Murakami Chair designed by Rochus Jacob

Maybe your grandma has a rocking chair. Maybe she sits on it and crotchets, or reads magazines about crocheting. Or maybe not. But the fact is, rocking chairs ain’t just for grandma anymore. The Murakami Chair offers a modern twist on the age-old furniture piece – it’s a rocker with a built-in OLED (organic light-emitting diode) lamp that’s powered by the rocking of the chair. That’s right – rock this puppy and you get to be a human power plant.

Designed by Rochus Jacob, an award winning product designer based out of New York City with essential interaction and strategy experience, the Murakami Chair brilliantly harnesses the kinetic energy that is created by rocking the chair and utilizes an advanced nano-dynamo technology built into the skids of the chair to power the reading lamp above the rocker’s head. The OLEDs require very little juice to power and if you happen to want to read without rocking, no worries; rock a while and the battery pack will store enough so you can read later while sitting still. Perhaps best of all, the chair looks sleek and cool, and it will never embarrass you. How did such an idea come about? “I was looking for opportunities to generate energy through activities we naturally do,” said Jacob. “The final result is a rocking chair that enables the user to experience production and consumption of electricity in a gentle and rewarding way.” Jacob also stated that in the future, “To have a drastic reduction of consumption the big challenge will be to make consuming less feel like getting more.”

A bit more about Jacob: He holds a master’s degree in product design and design research from the University of Art and Design in Offenbach, Germany. He gained international working experience at HTC Taiwan, One & Co. San Francisco andIDEO Munich by working with clients such as Microsoft, Samsung, P&G, Nike, Steelcase and Google. He uses a holistic and user-oriented approach that is dedicated to developing meaningful service, interaction and products that have a positive impact on peoples’ lives. Undoubtedly, his Murakami Chair embodies his noble work philosophy.

Xylem Bambu 36″ Vanity in Dark Bamboo

The Xylem Bambu 36" Vanity in Dark Bamboo

The eco-renewable bamboo veneer is the starting point for this versatile and fresh design vanity. Highlighted with natural bamboo accents, it can be wall mounted or floor-standing using either of two floor stands that provide comfortable heights for vessel applications or under-mount lavatory installations.

Stone Forest Bamboo Quattro Vessel

The Stone Forest Bamboo Quattro Vessel

This piece elevates “green” living to its full potential. Lightweight and water-resistant, this captivating sink is crafted from the laminated exterior of a bamboo shoot, making the vessel a durable and smart decorating option.

Organize It All Bamboo Stationary Caddy

The Organize It All Bamboo Stationary Caddy

This bathroom shower caddy can sit in the corner of your shower stall, or beside the tub, to keep soaps, hair care products and sponges close at hand. Made of carbonized bamboo, the shower shelf has a modern eco-friendly look that will never go outdated.

Bali Bamboo Bath Collection

The Bali Bamboo Bath Collection

Bring the quality and freshness of nature inside your bathroom with this perfect bathroom collection made from 100% natural bamboo. The multi-piece set features a cotton jar, lotion dispenser, soap dish, toothbrush holder, tray, tissue cover, toilet brush and holder, tumbler and waste bin.

Anji Mountain 2′ × 3′ Bamboo Kitchen/Bath Mat

The Anji Mountain 2′ × 3′ Bamboo Kitchen/Bath Mat

This mat offers an exquisite inlaid bamboo design and glossy finish that adds a natural sophistication to your kitchen and bath. Made from 100% eco-friendly bamboo from the Anji Mountains in China, its high-gloss finish is both beautiful and durable. Non-skid rubber backing provides cushion and keeps mat in place. Feels warm under bare feet in winter and cool in summer. Water-resistant surface.

Undoubtedly, with such products as the ones above, it’s easy to turn any bath environment into an eco-chic setting that is certain to make you feel good

The Kerchum Residence in Vancouver, British Columbia

In recent years, Vancouver has become increasingly known for hitting numerous environmental benchmarks, especially in regards to green commercial and residential building. Not long ago, the city’s Vancouver Convention Centre was awarded the highly prestigious LEED Platinum Certification. Now the Kerchum Residence – a single family home within the city limits – has become the first home to earn LEED Platinum Certification in Western Canada. Its modern design is not only environmentally conscious, it is also highly functional and extremely pleasing to the eye.

The Kerchum Residence living room

Designed by the accomplished Frits de Vries Architects and occupying an area of 3,070 square feet, the Kerchum Residence was created with the intention of enticing a younger couple with a desire to enjoy clean, modern living. The smart floor plan is flexible in that it accommodates entertaining, intimacy and a growing family. The interior and exterior entertaining areas are integrated to create a diverse spatial experience within the standard constraints of a city lot. The outdoor patios and gardens blend naturally with the architecture to give the feeling of a living space that is entirely cohesive. The Kerchum Residence is divided into two sections that are connected by a central staircase: Section A consists of two stories with vaulted ceilings and a roof deck; Section B is three stories with lower ceilings and a sunken courtyard. The staircase, with its full skylight, brings an abundance of light into the two sections, creating a sense of scale and intimacy. Additionally, the north wall of the house is made up entirely of glass sliding doors, inviting in even more light. As far as energy efficiency goes, the Kerchum Residence is far ahead of its neighbors with its passive solar energy use, triple-glazed windows, drought-tolerant and minimal water usage landscaping, and high-efficiency heating and cooling system including in-floor radiant heat and rooftop solar hot water. A home like the Kerchum Residence could not have come together without the help of numerous experts in their fields including: builder Galen Evans of Natural Balance Home Builders Inc.; 
landscape designer Claire Kennedy Design; interior designer Patrick Warren; and sustainable building advisor Orianne Johnson.

Kerchum Residence designed by Frits de Vries Architects

In addition to earning a LEED Platinum Certification, the architects of the Kerchum Residence were recently honored with a 2011 RAIC Award of Excellence for Green Building. Undoubtedly, the Kerchum Residence will inspire the construction of many more environmentally friendly homes in Vancouver and all of Western Canada.

Domespace prefabricated homes

Counting among its numerous advantages that it is made of sustainable materials, can withstand typhoons, can potentially survive an 8.0 earthquake better than your average single-family home – and looks significantly cooler – the Domespace prefabricated home is an old idea that is ideal for today’s forward-thinking and environmentally-friendly mindset.

First imagined by architect Patrick Marsilli in the late 1980s, Domespace homes have since been built all over the world including the United States, Europe and Asia. Domespace homes are unique in that they get their inspiration directly from the curvilinear homes found in nature, like shells, seeds, burrow and other kinds of nests. If you think about it, the dome or sphere is present everywhere we look in nature, including the wombs of the mothers who birthed us. Dome style homes also have an air of science-fiction to them, looking rather fantastical and otherworldly, but in reality very similar to what our ancient ancestors envisioned for their home environments. The fact that the homes so commonly built throughout the world today possess sharp right angles and long corridors, actually goes against our nature; they are forms we have nothing in common with.

Domespace exterior

Domespace homes take into consideration the needs of humans and are designed to satisfy them to perfection. The thermal benefits of wood are inherent in Domespace homes, as they are made from spruce, red cedar and other thick cork and wood pulp. Such materials confer exceptional heat efficiency and in conjunction with the shape of the house, provide a warm, cocoon-like atmosphere. Domespace homes were invented at a time when almost nobody was talking about sustainability, but the fact is their design proposes real and significant changes in the housing industry. Their wood is chemical-free and sustainable, releasing no radioactivity, harmful gas or dust, and providing considerable savings in heating and cooling. The rotational feature of the house allows all areas of the house at some point during the day to get sunlight; this is not the case in many traditional houses that have permanent dark areas. The luminosity within Domespace is also enhanced by natural openings directed towards the sky, which bring in more light than vertical windows. The modular design of the structure increases usable space and helps to keep unnecessary movement limited – in a Domespace with a 24-foot radius, there is 1,250 square feet of livable space.

Domespace interior

Domespace interior

For those looking to move beyond the angles of modern architecture and who desire a living space that is truly in harmony with nature, a Domespace home is certainly worth looking into.

PURE Inspired Design

We are never surprised that people have strong feelings about design. What does surprise us is when someone takes their love of design and changes careers completely to follow that passion. We recently spoke with Samantha Cobos of PURE Inspired; a line of eco-conscious fabrics and furnishings that she began in 2001.

We love that you just seemed to jump into eco-friendly fabrics and furnishings. How long were you designing before you decided to really take that plunge?

SC: Well, first of all I gave up my eight year career as a computer programmer to become an interior designer. I opened my own business in 2001 right after completing my design degree. I was successful, but the economy went south starting around 2008 and I had a lot of time on my hands. I started studying eco-friendly design as well as sketching patterns. What I discovered was a true passion for patterns and colors, as well as the need for eco-friendly design options! You might be surprised to know that I’m self-taught – I don’t take classes, I just try to figure things out on my own and I never give up

Samantha Cobos of PURE Inspired Design

How did you become interested in eco-friendly design?

SC: I realized one day that my personal goals to be ‘green’ at home were not translating into my interior design business. Once I realized this I studied and read all I could on eco-friendly design choices. I also studied for the LEED AP test and passed!

You design eco-friendly furniture and fabrics. How would you describe your design style? Where are your products manufactured and how challenging is it to maintain control over the manufacturing process as it relates to sustainable manufacturing.

SC: I would describe my design style as fresh, fun, and easy. I don’t like stuffy interiors – I LOVE lived in spaces with splashes of color, lots of texture, and eye-catching patterns. I’m happy to say that all my furniture and fabrics are made in these! My furniture is manufactured in Minnesota, which is where I live. My organic fabric is grown, woven, and printed in the USA. I feel it is very important to keep things local whenever possible – it is less expensive to manufacture in China, but I wanted to keep everything close. The quality is better and the carbon footprint is smaller. Also keeping things close gives me more control – everything I manufacture is on demand so there is no inventory, which allows me to make changes and improvements easily.

Sofa by PURE Inspired Design

You launched your line at the International Builder’s show – how nervous were you that your products would be reaching the right audience? Subsequent to that show – which trade shows do you exhibit at now – which ones do you consider your ‘must exhibit’ shows? And which trade shows do you attend to find out about the newest technologies and products?

SC: The interior designer for the green reVision home sponsored by Green Build Magazine, which was open during the International Builder’s Show, contacted me to see if I would be interested in participating in the home. I decided to dive right in and have products made for the show – the show really gave me the push and confidence that I needed. The audience for the show was not my ideal audience, they were mostly builder, but the experience was worth it! It was a lot of fun to be involved with the team and see my furniture, fabrics, and rug in a green home!

I have not been doing many trade shows since the IBS in 2010. I need to research the best shows for eco-friendly design products. In April I did the Greenprint show in St. Paul – it was a new show and I hope to be involved next year as well. With furniture it is very expensive to travel to other cities. I may do a textile show in the future, but I’m undecided.

Who or what has influenced you as a designer? Are there other ‘eco-conscious’ designers whose work you admire?

SC: When I started researching eco-friendly interior design I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for and I found it frustrating. This is one of the reasons that I started creating my own patterns with custom colors. This gave me the flexibility to create whatever I was needing instead of just looking for it. I’m influenced more by colors and shapes – I never know where or when I will find a new inspiration – it just happens. I’m sure there are many wonderful eco-conscious designers out there, but my designs are inspired from everything I see whether it is interior design, fashion, gardening, architecture, pottery… then my own imagination creates something truly my own.

Armchair by PURE Inspired Design

Ok – let’s go from the living room to the bathroom and talk a bit about the Caroma Challenge. You’ve reviewed Caroma’s water-saving Flow Showerhead on your blog. What struck you about that showerhead in comparison to other water saving products?

SC: I love the shape of the showerhead – it is sleek and different. The best thing about the showerhead is that it worked so well! Great shower experience and great water pressure! Plus it saves water – what could be better.

Caroma FLOW Showerhead

Do you think consumers know enough about how ‘easy’ it really can be to save water while still having a great shower experience? Would that be your biggest take-away from that challenge?

SC: I think I learned that it is so easy! People may think that it requires a plumber, but it was a 2 minute installation. So I think if consumers knew how easy it was to switch out their old shower head for a water-saving model they would do it.

How much of all of the information about sustainability in design is really trickling down (no pun intended) to the consumer now? What else can manufacturers or showrooms or designers do?

SC: I think education is the key. Once a consumer knows something about saving energy, water, the planet… they can’t just forget it and will try to make the best choices. Also consumers will share what they know with others. I’m always sharing interesting facts with people about the environment and good choices, and I have to believe that I’m making a difference!

Samantha Cobos, Allied ASID, LEED AP
PURE Inspired Design
Blog: PURE Inspired Design BLOG

Marmol Radziner's prefab desert house in Desert Hot Springs, CA

The Los Angeles based firm of Marmol Radziner – a design-build practice led by Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner – has become widely known for their dynamic architectural, historic restoration, landscape, interior and furniture design projects.

These days, they’re making news for the private Desert Hot Springs residence they built for none other than Mr. Marmol and his wife Alisa Becket, now on the market at $1.2 million. The price, obviously hefty for some and peanuts for others, reflects a significant drop from the $1.85 million price tag the house carried just a year ago. For the limited pool of buyers who seek a home in the remote California desert locale, this Marmol Radziner house is nothing short of a highly compelling opportunity. The prototype prefab home is oriented to capture outstanding views of the San Jacinto peak and San Gorgonio mountain range. Situated on a sweeping five- acre estate, the house extends over significant stretches of the property with covered outdoor living areas, 2,000 square feet of interior living spaces and a detached carport. The ultra-modern desert home utilizes four house modules and six deck modules made of steel framing that can extend up to sixty-four feet in length; interior modules comprise the living spaces like the bedroom and kitchen, exterior modules define the covered spaces and sunshade modules protect occupants from the harsh elements of the desert. The modules all align in a way that an outdoor protected environment is formed, giving way to a private pool and a cozy fire pit perfect for hosting warm gatherings. The home features a plethora of open frames and glass that allow the line between nature and the inner home to be blurred. Furthermore, the home’s design employs both passive and active solar technologies, providing power to all of the home’s electrical fixtures and amenities; concrete floors provide additional passive solar heat gain.

Desert Hot Springs, affectionately referred to by locals as “DHS”, is a scenic town of spas and resorts just minutes from Palm Springs. The town boasts one of the world’s finest natural hot mineral water aquifers, clean air, stunning natural scenery, and prime access to the Desert Resort Cities of the Coachella Valley. For the relaxation and/or retirement minded individual, the Marmol Radziner residence is certainly worth a look.

Photography by Joe Fletcher

Sustainable Solutions (SSi) designs eco-friendly products to conserve water and encourage eco-responsible living. Their Penguin faucet – which bears a distinct resemblance to the body of a penguin – is low flow and dispenses water at a rate of 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute). The Penguin faucet does its part to preserve our planet’s most essential resource, while not sacrificing design or quality.

According to SSi, if a faucet maker doesn’t understand the importance of water conservation, who will?

Penguin Faucet by Sustainable Solutions (SSi)

Greenbuild 2010

The Greenbuild International Conference and Expo– taking place November 16-19, 2010–is the world’s largest expo dedicated to green building. Each year thousands of building professionals from all over the world come together for a  few days to take part in networking events, green building tours, educational sessions, listen to renowned speakers and to see all the latest innovations in eco-friendly building products. This year’s event will be returning to Chicago, IL at the McCormick Place Convention Center, the site of Greenbuild 2007. Chicago is a fitting location for such an event as the city is home to more LEED-certified buildings than any other and has shown a true commitment to a greener future.

If you plan on attending the event this year we’d like to give you a heads up on a few products you’ll want to keep an eye out for and a couple events worth checking out.

Caroma USA  – Booth #1601
Caroma is among the world leaders in quality and innovative eco-friendly bathroom products. In 1982, Caroma revolutionized water conservation by introducing the first dual flush toilet system. This year they will be displaying a collection of products that are sure to continue their tradition of innovative water conserving bath products. In addition to the products that will be on display, Caroma will be conducting a fun promotion involving the giving away of iPads, iPods and a variety of other prizes. For details visit www.caromausa.com/greenbuild. Among the products on display will be the Sydney Smart 305 One-Piece Toilet and the Caroma Flow Showerhead.

Caroma Sydney Smart 305 One-Piece Toilet

Simple in aesthetic, yet advanced in operation, Caroma’s new Sydney Smart 305 1-piece toilets feature their industry leading ultra-low smart dual-flush technology at a 1.28gal/4.8L full flush and 0.8gpf/3L liquid flush.  The Sydney Smart 1-piece is one of the lowest consumption High Efficiency Toilets (HET) in the market with an average flush of .9gpf (3.6L).

Caroma Flow Showerhead

The Caroma Flow high-efficiency showerhead with a nominal flow rate of l.5gpm/5.7L at 80 psi, includes a precision engineered nozzle that pressurizes water to produce a uniform, and soft yet powerful spray of water; maximizing comfort while saving up to 10 gal more water than the standard 2.5gpm showerhead for a 10-minute shower.

Teknion – Booth #2007
Teknion is a leading international designer, manufacturer and marketer of mid- to high-end office systems and related furniture products. Their products range from mobile furniture, architectural wall systems, seating, storage and filing, freestanding casegoods and accessories.Their District furniture system earned the Gold Sustainable Product Award in the annual Ontario Waste Minimization Awards.

Teknion District Furniture System

GreenGrid Roofing System – Booth #939
Green roofs have been popular in Europe since the 1970’s but are a more recent development in the green building community in the United States. With soaring energy costs and stormwater management requirements, U.S. builders are turning to green roofs and among the premier green roofing systems is the GreenGrid modular green roof system.

GreenGrid Green Roof

General Colin Powell

Opening Keynote Address from General Colin Powell

Since returning to private life, General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.) has shown a dedication to green building and affordable housing. In his childhood neighborhood a LEED Platinum affordable housing building now bears his name. The General Colin L. Powell Apartments in the South Bronx, NY –a cutting-edge 50-unit multifamily project—now exists thanks to a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Blue Sea Development. General Powell is expected to bring his leadership experience to this year’s opening keynote address and should serve as an inspiration to the entire green building community. The keynote address is scheduled for Wenesday, Nov. 17 from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

USGBC LEED Workshops
The USGBC (United States Green Building Council) will be offering a wide selection of LEED workshops this year taught by highly qualified LEED Education industry experts. All USGBC LEED education programs meet GBCI eligibility requirements for the LEED Green Associate, as well as credential maintenance requirements for the Green Associate and all LEED AP credentials. One workshop being offered this year is the Interior Design + Construction workshop for the aspiring eco-friendly interior designer.

ID+C 301: Implementing the Interior Design + Construction LEED Rating System
November 16, 2010
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Early: Member $375/Non-Member $450
Regular: Member $375/Non-Member $450

Learn how to apply the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system by walking through the phases of a typical project and the key decisions that project teams must make, including key stakeholder considerations. Engage in interactive, case-based activities to work hands-on with LEED implementation strategies and rating system tools, including LEED Online project forms. Required prior coursework: LEED 201: Core Concepts & Strategies or equivalent knowledge; familiarity with the rating system a must.

Penguin
Smartly dressed and debonair, the Penguin Collection brings joy and style to any space. This lever faucet provides a streamlined silhouette, upright form and horizontal spout – similar to that of a penguin.

Penguin faucet by fluid

Sublime
Inspired by the natural arc of a rainbow – one of the most beautiful wonders of nature – Sublime reaches the highest levels of form and functionality. With a gently curved spout pointing toward the sky, Sublime is the ideal fixture for vessel sinks and architectural basins of various heights and shapes.

Sublime faucet by fluid

Toucan
The Toucan line is versatile and features all the elements of effective design. The faucet’s spout is shaped exactly like the keel-billed toucan itself, allowing it to prominently extend over the sink.

Toucan faucet by fluid

All fluid faucets are WaterSense labeled and not only take inspiration from the environment, but also help to improve it.

This garden cottage is owned by artists who took a simple 1970’s ranch house and with a few subtle changes were able to create a free-flowing, bright, open floor plan with the kitchen as the hub of the living space. The redesign was then extended to the two outbuildings in the backyard that were transformed into two separate functional work spaces: one an artist studio and the other a hobby workshop.

This home demonstrates the appeal of maintaining separate work/play spaces in a small efficient package without needing one giant house to contain everything. The idyllic scene created by the lush gardens and trees also gives you an idea of how this Pacific Northwest island city has obtained such a high rating of livability.

Property Profile:

- 3 bedrooms / 2 baths
– 2 Workshop/Art Studio Outbuildings
– Approximately 1,592 square feet on .35 acres
– Expansive Deck w/ Hot Tub and Seating
– 2 Energy Efficient Propane Fireplaces
– Wood exterior, composition roof

View photos of the cottage below. For more information about this property visit http://gardencottage.bainbridgehouses.com

Bainbridge Cottage Exterior

Bainbridge Cottage Kitchen

Bainbridge Cottage Kitchen Table

Bainbridge Cottage Backyard

Artist Studio Entrance

Artist Studio Interior