project includes passive solar, photovoltaics, renewable, recyclable or locally- and site-sourced materials, each home is cutting-edge in its use of available technologies. Full color photos, relief maps of the site’s terrain and layouts with dimensions give a complete picture of the process by which each home came to fruition.
One striking similarity between all of the homes included is a constant biophilic angle to the overall situation of each home: whether it is incorporating a woodland setting or a skyline view, each home includes copious amount of natural light through scores of windows and a subtle marrying of outdoor elements to the indoors.
Last night’s State of the Union address featured some interesting moments, none more so for greenies than President Obama’s strong language on climate change–to meet a middle ground, all green topics have been related to jobs, clearly an important topic in our current economic struggles.
I’ve compiled a list of resources for green construction work for anyone who is currently looking, and it’s after the jump. Good luck to all of you!
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in
Andrea Girolamo,
government,
usepa on January 25th, 2010
- EPA announces figures for 2009 green power usage: it’s good news! (after the jump)
- The Estate Custom Collection from Wellborn Cabinet now features products made with FSC certified woods.
- President Obama expected to address green energy initiatives in the State of the Union address this Wednesday at 9 pm.
Read the rest of this entry »
Yes, folks–it’s National Radon Month as designated by the Environmental Protection Agency and as a service to you, my semi-loyal readers, I point you in the direction of this site: http://www.epa.gov/radon/nram/
It’s all about the IAQ, no proselytizing about granite–just straight facts on indoor air quality with studies presented from various regions around the country.
I’m looking for thoughts from you on indoor air quality this month; is it a concern for your clients? Have you ever conducted or arranged for IAQ testing in a client’s home? What about in your own home? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Posted in
Andrea Girolamo,
comments,
wood on January 12th, 2010
We had a response from a blog reader in the comments of our last post about Lyptus:
“I have been looking at it for a few projects and wanted to get some pros & cons.”
Well, no problem! Chris Donaghy, managing owner of Lorton, VA-based Kitchen Brokers offers his thoughts:
“I think the only downside to Lyptus is the distance traveled in shipping. We would love to find a fast growing specie that is grown in North America but, so far, Lyptus is the best bet. Lyptus can also be highly variable in color, but in my experience, clients like this wildness. For clients that like a perfect color pattern, consider Lyptus veneers or use a deeper stain. Affordable (pricing similar to cherry), very stable and dense grain, and unique character make Lyptus a specie that I show all clients seeking green cabs.”
The first point is an interesting one: would you be more likely to suggest a fast-growing wood species to your clients if it were grown domestically? This question goes back to the heart of the green question: what makes a product green? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Posted in
Andrea Girolamo on January 5th, 2010
Welcome to 2010!
Let’s start the year off on a positive note: Weyerhaeuser and Renaissance Specialty Veneer Products announced at the end of 2009 that 2010 will see the two companies partnering to make Weyerhaeuser’s fast-growing Lyptus wood available more widely. This could mean big things for cabinet and furnituremakers. Full release after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in
Uncategorized on December 18th, 2009
Have a happy and a healthy new year! Back on January 4.
Posted in
Andrea Girolamo on December 16th, 2009
Interested in one of our seminars? The complete 2010 seminar schedule is now up at KitchenBathDesign.com. Click here to visit.
Posted in
Andrea Girolamo on December 7th, 2009
Working on a green kitchen this holiday season? Nature Mill is offering $75 off select in-kitchen composting units now through January 1st. Visit their Web site for distributors or buy online with coupon code: DBC9W. Happy composting!
Posted in
Andrea Girolamo on December 4th, 2009
This is hilarious, interesting and features some neat gadgetry. Enjoy!
