Tuesday, June 22, 2010

PREtty FABulous!

Prefab: [adj., n. pree-fab; v. pree-fab]

-adjective
1. prefabricated - to manufacture in standardized parts or sections ready for quick assembly and erection, as buildings.

-noun
2. something that is prefabricated, as a building or fixture: You would never know that such an attractive house is a prefab.

-verb (used with object)
3. to prefabricate.

Origin: 1935-1940; by shortening

Prefabrication is the practice of assembling components of a structure in a factory or other manufacturing site, and transporting complete assemblies or sub-assemblies to the construction site where the structure is to be located.

Prefab has come a long way as far as design and sustainability is concerned. Ready-built or large preconstructed homes have been available in multiple forms since at least the mid-1800's. Ranging in style from cottages and mobile homes to architects' visions. Prefabricated homes stand poised to move house construction into a greener future, according to some members of the building industry. More history...

There are several OUTSTANDING architects, designers, and companies out there that are working towards improving prefab and our environment at the same time. Our favorite company that excels in both design and sustainablity is LivingHomes. This company is lead by Steve Glenn, who works with leading architects to create lines of homes that feature modern form and functionality and an unprecedented level of healthy/sustainable materials and energy systems. LivingHomes worked with Ray Kappe, FAIA to design the first residence in the United States to earn LEED Platinum, which is the highest level of certification from USGBC.

LivingHomes focuses on what they call the Six Degrees of Sustainability including: energy, water, waste, emissions, carbon, and ignorance. One very intriguing 'degree' of sustainability with this company is the 'waste' impact. The company has laid out a four-step process to reduce waste. In fact, these processes allow LivingHomes to achieve about a 2% waste level — in other words, 98% of the construction products are reused, recycled or otherwise diverted from landfills. Melissa Hincha-Ownby of 1800recycling.com wrote this article on their ideals.

Step one of the four-step zero waste goal is the deconstruction process. If the prospective home site has a building currently on it, LivingHomes works with The ReUse People to deconstruct the building and separate the reusable and recyclable goods. The ReUse People is a part of The ReUse Institute, and is dedicated to helping divert demolition and deconstruction materials from local landfills.

The second step is the use of locally sourced, recycled or reclaimed materials. LivingHomes made in the United States are manufactured in California, and regionally sourced materials are used when available.

Step three ensures that the process that goes into making the home can be reversed so that the product can be deconstructed and reused at the end of its life.

The final step in the process is what is called moveable millwork. In other words, you can move the walls around in your home during the design phase without the need for new building materials.

Other Fabulous PreFab Companies:
- takes an innovative approach that merges straw bale construction with prefabricated panels, with an end result that is highly attractive, energy-efficient and very sustainable. If prefab is your thing, ModCell is definitely a company you’ll want to look into.


  • - This Los Angeles-based design firm run by architects Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner has a distinctly modern style using sleek lines and minimalist undertones.

West Elm - Fall Collection

I didn't know my love for West Elm could grow more - but it has! Introducing:


I love all of the neutral colors, artwork, and new fabrics!! Thank you West Elm for then inspiration... If only they had a store in Boise, ID.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Creative & Useful Nightstands

Nightsands today have evolved into not only a design element but also to serve a purpose. These new designs are now considered side tables for other uses than the bedroom. Home-Designing has found several side tables across the globe that keep us intrigued and inspired. These designs encompass the use of glass, wood, steel, plastic, and many other materials. This first side table even has a waterproof surface.



Wednesday, June 16, 2010

M_A_T_E_R_I_A_L_I_T_Y_____ x 1

Each week we're going to start highlighting 10 new products that we've come across in our research.

eco by Consentino
75% post consumer recycled mirror, glass, porcelain, and stone scraps with corn oil derived binder. Sold through Home Depot and Lowe's for around $70-$80 per square foot. 10 color options with two textures. Slab size is 63"x128".











ABR

Wall curtain panels that can fold up like bi-fold doors made of industrial felt (90% wool, 10% other fiber material) with aluminum structure. Two color options and two pattern options. Designed and manufactured in Spain (customization available)











LZF Lamps

Lighting company that introduced this wooden wall screen at the 2010 ICFF. Other veneer color options available.











Brent Comber Lighting and Furniture

Vancouver based design studio that designs Northwest inspired pieces from reclaimed/sustainable sources. Wood is sourced locally from Vancouver area from fallen trees, cast offs at mills, and the only waste generated is sawdust that is composted.













Emeco 111 Navy Chair

Partnership between Emeco and Coca Cola. Made of 111 recycled plastic bottles (65% recycled material, 35% pigment, glass fiber and fire inhibitor). Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, as well as, commercial. Made in the US and sold through Design Within Reach for $230/chair. 6 colors available.












Corona Solar Light
These light fixtures are currently conceptual but were displayed at the 2007 ICFF that staff member, Tara, attended. These are amazing and we can't wait to see them hit the market. Be sure to sign up on their website to be notified when they are available for sale.







Rainwater Hog
Rainwater catchment tanks manufactured in US and Australia. For above ground use but compact design allows for going under decks or standing upright against house, etc. Made of food grade plastic and is 100% recyclable. Each tank holds 51 gallons.












Coverings, Etc.
Carry a variety of products: 100% recycled glass countertops, terrazo flooring and countertops, fiber cement panels and tiles, porcelain tile, and 100% recycled aluminum panels and tiles comprised from aircraft parts.






Parasoleil
16 oz, 3'x8', +90% recycled content copper paneling with laser cut patterns. There are 5 standard patterns and 3 patina options. Capability for custom patterns, material, and patinas available at additional charge.

Company located in Boulder, CO and all materials and manufacturing is located in the United States.






Building Dashboard

Perfect application for education component in LEED building. Is an easy to read system that breaks down a building's energy/water/consumption/etc. Allows ability to join online network to "compete" with other companies. Can set goals, break down by floor, upload specific green features of building to be highlighted on kiosks, provides green tips, and on and on.





If you know of a sustainable product that you'd like to share, please email Tara at tara@kiefferdesigngroup.com so that she can highlight it in the next post!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Nama Rococo

Oh My Goodness! This wallcovering is so fabulous you could literally use it as artwork if you so desire...

Nama Rococo wallcoverings are all hand-painted and hand-screened on acid-free French Paper. They have a variety of color choices and all of the designs are based on their love of old fashioned beauty. The wallcoverings have a feel of antique romance with a splash of contemporary design and the colors, they say, come from music.

They are sold in sheets for artwork or you can seamlessly cover an entire room.

For more designs, check out their website here.