Recycle this hotel room

Can a hotel room be reused or recycled? I never thought it possible but the architects at L-A-V-A took it upon themselves to create The Future Hotel a clever luxury hotel for the weary globetrotter to relax and rejuvenate at their own pace.

Imagine being in your own little cocoon, with mood lighting of your choice and a spa bathroom where you can enjoy total relaxation and privacy. The room comes with all the standard amenities like wi-fi etc, but in a room like this it's begging you to just do nothing. To read more about this hotel, visit the last resort issue, you'll love finding out more on technology and sustainable design.

An Interview With Green Planet Homes

Here is a recent chat I had with Shawn the owner of Green Planet Homes in Saskatchewan, I was really excited to learn more about this type of construction.

What is straw bale construction?

We build the exterior walls of homes or buildings using standard baled straw.  It is laid in a “running bond” similar to bricks and covered both on the inside an out with a cement lime stucco.

What are the long term benefits of this type of construction?

Straw bale walls have an R-value of about R-40.  This is significantly better heat retention than standard 2x6 construction.  The thick walls are much quieter than a conventional wall and the aesthetic is much more cottage like.

How long does it last?

There are straw bale buildings still in use which are over 100 years old.

Why did you decide to incorporate straw bale construction into your business?

We were looking for ways to do more for the environment and this was an interesting and an attractive alternative.

Do you see this as a possible growing industry?

Yes, I can see it growing to be as common as log or timber frame construction.

Vancouver becoming the eco capital of Canada

Book lovin'

If you're planning to be your own project manager for any future renovations this book may help you save money in the long term and avoid costly mistakes during construction.

I recently looked through this book, the focus on construction and design examples was quite surprising. You would come away with a lot of valuable knowledge before starting your project.

Book lovin'

If you're in the midst of renovations and wondering what it costs to make some green choices this book is the definitive guide.

What is LEED

It's a question that presents itself again and again for me,  so we decided to cover it in the latest issue of Think magazine. If you're planning on building an addition or taking on an even larger task of having a home built or buying a new home, this is valuable information to ask developers, contractors and project managers.

In issue 006 we cover the topic in 500 words or thereabouts, it's not a long read, but it is packed full of valuable information. Like everything else the architectural world is adjusting to accommodate our change in climate.

Can you afford green housing

In most cases building green is an initial investment that pays off later from lower energy consumption. But what if you can't afford to build green let alone live green. 

To those of lower income status New York may be leading the way on how everyone can live in a healthier environment. To read the article in it's entirety visit Treehugger where all is revealed.

Windows replacement

If yiou're thinking about replacing your windows, there's a few things you should know prior to starting down that road.

photo: Michelle Meiklejohn

To learn more visit Treehugger 

Lofts for the elderly

These lofts were built for seniors in mind. No really they're colourful on purpose with unven floors, difficult exits and irregular shapes.

Built in Tokyo these lofts are meant to improve cognitve behaviour. For more information on how this is possible visit GreenMuze.

Transport your home

I've often thought those large transport containers would make great studios, it would appear architects like Jim Poteet also thought the same thing. What I'm curious about is how much does it cost to convert and can you take it with you?

The containers aren't very wide but they are really long however floor to ceiling windows with light hardwood flooring would make it appear a lot wider right. To read more and see more pictures visit Dwell.

The greening of Toronto

As the green homes market continues to grow here's another design example of a condo built with LEED specifications.

Read the full article at  TorontoLoftblog

For Sale

An eco-friendly cottage in the Scottish county town of Ayr has come up for sale. A barn conversion (from the original stone buildings) with numerous energy efficient extras to keep your heating bill down. Last winter`s heating bill came to £742 for a five bedroom home in one of the coldest winters on record.

The property sits on 1.5 acres and has a landscaped garden, a patio, woodland grounds, 3 reception rooms and a lot more. Eco friendly amenities include a ground source heat pump, solar panels with an electric back up system, and a wood burning stove.
Your Eco-Friendly Home: Buying, Building, or Remodeling Green

Resort reading

This is literally a planning guide on how to create your own eco resort. For those of you who are thinking of packing in city life completely, buying property, and living and working in your own hotel this is a must read. 

Costa Rica is mentioned quite a bit in this book and if you do your research buying land in Costa Rica isn't as difficult as one might think. This book will cover everything from water and energy management, landscaping and climate construction.

Prefab Toronto

This isn't a new trend by far, in fact Vancouver was the first Canadian city to reinstate prefab homes. But now Toronto intends to build a number of prefab sustainable homes in North Toronto in November. Four homes will be situated by a ravine, with the first home measuring in at 2200 sq. ft and a 1000 sq. ft basement.

Materials to be used will include bamboo,cork, recycled quartz, porcelain, and glass tile.  Not only will they be luxurious but added eco features include rain water catchments and geothermal  heating and cooling systems. The overall construction will see less waste end up in landfills too. The idea is to build a small but sustainably luxurious home that would appeal to the empty nest set or retired individuals. Architect  Ray Kappe: California Modern Master will design all four homes.

Toronto's Green Grocers

I spend a lot of time in St. Lawrence Market for a variety of reasons, I like to buy everything fresh and downstairs has probably one of the best Italian sandwich  places next to a caviar bar. I used to have this Friday ritual of going down to the market and spending hours sampling new things, buying fresh produce and sitting outside people watching.

Now it looks like I'll have even better reasons to visit as the historical St. Lawrence Market is about to receive a sustainable makeover. The architectural firms of Adamson Associates Architects and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners firm won the opportunity to design the new St. Lawrence North Market.

My dream home

I've been looking at various types of loft spaces with a roof garden ( not much luck finding roof gardens) but I really don't want my neighbours that close. So when this press release landed in my inbox about a house in Colorado with pretty much all my specifications I knew this was my home. I want an open plan, live/work space with a great view.

And responsibly built like this house. So here goes the fun eco specs; 1/5 less energy is required than most homes and building this home used 1-2% waste as apposed to the average 17%. For more information follow the link below where Design Milk posted more information and pictures.

2002 Alpine in Colorado by Studio H:T

Olympic eatery

Solely comprised of Scaffolding materials and reclaimed wood the new rooftop restaurant overlooking Olympic Park is set to open 16th June, 2010 in the midst of a construction site years ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

Studio East Dining is a collaboration between award winning architectural firm Carmody Groarke and East End bistro Bistrotheque. It is set to be the place to view the Olympics and beautiful vistas of London stretching all the way to Canary Wharf. When I went to the site it appeared to state this is a pop up restaurant for 3wks but I'd confirm with the restaurant.

Reclaimed Wood Triple Votive Candleholder

Think magazine follow's up with Thomas Modeen

Architect and Professor Thomas Modeen`s work was featured in our 002 issue as the cover story Cutting Away. An intricate series of art pieces made from laser cut paper combined architectural techniques and sculpture to form the exhibition Paper Cuts. 

Since last we spoke, Thomas moved to Qatar to teach the new MFA program at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. We were also thrilled to learn that there are future exhibitions in progress, now he didn`t say too much about what they are but I imagine they will be a strong visual presentation.

Stephen Wiltshire

My Mum knows how much I love art and design so she sent me this today. I'm sharing it with you.

Sustainable Architecture > Eco Villa Design > Spain

Sustainable Architecture > Eco Villa Design > Spain

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