Home

Zarkon Group Real Estate Builders & Developers > Blog > Home

Tag: Home

Floating home concept made from recycled materials
CategoriesSustainable News

Floating home concept made from recycled materials

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Floating homes are increasingly seen as a viable housing option. Copenhagen-based MAST architecture studio’s concept of modular structures makes the idea sustainable by building with recycled materials and incorporating marine-friendly shapes into the design.

Called Land on Water, the studio’s concept uses flat-packed modules made from recycled plastic to create the floating base. Designed to be easy to ship and assemble, the system is customisable. Once the bases are built, they can be connected in a variety of configurations, providing everything from a floating pool to homes and recreation space. More or less support can be added as needed as a community develops and changes.

MAST uses gabion construction for the bases, which is a series of mesh cages filled with flotation supports. In this case, the studio recommends locally sourced, recycled materials. Sea creatures can live safely in, on, and around the cages, and the studio explicitly eliminates harmful chemicals and other materials from the design in order to better support and live in partnership with marine life.

Currently working on a prototype, the studio seeks partners interested in developing the concept for a range of projects.

As well as floating homes, Springwise has spotted floating work pods and floating solar farms taking advantage of the flexibility of working with water, rather than against it.  

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

7 Simple Steps to Decarbonize Your Home
CategoriesSustainable News Zero Energy Homes

7 Simple Steps to Decarbonize Your Home

By Zarkon Group,

By Peter Dull

With carbon emissions reaching an all-time high, it is important to discuss how we, as a global community, can minimize the carbon load of our buildings. As of March 29th of 2019, we surpassed over 410 ppm (parts per million) of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. To put this into perspective, our sea levels have risen between 0.1 to 0.13 inches per year; and our global temperature rises 2 to 3 degrees Celsius yearly because of carbon emissions. These astronomical figures are the necessary wake-up calls we need in order to help meet the goals of the Paris Agreement*.

*The Paris Agreement is a worldwide initiative that calls for action on the threat of climate change. The agreement consists of two parts: decrease the global temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius yearly and increase access for countries that require resources (i.e. technology and finance).

What is Decarbonization?

Decarbonizing our homes is one of many ways we can be more conscious of our current lifestyles. Decarbonization refers to the removal of carbon from the environment. In the case of housing, homeowners can reduce energy use and reliance on fossil fuels (i.e. gas furnaces), and choose building materials that require either low amounts of carbon emissions to manufacture and transport, or actively sequestrate carbon by storing carbon that is drawn from the atmosphere. We will address why you should consider your energy and material uses, and how you can develop a carbon-neutral home.

How Can You Decarbonize Your Home?Graphic show three strategies to decarbonize your home

 

Energy Efficiency

When considering how to decarbonize your living space, first think of this in terms of the amount of energy (and carbon) being used. You can reduce your carbon load by losing less energy to leakage, making use of passive heating and cooling, and upgrading the efficiency of your appliances.

Insulate and Eliminate Air Leaks

As Katrin Klingenberg, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Passive House Institute US, says “The greenest energy is the energy we don’t use at all.” A well insulated house which is extremely airtight has an oversized impact on the heating and cooling needs and therefore reduces carbon emissions. If you go for a Passive House standard, you can see overall energy savings as much as 90% on space heating. Innovative new products such as Havelock wool insulation and Aerobarrier have envelope sealing technology that make this easier and more cost effective than ever before.

High-Performance Windows & Doors 

You may ask yourself “aren’t all windows and doors created the same?” While this may sound realistic, there are advantages when you invest time researching these products. Not only can you allow natural ventilation in your home, you also can have a virtually airtight seal when closed.

Natural Lighting and Passive Solar

Using skylights and repositioning your windows at home are some savvy ways to change-up your home. Skylights and windows reduce the need for artificial lighting and rely on more beneficial, natural lighting to lighten up the aesthetics in your home. By repositioning your windows to face southward, your home can be protected with overhangs to protect against the high summer sun and be aligned with the recently-trending design of Passive solar. If you are looking to buy supplies that reduce your sunlight intake, buy some awnings and window shutters to make that possible.

Efficient Lighting and Appliances

Your electric load can be greatly reduced by using LED lighting in your home.

Always look for Energy Star appliances that are certified to use less energy to get the job done.

Intelligence Controlled

As a quick reminder, always remember that when you are not using something, turn it off or close it off! As simple as it sounds, many homeowners seem to forget, resulting in a utility bill higher than their expected value.

Now that we are immersed in the “digital age,” it is easier than ever to control your home through your smartphone and/or virtual home assistants. This type of intelligence can save you money as you can monitor and control your usage from virtually anywhere to reduce energy use. Some innovative products include airtouch and switchmate.

Renewable Energy

Currently, the average American household produces 7.5 tons of carbon dioxide per year. By switching to renewable power sources, homeowners not only save money on their utility bills, but can reduce their carbon footprint. Keeping additional carbon out of the atmosphere takes us closer to meeting goals that correlate to sustainable living.

What does it mean to have “cleaner energy” on the grid?

Expanding your grid is like adding colors to a painter’s palette. As you discover new ways to diversify your power sources, you have more options to work with and it can be easier to construct a house through a variety of styles and sources. By incorporating appliances and innovations that rely on and produce renewable energy, you decrease your carbon output and help reduce the amount of “bad energy” that’s being utilized. In addition, you can install battery storage that helps bridge the gap between times of excess energy generation during the day and times of lower renewable production.

Solar

The most well-known renewable energy solution homeowners are investing in is solar energy. Solar panels, either placed on their roofs and/or walls, are helpful for homeowners in locations where the sun is apparent throughout the year. Solar photovoltaics (or PV for short) increase your grid security and are a very economical source of energy.

The SunPower Equinox system, for example, offers innovation at every level, from its Maxeon solar cell technology to each panel’s individual microinverter to the SunPower SunVault battery. The latter allows the solar panels to remain powered for longer even in times of power outages and shade.

Wind

As much as the term “wind turbine” sounds daunting, there is nothing to be scared of! If you have a large plot of unused land, consider installing a small turbine. These windmill-like structures generate energy through the rotation of their propellers and then transfer that energy to an electricity grid for use. With an average payback of fewer than 13 years (machines last 20+ years), this is a smart investment in the long-run.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy can be an option to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for the home. Although there might not be any volcanoes near your home, modern heat pump technology becomes handy when warming your living space. These systems take advantage of the relatively constant temperatures below ground to transfer heat and apply cooling properties where they are needed. Even though this system may be costly up front, they are a great carbon-neutral option for your home’s operation – even Alphabet is getting in on the action with their spin out Dandelion.

bright metal pot (double with lid) on flat black industion cooktop surrounded by white couterntop and walls of kitchen

Going All-Electric

As your home’s grid takes in more renewable sources, it makes sense for homeowners to switch to all-electric appliances and systems. Modern high-efficiency electric systems such as heat pump water heaters and induction cooktops are more effective and efficient than their gas counterparts – it is all win and no loss. Now that you can cook with an upgraded system, your stoves reduce the output of CO2 to zero and you and your family can keep warm without the worries of fossil fuel. As a bonus, you can also invest in transportation that is dependent on electricity, like hybrid cars and your local train system.

Materials

So far, we have been discussion “operational carbon”. The carbon emissions that are generated in order to run your home.

You should also consider “embodied carbon”. This is the carbon that was used to create, extract, fabricate, and transport the materials to your site.

When selecting materials for your build or renovation, you can ask yourself some basic questions:

  • Is this manufactured and transported in a low carbon manner?
  • Does this store (sequester) carbon in my home by using materials which pulled carbon out of the air?

If any of your answers are yes, then congrats – you are on your way to decarbonizing your home. When you consult with a local construction firm, keep in mind not only the structure of your ideal home, but how different sustainable materials can save you energy and money. You can explore certifications such as the LEED or the Living Building Challenge. You can find information on your product choices through online resources such as the Carbon Smart Materials Palette.

Low-Embodied Carbon Materials

CO2 emissions, which are used to manufacture and transport a material, are referred to as the ’embodied carbon’ of that product. Between 2020 and 2050, it is expected that embodied carbon will be responsible for almost half of total new construction emissions. So how can we work as homeowners to reduce carbon in our materials? Just keep on scrolling down!

Renovate and Reuse

When undertaking a new project, it is almost always more carbon efficient to renovate instead of demolishing and building anew. If you are taking out an existing structure, look for opportunities to donate and reuse building materials instead of sending them to a landfill. By using reclaimed materials for your project, this will result in a net-zero carbon product and will take less labor to start something new.

Avoid Carbon Intensive Materials

With the continued push towards transparency, it is becoming easier to understand the carbon footprint of materials. Databases such as the Inventory of Carbon and Energy provide critical insights that allow homeowners to better comprehend what they are installing for their home. Some carbon-intensive materials (i.e. concrete) can be produced using materials which are waste (such as fly-ash) and other materials (i.e. cork) that are naturally low-carbon or even no-net-carbon.

Consider Materials that Sequester Carbon

If your project uses materials that pull carbon out of the air, aka materials that are natural and undergo photosynthesis, then those materials can be said to sequester carbon in your home. When constructing your home, it is important to consider the longevity of your building and how carbon can be drawn from the air and be safely stored in your home. By supporting sustainable forestry practices in your choices, you will contribute to carbon drawdown and the overall green movement.

New products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) allow wood to replace steel and concrete for many structural applications.

For your consideration

Thanks to programs such as the Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (TECH) and Building Initiative for Low Emissions Development (BUILD), which are both found in California, sustainable living can be a reality for homeowners. These complementary, statewide initiatives facilitate easier access to water and heating equipment at a lower cost and require residential and commercial buildings to cut their carbon emissions by 2040.

Search online to see if your state has tax incentives and rebates to make your greener housing dreams possible.

See how easy this was? Watch as your home becomes more energy efficient by incorporating practices of renewable energy from your own system or the grid. Just as a reminder, you should select products and materials that were created via efficient use of carbon and consider opportunities that store atmospheric carbon with materials within your home. Good luck and happy building!

Reference

Act Now: List or Update Your Home in the Inventory of Zero Homes
CategoriesSustainable News Zero Energy Homes

Act Now: List or Update Your Home in the Inventory of Zero Homes

By Zarkon Group,

Did you know that as of the end of 2020, there were more than 17,000 zero energy housing units in North America? That’s a 26% increase over the previous year. Many more are in the pipeline for 2021. Other interesting facts: 75% of zero energy residences in North America are multifamily, and London, Ontario, Canada has more zero energy residences than any city in North America. This is the kind of information you can access from Team Zero’s Inventory of Zero Energy Homes. 

The Inventory of Zero Energy Homes provides a crucial metric to demonstrate the growth and viability of the zero energy movement. If you have designed, built, or purchased a zero energy home, be sure it is listed in the Inventory.  Because there are now new inventory data fields where you can provide more useful information on your home, if you already listed a home, please update your listing. You can add or update your listing here.

But act fast. Team Zero, EEBA, and the Zero Energy Project encourage builders, designers, and homeowners to submit new zero energy homes and update previously listed ones soon — so they’ll appear in the 2021 Inventory of Zero Homes report. 

The Inventory covers many categories: homes currently under construction, those in the design phase, and completed homes — whether they’re zero energy, positive energy/net producer homes, zero energy ready or passive homes. The 2021 Zero Home Inventory report will help build momentum for zero homes. Stand up and be counted by listing or updating your zero home in the Inventory now!

 

Reference

Home Studios adds soft seating to Italian restaurant Bar Enza
CategoriesInterior Design

Home Studios adds soft seating to Italian restaurant Bar Enza

By Zarkon Group,

Brooklyn-based Home Studios has filled an Italian restaurant close to Harvard University with plush booths and banquettes to introduce colour and texture to the space.

Bar Enza is situated in a prime spot on Harvard Square next to the Ivy League college in Cambridge, Massachusetts – just across the Charles River from Boston.

Red booth seating at Bar Enza
Home Studios revamped Bar Enza to include a variety of soft seating

The project involved the revamp of an existing restaurant on the ground floor of The Charles Hotel.

To complement chef Mark Ladner’s menu, Home Studios pulled references from a range of regions and styles across Italy – from Rome’s trattorias to Milanese villas – and combined them to create interiors that feel elevated yet cosy.

Sofa seating forms a row through the centre
The restaurant’s original floors and ceiling were kept intact

Upon request of the client, the original ceilings and floors were retained. Meanwhile, brick walls were plastered and painted white to match the ceiling and to help brighten the space.

Freestanding tables and chairs were mostly swapped for soft seating, in the form of booths, banquettes and sofas covered in five different upholstery types to add variety.

Green booths against the service area
Five different fabrics were used to upholster the booths and banquettes

The building’s zig-zag glazed facade, which brings in plenty of light, creates niches that are filled with high-top tables surrounded by curved, pale pink booths.

Forming a row through the centre of the dining area, pairs of high-backed red sofas face each other across marble tables.

Curved pink booth in a corner
Brick walls were painted white to help brighten the interior

Other booths and banquettes feature sage green or beige fabrics, accompanied by cane-backed cafe chairs, while bar stools are topped with red leather cushions.

“Unexpected details include plush seating, reminiscent of stately libraries and studies,” Haslegrave said. “Essentially we mixed mid-century architectural details with more traditional upholstered seating to achieve a confluence and diversity of designs.”

The service areas were kept largely intact, but custom millwork was added to refresh the materiality.

Shelving was also clad in warm woods, while textured glass and brass hardware were introduced as accents.

Ceiling details above marble tables
Cane-baked cafe chairs accompany the booths and freestanding tables

“The very elevated level of service meant for very specific requirements on the service area millwork and shelving,” said Haslegrave.

Time and budget restrictions meant that lighting was sourced. The selection of sconces, pendants and table lamps was chosen to create a “warm and sexy” feeling in the evening.

Beige banquette along a window
The Italian restaurants draws references from Rome’s trattorias and Milanese villas

During the day, sheer curtains allow natural light to wash over the interior and allows the fabric hue to pop.

Home Studios’ previous bar and restaurant projects across the US include the Laurel Brasserie and Bar in Salt Lake City, The Harvey House in Madison, Wisconsin,and Bibo Ergo Sum in LA.

The photography is by Brian W Ferry.

Reference

Studio Terpeluk renovates Albert Lanier-designed Noe Valley home
CategoriesInterior Design

Studio Terpeluk renovates Albert Lanier-designed Noe Valley home

By Zarkon Group,

San Francisco-based Studio Terpeluk has renovated and expanded Redwood House in Noe Valley with redwood interiors and terraces.

The three-storey Redwood House was originally designed by American architect Albert Lanier – husband to sculptor Ruth Asawa – in a hilly  San Francisco neighbourhood characterised by Victorian and Edwardian houses.

Noe Valley home with exposed timber beams in ceiling and sculptural lamp
Studio Terpeluk renovated an interior in Noe Valley

Studio Terpeluk was selected to expand the 1976 house from 2,260 square feet (210 square metres) to 3,218 square feet (299 square metres) with a new guest room suite, home office, wet bar and media room.

The renovation “surgically modified the house in an architecturally non-aggressive manner,” the studio said.

Colourful panelling and cedar ceiling in Noe Valley home
Western red cedar was used for the walls and ceiling

Wrapped with irregular western red cedar planks, the narrow house cascades down the hillside with exterior courtyards that mitigate the grade change.

One enters the house through an intimate courtyard off the street into an open-plan upper level with a sloping ceiling and dark-knotted Douglas fir flooring made from local reclaimed pier pilings.

Many of the walls and ceilings were updated with vintage rough-sawn redwood veneered plywood maintained from the original build.

“Redwood surfaces and structural elements complete the warm interior landscape: from the sloping roof beams to partition walls and built-in shelves,” the studio said.

Cedar shelf library with abstract painting
The renovation expanded the home

To the left of the entrance is the kitchen with custom-gloss cabinets and a Carrara marble backsplash. It opens to a dining room that features a Saarinen table and Hans Wegner wishbone chairs.

To the right is the library where sunlight from the large window brightens the dark panelling and sculptural furniture.

Pink cabinets with marble backsplash
Bright panelling contrasts the rich wood tones

The living room is oriented around a pink sculpture by American artist Wanxin Zhang.

Padded seating wraps the corner under a large window looking out to the San Francisco skyline.

Brick fireplace with views of San Francisco and wrap-around seating
The living room has wrap-around seating and views of San Francisco

The house is centred around a staircase illuminated by a skylight.

“The sculptural blackened steel stair with vintage rough-sawn redwood plywood walls anchors the house, weaving together the three floors and their diverse spatial character,” the studio continued.

Wooden staircase with skylight and yellow storage unit
The home is oriented around a central staircase

The middle level features guest suites with direct access to the entry courtyard.

The primary suite is softened by light pink terrazzo tile and a micro mosaic of Indian red recycled plastic tiles.

Pink tile bathroom in mid-century renvoation
The home’s colour complements the art collection of the owners

“Color was a recurring theme in the exquisite and eclectic art collection of the owners,” studio founder Brett Terpeluk said.

“This went perfectly hand in hand with my interest in mid-century Italian design and its bold use of color.”

Wood-panelled terrace in Noe Valley home
A series of terraces connect the home with the sloping site

“We collaborated with our friend and designer Beatrice Santiccioli to enrich the project with a dedicated and bespoke color language,” he continued.

At the lowest level, a media room, home office and kitchenette open to an abundantly landscaped garden.

The outdoor areas were designed by Terpeluk’s wife and longtime consultant, Italian landscape designer Monica Viarengo.

The terraces shift from curated gardens to wild vegetation as one moves through the property, while the plantings reference California coastal landscapes with yellow roses, espaliered fruit trees and a variety of thymes.

Bedroom connecting to courtyard in Noe Valley home
A guest suite connects to the central courtyard

Studio Terpeluk was founded in 2008 by Brett Terpeluk, after he finished a tenure working with Italian architect Renzo Piano.

Other Noe Valley renovations include the Gable House by Edmonds + Lee, a renovated Victorian townhouse by Fougeron Architecture and an industrial home for a tech entrepreneur by Levy Art and Architecture and Síol Studios.

Photography is by Joe Fletcher.

Project credits

Project team: Brett Terpeluk, Huy Nguyen
Landscape design: Monica Viarengo
Color consultant: Beatrice Santiccioli
Contractor: Saturn Construction
Structural engineering: Strandberg Engineering
Furniture: Santiccioli Arredamenti
Orama sliding window systems: Cooritalia
Windows: Bonelli
Wood reclaimed wood flooring: Arborica
Metal fabrication: Upper Story Design
Drapery/upholstery: Malatesta & Co
Art: Catharine Clark Gallery

Reference

At The Rose House presents design at home of famed landscape architect
CategoriesInterior Design

At The Rose House presents design at home of famed landscape architect

By Zarkon Group,

An exhibition of hand-crafted art and design pieces, including a seminal sculpture by Charles and Ray Eames, is on display at the former New Jersey home of 20th-century landscape architect James Rose.

At the Rose House is on show at the Ridgewood home that the late American modernist landscape architect designed and hand-built for himself and his family in 1953 and lived in for almost 40 years.

At The Rose House exhibition
Pieces in the exhibition are displayed throughout the home as if they belong there

Organised by curatorial platform Object & Thing and furniture and interior design studio Green River Project LLC, the exhibition stemmed from Rose’s appreciation for craft and materials.

The show “emphasises the hand-made, beauty in nature and a sense of timelessness” according to the curators.

Living room of James Rose's Ridgewood home
Rose self-designed and hand-built the house, which features several Japanese design elements

Green River Project LLC founders Aaron Aujla and Benjamin Bloomstein, who have admired the landscape architect for some time, have produced a series of new designs based on his work.

Created in collaboration with a group of designers, these pieces include a side chair by both Bloomstein Industrial and Luck Carpentry, rice paper lamps from Preziosi Lighting and carved grooming items on shelves in the bathroom by Teague’s Path.

Ceramic pots displayed on wooden shelves
Artworks and designs were selected to reflect Rose’s appreciation for craft and materials

“The ease in which Rose expanded the home using ready-made materials was an early point of reference for our practice,” said Aujla.

“In particular, there is a kitchen with mahogany shelves and pegboard that we must have spent over 100 hours dissecting and referring back to over the last five years.”

Green River Project’s products are presented alongside the work of mid-century and contemporary designers, including Alvaro Barrington, Bode, Charles and Ray Eames, Louis Eisner, Hugh Hayden, Nancy Holt, Kiva Motnyk, Michele Oka Doner, Johnny Ortiz-Concha and Anne Truitt among others.

Clothing by Bose hung around the house
Clothing based on Rose’s personal style is hung in closets

The works are installed as if they belong in the rooms and garden, which – like many of Rose’s later projects – feature elements of Japanese design, including the exposed timber structure and shoji screens.

“[Rose] spent considerable amounts of time in Japan and became a Zen Buddhist,” said the curators. “This influence is evident in the Ridgewood house, especially on the upper floor, which contains a room for his daily mediation practice that The James Rose Center is currently restoring.”

Eames Plywood Sculpture
An edition of the 1943 Plywood Sculpture by Charles and Ray Eames is being presented in the US for the first time. Photo by Michael Biondo

Pieces on display include the Eames’ seminal 1943 Plywood Sculpture – the first time that this edition, which was made and released by Eames Office, is being presented in the US.

Among the designs created for the showcase are leather Adirondack chairs by Hugh Hayden, wood-fired micaceous pots by Johnny Ortiz-Concha and naturally-dyed framed textile works by Kiva Motnyk.

A selection of clothing by New York brand Bode, based on Rose’s “eccentric” personal style, is hung in the closets throughout the house.

Landscape paintings, rice paper drawings, flower vases, terracotta sculptures, and a screening of Nancy Holt’s 1975 film Pine Barrens that “portrays the New Jersey wilderness” also feature.

Exterior of James Rose house
The house in Ridgewood, New Jersey, is preserved by The James Rose Center. Photo by Michael Biondo

Green River Project LLC is also producing new editions of one of Rose’s lanterns to coincide with this exhibition.

These will be sold to benefit The James Rose Center – a non-profit landscape research and study foundation, which is based at the house and has preserved Rose’s legacy since his death in 1991.

Exterior of James Rose house
The exhibition, curated by Object & Thing and Green River Project LLC, runs until 2 October 2022. Photo by Michael Biondo

“Rose was an impossible maverick, called by one author, ‘The James Dean of Landscape Architecture,’ but I think he would be very happy with the vision Green River Project LLC and Object & Thing have brought to his house,” said foundation director Dean Cardasis.

At the Rose House runs until 2 October 2022. This is the latest in a series of exhibitions organised by Object & Thing within the homes of notable 20th-century artists and architects, following presentations at the houses of Gerald Luss, Robert Dash and Eliot Noyes.

Other exhibitions that showcase the work of modernist designers include an exhibition of Le Corbusier’s tapestries in Manhattan.

 See our Dezeen Events Guide for information about other exhibitions, installations and talks.

Reference

EEBA Launches Free Online Database of Sustainable Building Products for Your Home
CategoriesSustainable News Zero Energy Homes

EEBA Launches Free Online Database of Sustainable Building Products for Your Home

By Zarkon Group,

The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) and ecomedes have compiled a trove of eco-friendly building products for your home: the EEBA & ecomedes sustainable building products database. This free online tool is designed to help you find the green materials you need in a snap. Users can select products by sustainability attributes, labels, and certifications; casting a wide net or narrowing it to just a few choices that meet specific needs.

This comprehensive tool continues EEBA’s commitment to residential sustainability. Making the resource free will likely expand the market penetration of environmentally preferable building products. Supplying per-product data and automating product performance calculations will serve building professionals that specify products and help customers achieve their sustainability goals.

eeba.ecomendes.com lets you search and compare home building products by category, brand, certifications, ecolabels, and performance criteria. Users choose a product and then can calculate the materials’ environmental impacts and evaluate how they help meet different green rating system standards, including the USGBC’s LEED programs, the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge, the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Homes program, and more. Important ecolabels, listed in the tool include Declare, GreenCircle, Life Cycle Assessment, WaterSense Certified, and Environmental Product Disclosures (EPDs). 

 

The green-home players

For over 35 years, EEBA has advanced building science information and education in the construction industry. EEBA members and supporters build resource-efficient, healthy, and resilient homes, working together as a community of thought leaders and early adopters from all facets of the home building industry. EEBA resources, educational programs, and events engage the next generation of sustainable construction professionals, and reach thousands of key decision makers and other important industry players in the space.

Partnering with ecomedes was a key step, according to EEBA CEO and President Aaron Smith. ecomedes, Inc. connects buyers and sellers through cloud-based software, specifically serving the eco construction market. Clients include AEC firms and building owners, brands and distributors, plus some of the ecolabels and rating systems included in the EEBA database. This lends expertise in vetting critical sustainability factors including energy, water, human health, circularity, and social factors.

Whether you’re a residential design and construction pro or a homeowner seeking guidance, this free sustainable products database could save you time and money. We’re eager to see how it might propel the market share of verified sustainable building products, improving our quality of life and protecting the planet and its resources for future generations.

 

Reference

Home Energy Scores: If Ireland Has Them, Why Not the US?
CategoriesSustainable News Zero Energy Homes

Home Energy Scores: If Ireland Has Them, Why Not the US?

By Zarkon Group,

Wherever I travel, I enjoy a little window shopping for homes at real estate agencies. I like to compare prices and features in different places. On a recent trip to Ireland, I was surprised to see that every home listing included a home energy score: a BER or Building Energy Rating! The BER shows the home’s energy efficiency on a clear color-coded scale of A to G.

Building Energy Ratings in Ireland

Ireland has required these ratings since 2006. They cost about €150 to €300, and real estate agents must display them on listings of homes or apartments for sale, whether new construction or existing homes. 

The beauty of these ratings is that they show whether buyers are considering a home that is an energy hog and carbon polluter or a highly energy-efficient one. It gives homebuyers vital information regarding the home’s energy costs, so they can make a wise purchase. These ratings can motivate sellers to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes themselves. While these ratings are not always consistent depending on the energy assessor or region, Ireland is working to remedy these discrepancies.

Home Energy Scores and upgrades in the US

So, where are we in the US regarding energy efficiency ratings? The US Department of Energy created a system of Home Energy Scores that cities and states can use to set up their own energy rating systems. In 2018, Portland, OR, was the first city to require these scores, mandating that every home for sale has a Home Energy Score report. This report estimates the energy use of the home, the energy costs, and the cost-effective energy upgrades proposed to improve the home’s energy efficiency and carbon footprint. 

So, how is it going in Portland? Currently, close to 92% of homes for sale in Portland have Home Energy Scores. Portland has trained its real estate agents and energy assessors to provide consistent results. They also work to make the process as easy as possible for sellers. Home energy assessors are available to homeowners in need of rating services. In Oregon, the cost of an energy rating by a licensed home energy assessor ranges from $150 to  $300. 

The goal is to support sellers in making energy upgrades before they sell: to offer a more appealing property, and for buyers to save money on their home heating and cooling costs while reducing carbon emissions. But few cities, or states, have followed Portland’s example. To date, Oregon is a leader with Portland, Milwaukee, and Hillsboro requiring Home Energy Scores. The city of Bend is actively considering passing one by December 2022. Other cities requiring Home Energy Scores include Austin, TX; Berkeley, CA; and Minneapolis, MN. Overall, adoption of Home Energy Scores by cities and states is way too slow to impact climate change.

 

Thermal Image of Heat Leak thru Windows

Take Action Now!

Yes, it would be helpful to have local, state, and national governments require energy ratings and proposed upgrades as part of full disclosure on the sale of a home. But it’s happening too slowly. Instead, you can work with your local government to develop a home energy score requirement.

For your own home, you can search for a home energy rater or energy assessor to help you obtain a home energy rating and suggest the most cost-effective ways to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency. Then, you can enjoy the benefits of a more energy-efficient, more comfortable home and sell it for a higher price. 

I advise homebuyers to insist on an energy rating in the closing agreement as part of the home inspection, and ask the seller to make the needed energy upgrades. If the seller does not agree, buyers can engage an experienced contractor to undertake a complete energy evaluation and immediately implement upgrades, before move-in. That way buyers can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable, energy-efficient home from day one. Lower utility costs and reduced emissions to help prevent global warming will continue for years. 

 

Reference

As a First-Time Home Buyer, Should I Hire an Interior Designer?
CategoriesArchitecture

As a First-Time Home Buyer, Should I Hire an Interior Designer?

By Zarkon Group,

Anyone fitting out a new home has likely considered whether it’s better to hire a professional to design the interiors of their new space or to take that task on themselves. Hiring an interior designer brings unquestionable value to making a home uniquely functional and comfortable, but it does bring into question if it’s worth the cost. Luckily, the burgeoning world of online freelancing platforms offers a new method for homeowners to engage with freelance interior designers that makes even a modest investment worth the expense.

What Can an Interior Designer Do?

In general, an interior designer’s role in a home design project is to conceive of one or more possibilities for the layout, look, and feel of an interior space, then communicate their ideas with images such as 3D renderings, technical drawings, or material lists. Most importantly, they design spaces to satisfy both the functional requirements and aesthetic tastes of their clients. If done well, their experience and training leads to a more detailed, refined, and well-implemented design than a homeowner taking a do-it-yourself approach.

Interior rendering by Fiverr seller @dutchbydesign

Responsibility-wise, interior designers are often tasked with both selecting products and devising layouts for surface finish materials, lighting fixtures, furniture, cabinetry, and other furnishings. They can also oversee a contractor who’s building their designs, or advise a homeowner that’s installing them on their own. Their exact responsibilities vary by the needs of a project, but they can grow or be limited to include any aspect of how the interior of a home, or even just a single room, is designed.

Hiring an interior designer brings many practical benefits to a home design project. Their expertise allows them to spot problematic decisions before they’re implemented, saving time and money on mistakes. They’re also likely able to use their professional connections to get the best price on any fixtures, furniture, or furnishings needed for the project. Most importantly, their services free up a homeowner from taking the time to come up with a design, determine if it will actually work, and fret over numerous minor details in the process.

Why Hire a Freelance Interior Designer?

Many great, small-scale interior design firms and solo practitioners can provide services within many homeowner’s budgets. However, the best value is found by hiring a freelance interior designer through an online platform, such as Fiverr. The development of online freelancing platforms in recent years has allowed freelance interior designers to operate virtually while offering their services in discrete, pre-packaged bundles. This allows them to perform their services at much lower rates than conventional professional arrangements due to lower overhead costs and the elimination of a great deal of up-front negotiation.

As a First-Time Home Buyer, Should I Hire an Interior Designer?

Interior rendering by Fiverr seller @mmjhbaig

Anyone pursuing this approach to home design would definitely benefit from considering what deliverables they expect from a freelance interior designer before reaching out to one. An interior designer’s work products are often produced cumulatively as a project progresses, and what’s needed depends on the scope of the project and a homeowner’s budget. A typical workflow could incorporate any combination of items including an introductory consultation or conceptual direction-setter, such as a mood board, before moving on to detailed floor plans, elevations, or renderings.

If a homeowner is hiring a contractor to build their new space, they should ensure any plans an interior designer creates are detailed enough for their contractor to build from. In this case, it may be best to arrange a meeting between the designer and the contractor, or even a series of check-ins throughout the project’s construction. Many freelance interior designers offer this service virtually, although for relatively simple projects it may not be necessary, so it’s best to verify in advance what each party feels they need from the other to best complete their portion of the work.

How to Hire a Freelance Interior Designer

The easiest way to hire a freelance interior designer is through an online platform. With a dedicated Architecture & Interior Design store, Fiverr leads the way in this approach. A homeowner searching for an interior designer can filter their search on Fiverr by the type of deliverable, set of services, budget range, or seller characteristics they’re looking for, leading to a match far quicker than relying on recommendations from friends, family, or local industry groups.

Most talents on Fiverr break their work packages into three graduated levels of service, with price and other items like turnaround time, number of revisions, and final deliverables clearly identified. Specific details are agreed upon through direct communication before an assignment begins, and many freelance interior designers are open to discussing custom combinations of services, or even more complex work beyond their boilerplate packages.

Ready to find the perfect interior designer for your project? Head over to Fiverr’s Architecture & Interior Design store and check out the vast range of budget-friendly professional interior design services at your disposal.

 

Reference

The Future of Architecture: Stylish Home Furnishings With Lighter Ecological Footprints
CategoriesArchitecture

The Future of Architecture: Stylish Home Furnishings With Lighter Ecological Footprints

By Zarkon Group,

 The A+Product Awards is open for entries, with a Main Entry Deadline of June 24th. Get started on your submission today! 

Environmental ethics has been increasingly the concern of the built environment industry. When constructing buildings and styling interiors, more and more attention is paid to sustainably sourcing and recycling materials. Eco-friendly design does not limit products to just a few looks, nor does it compromise their functionality. These four beautiful A+Awards winning products will add tasteful texture to your designs while lessening the environmental impact of your project.

The Embossed Acoustic Panel Series from Woven Image, distributed in the USA by Kirei
Winner, 2021 A+Product Awards, Acoustics

Acoustic panels are useful not only for workplaces and auditoriums but in domestic scenarios as well. Whether in a home office or a family theater, acoustic panels make sounds and voices sharper by reducing undesirable reflections on hard surfaces. They also insulate your room from external noises.

The Embossed Acoustic Panel Series by Woven Image offers high-quality acoustics together with a range of choices for styling. There are three types of patterns to choose from: the linear, simplistic ZEN, the rhythmic GEM, and the origami-inspired ION, each comes in 12 colors.

The panels are made from over 60% recycled PET and fiber while manufactured in a carbon-neutral production facility that utilized solar energy. The product has a low VOC emission rate of 0.023mg/m²/hr and a good Noise Reduction Coefficient of 0.75. It is also easy to trim that a utility knife can cut it through. The subtle light and shadow created by the 3D patterns make the panels an addition to interior styling.

Silestone® Sunlit Days by Cosentino Group
Winner, 2021 A+Product Awards, Hard Surfacing, Tiles and Stone

Quartz surfaces are popular in home designs for their stone-like appearance, high versatility, durability and accessibility, especially when compared to natural stones like granite and marble. They are cast from a mixture including small pieces of quartz, resins, pigments, etc. Bonded by resins, the finished surface comes sealed and flat, making them easy to clean. The mixture is made in a way that allows it to be colored as needed, ensuring that owners will not have to make compromises on home styling. AT present, Quartz surfaces from the Silestone® Sunlit Days series are available in white, light grey and red, blue, and green in low saturation. The soothing colors and clean shapes give interiors a modern looking.

Quartz surfaces have the appearance of stones but are more eco-friendly than natural stones. The Sunlit Days series provide carbon-neutral quartz surfaces that incorporate extra strategies to cut the material’s carbon footprint. The production uses 99% reused water, 100% renewable electric energy and a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition. Furthermore, the brand has committed to offsetting GHG emissions through the Voluntary Carbon Market. Being environmentally aware does not limit our choice of furnishing and surface texturing to synthetic materials that comprise recycled resources. Instead, natural materials can also be consumed sustainably.

Brace by Davis Furniture
Winner, 2021 A+Product Awards, Contract Furniture

Brace from Davis Furniture is one of this kind. Each Brace table is made from a tree at the end of its lifecycle, leaving plenty of time for the material to store carbon during its growth. Furthermore, the brand has committed to planting two saplings for each tree they harvest. In this way, the sourcing is sustainable and the European forest is never overly exploited by the product’s production.

The solid wood table comes in various sizes and shapes to accommodate a range of events. For example, a long, rectangular table can be perfect as a home office desk while a small, round one can serve an intimate meal for two people, etc. The sleek table top is supported by the iconic legs. Each leg splits into two as it goes up, creating a slim triangular space within itself. More than 50 types of selectable coatings on each Brace table allow the table different colors and textures that best suit the home design. The design celebrates the uniqueness of the natural material with the technological precision of modern design.

Koroi Side Table by MAJA
Winner, 2021 A+Product Awards, Residential Furniture

The Koroi Side Table also embraces the characteristics of natural materials. Each Koroi Side Table is handcrafted from solid wood by artisans in Bangladesh with a resource-efficient approach. Burls, deep cracks and other features of the tree remain visible from the smoothened surfaces. Comprising two geometric forms, the design of Koroi sets a subtle balance between fragile and sturdy. Althought the connection between the two parts looks delicate — precarious, perhaps — the piece’s solidity is guaranteed by the thick wood. The two parts are cut at opposing grains, giving them contrasting textures and different reflectiveness.

 The A+Product Awards is open for entries, with a Main Entry Deadline of June 24th. Get started on your submission today! 

Reference