The Heat is On
German Homes Go Renewable
Friday, June 06, 2008
As part of the EU commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 20% by 2020, German homeowners have become part of the solution.
Beginning in 2009, all new homes built in Germany will be required to install renewable energy heating systems. Renewable sources must meet 14% of a household’s total energy consumption for heating and hot water.
Grants are available to remodel existing homes to meet the standard, which requires that 10% of the heating and hot water for old houses must come from renewable sources as of 2010. The government is allocating 350 million euros ($550 million) annually for homeowners to install renewable energy systems. There’s also a stick with the carrot—homeowners who fail to switch face fines of up to 500,000 euros ($786,000).
According to analysts, increasing energy efficiency in buildings could save 50 billion euros ($78 billion) in heating costs in Germany in the next 12 years. And the introduction of new energy ratings for all houses in 2008 will be a further incentive to German homeowners to invest in energy efficiency to protect the value of their homes.
(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Greener, Faster
Germany Out in Front
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Modern sustainable construction owes much of its current status to developments in Germany over the past 50 years. The country is in the forefront on matters of ecology and technology, and continues to innovate in the materials, construction and maintenance of green buildings.
Germany today has gone beyond the energy efficient approach just now becoming more widespread in the U.S. The movement in Germany is towards “Bio Bau,” or organic building. This entails not just energy efficiency, but use of local, sustainable materials that contain no harmful chemicals, careful site selection to maximize light, heating and cooling, and use of technology to either enhance or mitigate natural occurrences. For example, floating houses actually rise with flood waters.
Almost every farm in Bavaria has solar panels on the roof of the barn. When American consumers catch up with that awareness, perhaps the U.S. can begin to compete in the development and production of green technology.
(0) Comments • (1) Trackbacks • Permalink
Rough and Ready
New Flooring Gets Banged Up
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
The latest trend in Southern California flooring is faux-old wood planks, according to the National Wood Flooring Association.
Hand scraped, brushed, punched and worn planks are the hottest thing in flooring. Some manufacturers even use a tumbler that swirls chains and bolts around smooth wood to distress it. Part of the appeal is the instant sense of history that comes with a distressed floor. The other part, of course, is the ease of care. You can’t hurt a distressed floor.
According to Chris Phillips of DeChateau Hardwood Flooring in San Diego, the trend started five years ago in California among owners of contemporary homes who wanted to contrast modern architecture and furniture with a casual floor. Crews used to do the work onsite; now the distressing is done by the supplier.
It might seem backwards, but distressed wood is more expensive than pristine planks. For a super-authentic look, hand-distressing is the way to go. Hand-distressing mimics real wear and tear better than machine-distressing, with prices starting around $14 a square foot. But much of the work can be done by machine instead of by hand, which makes it more affordable—around $5 a square foot.
(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Fixing is Up
Remodeling Still Popular
Monday, January 07, 2008
Despite a depressed housing market, remodeling is hot.
A recent Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies noted that 2007 was the second-highest year on record for remodeling, with spending reaching $173.6 billion compared with $177.7 billion in 2006.
Dan Fritschen, author of “Remodel or Move? Make the Right Decision,” says that remodeling in a down market can make a lot of sense. His company, RemodelEstimates.com conducted a survey last fall among 5,000 homeowners and found that people are planning to spend about the same amount on home improvement this year as before.
One trend seems to be that homeowners plan to do at least some of the work themselves, a boon for DIY retailers like Home Depot. Surveys indicated that consumers seem to be remodeling with an eye toward comfort rather than enhancing resale value.
(0) Comments • (312) Trackbacks • Permalink
California Romantica
Sunday, December 23, 2007
For a glimpse inside some of the best examples of California Mission and Spanish Colonial homes, it’s hard to do better than California Romantica. This lushly illustrated book features homes by George Washington Smith, Wallace Neff, Richard Requa, Lilian Rice, and other noted architects.
From whitewashed stucco walls and cloistered patios to tile roofs and glorious gardens, each house is a rare masterpiece, splendidly appointed with authentic California furnishings, including Monterey furniture, California tile and Navajo rugs.
Among the magnificent seaside estates, canyon villas, and courtyard bungalows shown is Diane Keaton’s former home in Beverly Hills, which she thoughtfully restored with noted designer Stephen Shadley, and for which she has been recognized as a committed preservationist.
(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
More Door
Glass Becomes Sculpture
Monday, December 10, 2007
ClearCast Glass extends the traditions of specialty architectural glass. Impressed graphic lines carry the legacy of lead lines in stained glass. Bands of optical refraction recall the cut areas in beveled glass. An array of curved forms recalls conventional bent glass. Simple grid and patterned building blocks rejuvenate the concept of glass block.
ClearCast Glass doors are distinguished by a high degree of transparency and a deep, smooth, seductive texture. The panels create delightful atmospheric effects when light rays are bent through the curvatures of each design. The Echo panel represents the embodiment of sound, while Orbit suggests circles of light.
Thermal performance is enhanced by additional air space created in compartmentalized hollows, which can result in more than double the typical insulating air space used to make insulated glass. Increased air space also has a positive effect on reducing sound transmission levels.
ClearCast Glass doors are crafted using mortise and tenon construction and custom moldings are milled in the shop to give your door a truly distinct look. Choose from 16 styles framed in mahogany, fir and other woods. From Sculptural Glass Doors.
(0) Comments • (10) Trackbacks • Permalink
