design lessons from Solar Decathlon 2011

For the next 10 days the National Mall in Washington, D.C. will showcase innovative, design-forward and energy efficient solar homes, along with the many bright young college students who built them.  Solar Decathlon 2011 is hosting 20 collegiate teams from around the world building solar houses to compete in 10 categories that will ultimately determine the winning design that:

is affordable, attractive, and easy to live in;

maintains comfortable and healthy indoor environmental conditions;

supplies energy to household appliances for cooking, cleaning, and entertainment;

provides adequate hot water;

produces as much or more energy than it consumes.

I have to give a shout out to Team Canada, made up of 50 students from the University of Calgary whose  solar design is inspired by the traditional native tipi, but with a rounded roof and south-facing windows to use the sun as a source of energy. Inside, the home is open-concept and marries tradition with technology. Materials and colour palettes reflect native customary art and the natural environment, yet innovative technologies such as an air-to-water heat pump and photovoltaic system illustrate how we need to think about energy in our homes today and into the future. The house is certainly one that values culture and promotes sustainability.

Team Canada TRTL House

The lesson on energy efficiency from the solar homes is obvious: we need to start using technologically advanced systems that allow us to use water and energy wisely.  But what design lesson can we take away from these unique homes? 

Adapt to our environment. 

The homes all seem to reflect the geographical area from which they came. In addition to Team Canada’s inspired-by-nature home, Team Florida’s home is very open in order to promote the healthy indoor-outdoor Florida lifestyle. Team New Zealand’s house uses natural, low-maintenance materials (recycled sheep’s wool as insulation) and is designed to work with the elements and changing climate.  Team China’s Y-shaped solar house is made from pre-fab shipping containers, so that the home can expand or contract depending on family needs at the time. And Team New York’s Solar Roofpod is intended to be used on top of existing urban midrise buildings, taking advantage of largely unused space.

Team New Zealand

Smart take-aways from our next generation of architects, engineers, designers and innovators. 


Are you in Washington and taking in the solar homes on display? If so, post a comment to let me know what you liked most. 

repurposing: the answer to over-consumption?

I recently read a very interesting book by Annie Leonard called The Story of Stuff. In it she describes our consumer society as "a system in crisis" and gives some frightening facts about how our materialistic values are now threatening our very being.

In a nutshell, the system is flawed throughout various stages :

1. Extraction- we are running out of our precious resources like trees, water and food.

2. Production- we use too much energy, add toxic chemicals that are harming us and polluting our atmosphere.

3. Distribution- we promote shopping and consumption by measuring our value based on the amount of stuff we own.

4. Dumpsites- we are filling up our landfills and releasing toxins into the air through incineration.

Leonard says that "1% of the stuff we buy is still in use 6 months later." Wow, 99% of the stuff we think we need gets tossed? That's a wake-up call.  Another disturbing fact: manufacturers are either intentionally making products that don't last, or they are creating perceptions that the products are outdated and useless, so that we must buy new all over again. Ever noticed that refrigerators don't last as long as they did when we were kids? And think about how many times we've upgraded our phones, computers and TV's in the last few years? Did we really need to?

It is definitely something to take pause over. I have been increasingly conscious of not buying things for my home just because they are so inexpensive. Yes, that cool retro clock may be a steal for $10 but I really don't need another clock. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against capitalism and I'm certainly not against decorating our homes to make them comfortable and stylish. I believe we are fortunate that our circumstances grant us the luxury to make our homes and our lives into a true reflection of who we are. But we should be able to do it in a responsible way that will be sustainable for our planet.

What's the answer to all of this? 

Maybe its reusing and repurposing. 

Think about how our grandparents used to live and the fantastic furniture they had. Many of those pieces are hanging around today and they are the best pieces in our homes. Hang onto and cherish them. Look for them at thrift stores and estate sales, or in your parents' attic. Use your crafty skills to repaint an old ugly lamp or picture frame instead of buying new. Cover your existing throw pillows in new fabric when you want to change with the seasons, instead of purchasing a  whole new pillow. Look for stuff outdoors. A couple of birch branches and some interesting rocks make for great conversation starters in your living room.

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The average house size in North America has doubled since the 1970's, and we still have more stuff than we can fit inside them. Let's take the time to sort out what we have. Let's try not to buy new when we don't have to. When we do, let's invest in quality pieces, hopefully locally made, that will last so that we can hand them down to our kids.

This is obviously a huge global problem that we cannot remedy individually. But the piece of this scary system that we can control is our own consumption. I'm going to try to be more mindful. Are you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on over-consumption and what we might be able to do to help curb it. Please leave a comment! 

green idea: painting old kitchen cabinets

                                                                       Source: papernstitchblog.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

One of the most economical and environmentally friendly ways of remodeling a kitchen is to paint your existing cabinets. And yes, you can achieve professional looking results yourself if you take the time to do it right. 

                                                        Source: kitchenbacksplashes.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

1. Clean the cabinets. Preparation is the most important step in the process of painting your cabinets, and it is very important to make sure that all of the surfaces you are going to paint are completely free of all grease, grime, food residue and whatever else may be stuck to them.When doing this remove the doors and hardware and lay them out flat. Use an all purpose cleaner and a rag and then allow them to dry thoroughly.

2. Sand the cabinets. Once dry, use a piece of fine grit sandpaper - 150 or finer - and make a few passes over all the flat surfaces of the doors. Don't forget to do the thin facing pieces on the cabinet boxes themselves. The slightly sanded surface will allow the primer to better hold onto the surface and greatly increase longevity of the paint job. 

3. Apply primer. After sanding, it's time to prime the cabinets. Primer forms a better bond with the surface than paint alone would.  If your cabinets are already painted and you are re-painting them the same color, it is OK to skip this step and go ahead and apply the paint. If, however, your cabinets are stained and you are trying to cover up the natural wood grain with paint, you must prime them first. The paint will not stick to the varnished surface and the color of the stain will most likely bleed right through your paint.

There are several types of primer that you can use, and which one you choose is largely based on what kind of paint you want to use over the top. If you are using an oil-based paint, an interior oil based primer is recommended. These products tend to have a very strong odor and they are best used when you can properly ventilate the room. 

If you are planning to use a latex paint for your top coat, then a shellac based primer is recommended. This product tends to dry fairly quickly, so make sure that you are ready to go before you begin applying it. The shellac based primers, just like the oil based, carry a very strong odor and caution should be used.

4. Paint the cabinets. There are a couple of ways to apply the paint. A pneumatic sprayer is the best way to get a smooth and glossy finish. If you don't have access to one, however, you can still get a great finish by using a high quality paint brush - 2 1/2" to 3" would be ideal.

The key to achieving a professional finish with a brush is to use very thin coats. It may be tempting to try to coat the paint on as thick as possible just so you can be finished, but DON'T. The best and most durable paint jobs are built up by consecutive thin layers of paint.

5. Sand and add additional coats. In between coats, take some 320 grit sandpaper and very lightly sand the flat surfaces again so that you have the smoothest possible surface for your next coat. Use a tack cloth to wipe away all the dust, and go on to your next coat. You will likely need 2-4 coats. 

Let dry 24 hours and then hang the doors and install the hardware. Viola- new kitchen without consuming new materials.

                                                                            Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                         Source: caitlinwilsondesign.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                                           Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

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Check out my posts on green backsplashes and countertops as well. 

friday favourites: ultra cool green products

My picks of the week are these are totally creative and cool eco-friendly designs.

recycled book desk

reclaimed courtside desk

iphone sustainably harvested wood clock dock

cardboard drink package light

Have you seen any other sustainable or green home design products to share?

repurposing at its best

I recently came across these inspiring adaptive re-uses of commercial space which prove that existing buildings and infrastructure can most definitely be used to accommodate new and growing needs.  Just like with homes, transforming a space into what you need for today is a sustainable option that also creates great character.

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 This shop occupies a vault beneath an old railway viaduct in Zurich.

 This fantastic gallery was transformed from a Swiss service station.

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west coast homes: a study in sustainability, simplicity and harmony with nature

I was wowed recently on a trip to Vancouver, B.C. with how lush and green the city and surrounding area is, and how residents seem to value this natural phenomenon and incorporate it into their lifestyles. Parks are abundant, rooftop gardens are on countless skyscrapers and downtown buildings, and vines and plants are allowed to grow up and around city infrastructure. The thing that impressed me most, though, are the homes and how they are in harmony with their stunning natural surroundings. 

Hotchkiss House by Scott Edwards

West coast architecture is organic and distinctive to the Pacific northwestern coasts of Canada and the U.S.  It is significantly influenced by revered architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who was quoted as saying, "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." 

home in Horseshoe Bay, B.C.

One of Wright's most well-known mentees was Arthur Erickson, a Vancouver-born architect who left his stamp on Vancouver homes and city developments. Erickson said "Architecture, as I see it, is the art of composing spaces in response to existing environmental and urbanistic conditions to answer a client's needs. In this way the building becomes the resolution between its inner being and the outer conditions imposed upon it. It is never solitary but is part of its setting and thus must blend in a timeless way with its surroundings yet show its own fresh presence."

Smith House by Erickson

Erickson was obviously plugged in to the current slow home idea of building homes that will last and be relevant for many generations.  His homes use wood, exposed beams, and indoor-outdoor spaces with sweeping views of the coastal surroundings. Erickson's homes, like true west coast homes, were built not on top of the land, but as a part of it, designed to fit in as a piece of a whole.

Graham house by Arthur Erickson

As you can see from this home of Erickson's, the oldest left standing in Vancouver, the simplicity of clean lines and earth-inspired design are integrated seamlessly. 

Stegman house by Erickson

 The trend today toward minimalist design fits perfectly with west coast architectural style, and proves that simple and live-able design that harmonizes with our natural surroundings will always remain relevant and modern.

West Coast home

spotlight on...George Nelson

image courtesy of Herman Miller

George Nelson (1908-1986) was one of the most innovative and influential mid-century modernist designers and architects, well known for furniture designs such as the Platform Bench and the Coconut Chair.  But did you know he was also one of the first designers who thought about sustainability in design? Nelson felt that designers must be "aware of the consequences of their actions on people and society and thus cultivate a broad base of knowledge and understanding." Nelson himself certainly followed this principle. His ultimate goal as a designer was "to do much more with much less”. He sought an environment that was clean of pollutants, and also one that was visually, audibly and chemically clean.

Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller

Nelson BCS Three Drawer 

Nelson’s designs were also functional, flexible and straightforward. Along with the concept of using fewer materials, this may be why his designs are still extremely popular today. Many of his pieces are still being produced: classics like his Platform Bench, designed for Herman Miller in 1946; the Nelson BCS three drawer basic cabinet; the Nelson Swag Leg Desk; and the Nelson Coconut Chair. 

Nelson Swag Leg Desk 

Popularity today no doubt is due to the functionality of the pieces for today’s lifestyle.  We live at a fast pace and want our furniture to make our lives easier and more comfortable. Take the Swag Leg Desk, for example. Its reintroduction by Herman Miller was driven by the propensity for using laptops and wanting a simple and stylish desk to put it on.  Nelson didn’t know it, but he created today’s perfect workstation.

Nelson Coconut Chair

As today’s masses become more and more concerned, rightfully so, with sustainability and functionality, we can look to the past to rediscover simplicity of form along with ease of use… and Nelson pieces that are sustainable into the 21^st Century.

green product roundup

It's becoming easier to find eco-friendly furniture and home products, especially online. I've recently come across some that are pretty interesting.

These "wall flats" from Inhabit are an interesting wall covering, and especially great to hide old panelled or wallpapered walls. They are made from a bi-product of sugar cane that would normally be sent to a landfill or burned as biomass. 

Mod Pieces offers vintage lighting that come in all kinds of wonderful shapes and colours. Both the bases and shades are refreshed vintage. 

The fantastic throw rugs from Fab Habitat are made from 100% recycled plastic - polypropylene straws to be exact. Makes for a great indoor or outdoor product. 

Such a cool idea: exhibiting photos and artwork on sustainably grown and harvested plywood panels from Plywerk. 

Room & Board makes these great indoor/outdoor end and coffee tables from 100% post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastic. 

Finally, count on good old West Elm to give us eco-friendly bedding choices. This Organic Rice Pintuck duvet cover is 100% organic cotton certified by GOTS. 

Got any other green products to share? 

green idea: diy wood counter and table top

Yesterday I showed you the lovely vacation home that my uncle and aunt renovated. They did all of the work themselves, and my uncle is quite the handyman. He hand-made the polished wood counter top for the bathroom instead of buying new.

He was kind enough to give me instructions on how he managed to get that rich, dark, ultra-smooth finish, and so I'm sharing his secret with all of you.

1.  Top is made from 2' x 4' x 3/4" knotty pine plywood (you can purchase from hardware stores in 1/4 sheet size).

2.  Edge is made from 1" x 2" x 4' pine.

3.  Cut plywood to size and draw and cut out the hole for your sink.

4. Attach edging with water-based carpenter's glue and by countersinking a finish nail on each end. Make sure to wipe up any excess glue with a damp cloth right away. Use a non-shrinking and stain-able wood filler to fill in the holes - he likes LePage.

5. After drying for 24 hours, sand with 320 grit sandpaper.

6. Apply wood sealer as per manufacturer's instructions.

7. Apply 3 coats of stain (waiting 6 hours between each coat) in your choice of colour- he used Flecto Varathan Diamond Wood Stain in Dark Walnut. But here's the trick- DO NOT wipe off excess stain when applying the coats. It allows it to sink into the wood for a darker finish.

8.Once dry, apply 5 coats of latex polyurethane - he used Flecto Varathane Diamond Wood Finish in satin. Sand with 320 grit paper in between each coat until smooth to the touch. Make sure to use tack cloth to wipe the counter down after each sanding.

He also made this side table from scratch, with the same kind of smooth wood top, but painted instead of stained.

1. Made from 3 knotty pine 2" x 6" boards, cut to 24" lengths (an old butcher block would also work well).

2. Ideally, use biscuits to join the boards together; alternatively use wood glue and clamps and let dry for 24 hours.

3. Sand and prime.

4. Apply 3-5 coats of black satin paint, lightly sanding with 320-400 grit between each coat.

5. He never mentioned a protective coat on the top, so don't think he used one here, but you could use a latex polyurethane if you want, sanding after each coat.

Don't these look amazing? What a great way to be eco-friendly and not over-spend or over-consume. Sustainable design that is within reach for all of us!

PS- I have the full instructions on how to build the rest of the table if anyone is interested- just ask.

I'm linked up here. Check out some other great projects!

spotlight on...slow home design

What is slow home design? Basically, it is the principle of slowing down to design homes and spaces that are sustainable, practical and functional.

The slow home movement began in 2006 when John Brown, Matthew North, and Carina van Olm wanted to create a "critical response to the poor design practices that pervade the mass housing industry. Our intent is to advocate for a more thoughtful approach to residential design that improves the quality of our daily lives and reduces our impact on the environment".  Slow Home Studio, founded by principals John Brown and Matthew North in Calgary, Alberta, strives for a more “considered, calm and intuitive” approach to residential design. The concept is to use well-considered design principles to create smaller homes that will be both environmentally sustainable and literally so, in the sense of being built to endure.  The practice also includes remodels of existing, appropriately sized older homes that need updating.

Brown says in an interview with The Chicago Tribune  that a slow home is:

"reasonably sized and carefully designed to support its occupants. It might have an entry where family members can easily take off their boots, stash their keys and store their backpacks, for example. It might have a living space that encourages people to talk or read, not just watch television or surf the Internet. It's energy efficient, filled with natural light and designed for easy flow among rooms and access to the outside."

North, in this interview with The Calgary Herald says:

"I think the boom of the big-house era is coming to an end. So those houses will be less desirable and valuable as time goes on," North says . . . Expect a shift to smaller, more energy-efficient homes, North says, and a move away from homes on the fringes of cities. A decade ago, a 5,000-sq.-ft. home sounded like a dream to some. These days, that much square footage "sounds like a noose around your neck. There's uncertainty about the energy cost to heat your house."

Slow Home Studio offers "12 Steps to a Slow Home.",  very interesting how-to to get started on your own home.  And they offer weekend in-studio courses on slow home design, which I am excited to be participating in this Fall.

I'm a big fan of the slow home movement, especially since my focus is on redesign instead of consuming new. Where possible, I encourage clients to look at redesigning their home to make it work better for them, instead of starting from scratch. I also try to use existing furniture, whether it is already in the home, or found on Craig's List or at a thrift or antique store. Even better is hand-me-down family furniture - the stuff our grandparents had was so well-made! 

Slowing down to design a space that is functional, long-lasting, meets the needs of the family now and later, and is, of course, stylish and comfortable - that's the aim with every project I tackle. Watch for more posts as I continue to study and learn about sustainable and slow home design. 

What do you think of slow home design? What is your take on the concept and do you incorporate it into your home?

i'm obsessed with...retro mod style

Did anyone else get hooked on the miniseries "The Kennedys"? I loved seeing the mid-century modern furniture and decor styles (not to mention Jackie's fab dresses). Lately I've been more and more drawn to retro styles from the 50's and 60's. The clean, simple and flowing lines are attractive, and the pops of colour create irresistible interest.

                                                                            Source: weheartit.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

I must say, however, that I like mixing this style with a 21st century approach, meaning I don't want my home to feel like I am actually living in the mid-20th century! So a few key elements go a long way. Pick one or two and don't over-do it.

                                                               Source: modern-decors.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

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What to look for?

One or two great furniture pieces: fibreglass, plastics and plywood were big, and chrome elements came into play, which work for today as well .

                                                          Source: fullhouseconsign.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

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Bold colour: turquoise, avocado, mustard yellow, navy, orange and brown.

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                                                             Source: modern-decors.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Big patterns: wallpapers or fabric covered chairs and sofas with bold, graphic patterns.

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                                                           Source: inspirationbubble.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Accessories: quirky and odd-shaped decorations plus utilitarian items like radios or salt and pepper shakers in great mod colours.

                                                                      Source: etsy.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

                                                          Source: inspirationbubble.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Do you like the mid-century modern style? Do you have anything in your home from this era?