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.

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

It’s 2011 – and there are still far too many people who say they want to use sustainable and healthy products in their home but who don’t fully understand what constitutes a sustainable home environment.

Unknowingly, we sometimes buy home design products without much thought to the product’s provenance or even more importantly – the product’s life-cycle. Carpets, granite, paint, even the light bulbs you use are all known to be somewhat less than ‘green,’ depending on the types you use. As for carpet: currently, the US discards approximately 4.7 billion pounds of carpet annually. That is an awful lot of landfill refuse. And we’re not even talking about the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released in the air from carpets as well as their propensity to provide ample breeding ground for various and sundry allergens. There are many carpets that are made from all natural wools, vegetable-dyed – and if you or your family are not allergic to wool, then these can be a good (and beautiful choice).

If there are allergies to contend with – right under our very sensitive noses is a tried and true product that is inherently ‘sustainable.’ A product that lasts for years and years and is easily cleaned with plain tap water. We are of course, speaking of tile; porcelain, ceramic and even recycled glass tiles.

Heck, tiles are so versatile (pun intended) that there are some tiles that even look like wood – without the maintenance issues (polishing, splintering), and there are some that even look like wainscoting – now that is creative!

Painted wood-like tile

Raised wall panel tile

More than just their inherent beauty, there are some other things to note about why tile is a healthy and sustainable choice:

No VOCs – Neither Ceramic nor porcelain tiles contain VOCs that release gas prior to, during or after installation.

LEED certification – For builders, architects and designers interested in obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for their projects, using tiles should be a natural fit. Products that meet stringent VOC restrictions contribute to LEED credits for a project.

Air quality – because ceramic tile is not an original nor secondary source of air pollution, and because it does not absorb odors — you needn’t worry about indoor air quality.

Mold inhibitors/prohibitors – Porcelain tiles are less likely to absorb moisture and they are resistant to staining, abrasion and cracking in cold weather. Because tile is chemically inert and inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, fungus & other viruses, it is ideal for use even in environments that need to be sterile.

Sustainability – the lifespan of tile products should make it a slam dunk when thinking of sustainable design. Tile’s longevity is reported to be up to four times longer than other materials. Tiles can literally last for generations.

Glazed porcelain bathroom tile

Have we convinced you to take a second look at tiles for any design project? If we haven’t – we hope the drop-dead gorgeous tiles that we’ve shown you here might help us make our case.

All tiles shown available through Hastings Tile & Bath

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.

We came across an eco-friendly and stylish solution. These cool looking Vazon Magnum translucent planters by Rotoluxe are made for indoor or outdoor use and use low watt CFL/LED lighting to give off an ambient glow. You can use them to hold your outdoor plants and place them throughout your back yard. They serve as great night lights and accent pieces.

The planters can be powered via standard wall plug or by rechargeable battery (LED lights lasting 8-10 hours). There’s also an assortment of modifications available for your planter, including speakers, outdoor draining system or fabric. Best of all, they are made of 100% recycled plastics and the low wattage will keep your energy costs to a minimum.

Find more information about the Vazon Magnum planter at www.rotoluxe.com

Vazon Magnum Translucent Planter

Caroma Caravelle 305 Elongated

Did you know that 1.4 trillion gallons of water could be saved per year if 50% of the 238 million high-flow toilets (3.5 gallons per flush) in the US were converted to a dual flush toilet? Did you know that 1.4 trillion gallons of water could be saved per year if 50% of the 238 million high-flow toilets (3.5 gallons per flush) in the US were converted to a dual flush toilet? As the worldwide leader in high efficiency dual flush toilets for commercial and residential use, Caroma toilets surpass both the U.S. federal requirement of no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf) for new toilets and the North American high efficiency toilet standard of 1.28 gpf. The Adelaide dual flush toilet from Caroma includes two buttons for flushing; the half flush which uses 0.8 gpf for liquid, and the full flush which uses 1.6 gpf for solids. Along with WaterSense-approved performance, Adelaide toilets feature a large trap together with the flush-down technology that virtually eliminates blockages. Now through the month of May, Caroma is offering 50% off the list price of their dual flush toilets (participating US retail locations only). To receive a 50% off coupon via email, customers can log onto http://www.caromausa.com/oneflush.

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Watermark Designs - Titanium

Another way to conserve water is install lavatory faucets equipped with water-reduction aerators. Leading decorative plumbing manufacturer Watermark Designs now offers efficient water-reduction aerators which enable innovative user-controlled volume reduction. Available with the lavatory faucets in Watermark Designs’ cutting-edge contemporary collections, including Napa, Titanium, Touch27 by Clodagh and Prêt-a-vive, these high-performance aerators can be adjusted from 2.22 to 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) flow-rates, exceeding the industry standard of 2.25 gpm. The user can effectively conserve water by keeping the aerator at the lowest flow-rate setting and if they require a higher rate, they can simply turn the device up. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Watermark Designs utilizes their own R&D department specializing in water delivery technologies to develop water-saving fixtures that are AB 1953 certified, CSA tested, and MA code approved.

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Stone Forest Onyx Sink

Stone Forest - Bamboo Sink

Using products made of sustainable materials can also help the environment by reducing waste and creating recycling opportunities. By taking cues from nature’s blueprint, Stone Forest® creates classic and contemporary kitchen & bath designs from stone, bronze, bamboo, copper, iron and hardwoods. As a durable, renewable and water-resistant natural material, bamboo continues to be an exciting material for Stone Forest’s growing collection of designs. A new drop-in version of their award-winning modular SYNC™ series, the SYNC Drop-in Sinks are now available in bamboo as well as honed basalt and multi-colored onyx. www.stoneforest.com

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Studio Italia - UFO

Saving electricity by using energy efficient lighting is another tactic to making a more sustainable world. Studio Italia Design, one of Italy’s most innovative lighting designers and manufacturers, is also leading the “eco-charge” with LED lights, fluorescent lamping and other energy efficient lighting solutions for contemporary spaces. The chic UFO chandelier from Studio Italia Design is a mix-and-match tour de force. Its curvaceous and sculptural shape provides the ideal amount of diffused lighting using CFLs. The UFO is available in gold, silver or white acrylic with the choice of semi-covering colors in red, white, green and dark blue. As a completely customizable fixture, one can create their own distinct pendant combining all or any of the available colors as they see fit. www.sid-usa.com


Studio Hindia was  established by designer Fitorio Leksono and architect Adisty Kanastari in Bali, Indonesia. After they finished their studies at the Bandung Institute of Technology, they both worked for various companies in Indonesia and Singapore before they decided to form their own studio. Their work is a combination of playfulness and the unique diversity of Indonesian culture.

Here are some pictures of the stool and the process of creation. Click on any image to view a larger version.

Reclaimed Wood Smile Stool

Reclaimed Wood Smile Stool

Process of Creating Smile Stool

All photos provided by Studio Hindia

Bedding:

Nourish in Grass Bedding

Estrella in Pure White

Morning Glory Bedding

There are so many amazing, designer bedding options out there. Here are just a few that use a nature inspired print in their designs. These designs were all designed byMike & Jennifer Tuttle.

All of these bedding designs are available at: InhabitLiving.com

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Artwork:

These images provided by: WhiteWalls.com

Windy Fields

Ocean Avenue

Lonely Forest

Here are a few examples of nature in art that might just be perfect for your bedroom’s decor. These are just a few examples of nature in art, as there is surely the perfect piece of art for your bedroom that will bring nature indoors and give you your own, warm, fuzzy feeling inside when you look at it.

These images provided by: WhiteWalls.com

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Lighting:

These images provided by ELSEWARES.com

Pine Lumen Oil Lamp

Nest Lumen Oil Lamp

Nest Lumen Oil Lamp

These innovative oil lamps, the Pine Lumen & the Nest Lumen are created by the Brooklyn artist and inventor Adam Frank. These are excellent soft light sources that also create a  luminous shadow on a near surface. These lamps are great for mantles or shelves in your bedroom.

You can find these lamps at ELSEWARES.com

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Bleu Nature Driftwood Lamps

Samsan Wood Base Lamp

Driftwood Lamp

These lights are all based on using sticks and driftwood in their design. They are very nice examples of how using natural raw materials in your bedroom design might also fit your style.

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Plants:

Lotus Bamboo

Spider Plant

Lily Plant

One of the best ways to bring a nature infused look into your bedroom is to actually use plants in your designs. The bedroom is one place that people overlook the use of plants, but some nice bamboo shoots, a Lilly or a nice spider plant might just be the touch your bedroom needs. Not to mention they will help improve the air that you breath while you sleep!