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- Cool Kirei Tiles Made From Real Coconut
- One Parisian Apartment’s Ingenious Use of Space
- A Triangular Tank Toilet is Ideal for a Small Bathroom
- Green Housing Legal Advice: Litigation Issues - Part II
| Cool Kirei Tiles Made From Real Coconut Posted: 08 Feb 2010 02:23 PM PST If you've ever been told that you're a bit nutty, then this newest design material is definitely for you. Kirei, a Solana Beach, California-based company, has found a way to transform discarded coconut shells into fascinating wall tiles and panels.
Kirei Coco Tiles are an entire series of eco-friendly designs made from coconut shells. The shells are glued to plywood backers using only low- or zero-VOC resins and adhesives. Not only are these products made from 30-percent recycled materials, but they are remarkably unique.
Look at all the different designs for these tiles! Somewhat mosaic in appearance, Coco Tiles come in many different patterns, including basket weaving, checkerboard and swags. There is surprising variation in color, with a wide array of browns, tans and even more striking tones that create the effects of black and white.
Tiles are 1 square foot in size, while wall panels are 4×4. With such a unique new product, there's really no end to the design applications they could serve. Coco Tiles have been used in furniture design, wall coverings, cabinetry, flooring and other clever interior design uses.
While any application of Coco tiles will look attractive and artistic, purchasing them is also a great way to promote responsibly harvested wood products and eco-friendly materials, making them a great prospect for earning LEED credits for your new build project. |
| One Parisian Apartment’s Ingenious Use of Space Posted: 08 Feb 2010 01:15 PM PST Walls. They're so bourgeois, non? Unless, of course, they're used in a totally functional way. An advertising exec living in Paris hired h2o Architects to completely rehab his digs. The mission: eliminate walls without a clear purpose, open up the small space and make better use of the remaining walls.
Originally, the tiny apartment consisted of six miniscule rooms, each completely compartmentalized with a door to the entryway. The new design, however, allows for a continuous flow from one end of the home to another. The walls themselves serve various functions for each room.
The idea was to make the apartment more spacious and efficient by using the negative space just as vigorously as the positive. The result is partial room dividers-slash-bookshelves, display niches and built-in cabinetry.
Added wall thickness provides even more storage space and functionality.
But not all walls are created equal. Some are thicker than others, and are composed at odd angles. This was done on purpose; some of the walls need more depth for the functions they serve. It also it allowed the designers to create natural-looking nooks in what might otherwise be a distraction. |
| A Triangular Tank Toilet is Ideal for a Small Bathroom Posted: 08 Feb 2010 10:48 AM PST
DirectBuy carries a wide range of bathroom remodeling products to help you make the most of your bathroom space and give your bathrooms the style you want. From tile of all types for flooring and vanity tops to lighting , sinks and more. You will find savings up to 50% off retail to remodel your bathroom. |
| Green Housing Legal Advice: Litigation Issues - Part II Posted: 08 Feb 2010 10:16 AM PST This post is the second of a three part series. Part III will cover Legal Contract Advice and is due for publication the third week of February,2010. This is a guest post by Andrea Goldman, the principal in the Law Office of Andrea Goldman 305 Walnut Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02460. She is a litigator, mediator and arbitrator. Ms. Goldman focuses on construction, contractor/homeowner and business law. She is fluent in Spanish and French and has served international clients in their native language. For more information about Andrea Goldman visit andreagoldmanlaw.com or call (617) 467-3072.
Click here to read Part-I of this series - Green Housing Legal Advice: The Basics Potential areas for risk include the following:
CertificationContractors and homeowners need to discuss certification options. They should consider using a design team to maximize cost savings and think about whether it is worth pursuing a level of certification. Both should be aware of the possibility of an increased financial burden. Contractors and homeowners will want to familiarize themselves with local and state laws that may affect certification (zoning, conservation commission). Homeowners should be made aware of the changing nature of certification (requirements are fluid) by contractors, and most importantly, the potential for the need to renew certification after a certain number of years. Rebates and Tax IncentivesFamiliarize yourself with the requirements for rebates and tax incentives. Designate responsibility for the acquisition of rebates in the contract. Contractors would want homeowners to assume responsibility for the rebates, and vice-versa. Green materials and suppliesBeware of "greenwashing" and the potential for fraud. Educate yourself about alternatives in green products and systems. Clearly spell out in the contract who has chosen the green options and who is responsible for them. Make sure to ask for all manufacturers' warranties. Find out about implied warranties in your state. WarrantiesClearly delineate warranties for materials, installation and performance. Allocate risk between the contractor and the homeowner. Again, be aware of implied warranties in your state. PerformanceHomeowners should ask for guarantees in the contract, and contractors should avoid giving guarantees that cannot be implemented. Allocate risk amongst builders, subcontractors, suppliers and owners. Account for regional variations in performance. Make sure warranties are included. Discuss and delineate maintenance responsibilities in the contract. SuppliersOnly choose reputable suppliers. Make sure you acquire all necessary documentation for installation, warranties and rebates. Include disclaimers for materials chosen by consumers. Ensure that proper installation procedures are followed, or the manufacturer's warranty could be invalidated. Resources :
Part III of this series, Green Housing Legal Advice: Contracts will be published next week. |
When you have a small bathroom, every inch of space counts. A triangular tank toilet is the best choice because it can fit neatly into a corner instead of wasting space with a more traditional tank.
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