Scottsdale Interior Remodels

Posted on 18. Jun, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, locally made, luxury design, scottsdale interior design

Just uploaded a video showcasing two of our recent projects in Scottsdale.  They are both interior remodels, but are very different in style and feel.  You can see the before photos, photos of the project in progress, and the finished project photos.

The contemporary home features a custom powder room sink that has been getting rave reviews across the country.  I think the coolest part is that it is made from concrete with a high recycled fly ash content (one of the key ingredients of concrete), and concrete can easily be recycled.  The natural materials, colors inspired by nature and the simple lines of the furnishings lend a subtle Zen flair to the design which contrasts nicely with the ‘Wow!’ impact of the glass mosaic bar face.

A more transitional design style feels very warm, inviting and comfortable in the second home for a baby-boomer couple with pets.  The clean lines and simplicity of shaker style cabinetry marries well with the less cluttered feel they wanted to achieve.  Warm cherry woods and cool aqua blue tones provide a soothing yet interesting color scheme throughout the home.  The difference from before is truly amazing!

Take a look and share your comments, then pass this on to your friends!  We love hearing what you think, and being introduced to new people all over the country.

Good Design Helping Haiti & Chile Recover

Posted on 11. Jun, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Uncategorized

One of our longtime favorite causes to support is Habitat for Humanity because of their philosphy of helping families get decent affordable housing that they have a part in building and paying for.  After the recent earthquakes in both Haiti and Chile this year, they went into action immediately, working with established partners in the affected areas to get help to the residents.  In the aftermath of disasters, they work to put families in permanent, durable housing.

Recovery is slow in earthquake devasted Haiti

With experience in Sri Lanka after the tsunami in 2006, and in New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, they “have learned that people will only return to a sense of normalcy when they have a place they can call home,” according to Habitat CEO Johnathan Reckford.

The cornerstone of rebuilding efforts in Haiti are what they call Core Houses- small, sturdy structures which are designed to be added on to and expanded as the family needs and when their circumstance allow.  The concept has been tested in Asia/Pacific and in Chile, and proved effective.  The buildings in Haiti are earthquake resistant with steel bars embedded in concrete block walls and reinforced footings, columns, and beams.  Designs are region specific – in Haiti they are one room with a seperate latrine area, while in Chile they are two rooms and a bathroom.  The wooden structure of the homes in Chile are set on concrete foundations with insulated “sandwich” roof and wall systems.

We are proud to contribute to this important work.  If you would like to help, visit Habitat for Humanity.  You can also learn more about Habitat’s efforts to build sustainable and energy-efficient homes to protect both people and planet.

Handcrafted Furniture from Reclaimed Teak Creates Sweet Dreams

Posted on 13. Apr, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly design, home decoration, local companies, luxury design, recycled, scottsdale interior design, sustainable design, sustainable interior design, woods

The Urban Village collection is a contemporary line from Jason Scott Collection

Jason Scott’s Urban Village Collection line of bedroom furniture is artfully expressed by use of small square and rectangular shapes of scrap teak wood arranged to create a sustainable line.

They also have options that are rustic, traditional and beautifully hand-carved by craftsmen who have honed their skill for many years.

All the teak is reclaimed from architectural structures from Java, and then created by Javanise craftsmen who have been woodworkers for generations.

Headquartered in Phoenix since 1995, the Jason Scott Collection has become well known for the beauty the carvers find in each piece of wood and the history they preserve in each piece of furniture they create.

For more photos and examples of their work, visit their website: http://jasonscottcollection.com or contact us to commission your very own piece.

A hand carved chest from Jason Scott Collection

Luxury is in the Details at Spring Market

Posted on 08. Mar, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly design, fabrics, furnishings, innovation, local companies, luxury design, scottsdale interior design

Last Friday was Spring Market day for 2010 at the John Brooks showroom in Scottsdale.  They hosted designers from all over Arizona and treated us to presentations by Nick Berman from Berman Rosetti Designs, Samuel & Sons Trim, and Mark Boone of London Boone Designs.

The message of the day was that luxury is all about the details- not fussy, over-done adornments, but simple, clean, modern touches that reflect our current lifestyle and the way people truly live today.  Timeless patterns and motifs such as the Greek key pattern are showing up in designs, but in an updated style and done in new materials.

Rose Quartz beaded trim by Samuel & Sons

Samuel & Sons presented their new line created by designer Lori Weitzner, featuring hand-blown glass beads as well as semi-precious stones like jade, amber, rose quartz, and seed pearls sewn onto simple braids and flat ribbons. 

Her Oasis line is inspired by and rooted in nature with materials like jute embroidery on linen and polished wood beads.  The look ranges from urban sophisticated glamour to organic, natural and soothing.  Wood beads are polished to a satin finish in their natural color- no dyes or stains are used, and they replant trees to replace those used in the manufacturing process.  The line includes two tie-backs fashioned of natural tree pods in two options – both are stunning and would work well in environments where a traditional tie-back would be fussy and out of place.

Mark Boone

Mark Boone inspired us with photos and stories of a recent renovation project he completed in Southern California.  The before and after was amazing- we enjoyed knowing that every designer faces similar challenges in gaining the trust of the client to create the vision.  He put it as “a semi-blind date’ – the client meets the designer, they see their work, but they really don’t know much else about them as the designer, and the same is true from the designer’s side.  There needs to be a chemistry between all parties in order to have the best possible results because building (or remodeling) a home takes several months- if not years!  The details of how the homeowners live are important to the designer’s ability to create a space that truly functions well for them.

High-end Sportscars Go Green

Posted on 03. Mar, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, Tesla Motors, alternative energy, carbon footprint, cost of green design, eco-friendly design, electric car, geneva auto show, green design, hybrid sportscars, new technology, sustainable design, zero emission transportation

Several of the luxury sports car manufacturers have just recently announced plans to develop or introduce hybrids soon, including Porsche, Lotus, and Ferrari.  Personally, I am thrilled!  For far too long the car enthusiast had to choose between performance and fuel economy.  While the typical Ferrari owner isn’t concerned with the price of a gallon of gas, those who wanted to be conscious of the environmental consequences of their choices weren’t so lucky.

I love fast cars, and luxury models, but just couldn’t justify the measly 13-15 mpg most of these cars get.  The Tesla Roadster is a great option, but the limits of geography for repair work was a serious drawback for anyone who lives somewhere other than in California, Texas or Washington, D.C.

Being highlighted at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show , these newcomers to the green car craze are going all out.  Ferrari, which just unveiled its first hybrid: the 599 HY-KERS, designed as a ‘laboratory car’ that brings Ferrari’s latest racing technology to the streets, the vehicle features a 100hp motor linked to a kinetic energy recovery system, taken straight from last year’s Formula One program.

Porsche‘s freshly unveiled electric concept car is their first plug-in hybrid ever.  The 918 Spyder, this stealthy-looking ride supposedly gets 78 miles per gallon, has emissions of 70g CO2/km, can go 16 miles on electric charge alone, and does 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds. Oh and it’s drop-dead gorgeous too- even to a non-Porsche lover like myself.  The technology is a parallel hybrid just like the Prius except much, much sexier.

Lotus entered the field with its recently unveiled Evora 414E Hybrid concept, a sleek supercar that looks ready to take on my beloved Tesla Roadster. Lotus has used green technologies before, including the omnivore engine and the Eco Elise, and now they are getting serious about fuel efficiency. Two of the most exciting features the vehicle claims- its extended range of 300 miles and two electric motors capable of going from 0-60 in 4 seconds.

Intuitive Home Decor

Posted on 03. Feb, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, home decoration

A mindfulness newsletter I subscribe to, The DailyOM, sent this today on the subject of designing your home and space. I thought it was very insightful and useful for anyone beginning the process of creating a personal space- even before they contact a designer.

Intuit Your Home’s Decor
Working with Space

Treat your home decor in a mindful way, honoring each room as they all come together like a symphony orchestra. When we decide the time has come to change the look or feel of our personal spaces, it is the spaces themselves that can provide us with the most useful guidance. Working with a single room, an apartment, or an entire house allows us to unearth the innate potential of these spaces and also better understand how we want to relate to them. To be conscious of the possibilities of a space, we need to listen to, look at, and bond with that space in a deep and personal way. Just as no two people are alike, no two rooms, however similar, are identical. The more we know about the spaces we wish to change, the better equipped we are to make them both beautiful and functional.

Read the entire article here

Green Gaffes

Posted on 19. Jan, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, funnies

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with that expensive double-pane energy efficient kind, and today, I got a call from the contractor who installed them. He was complaining that the work had been completed a whole year ago and I still hadn’t paid for them.

Hellloooo,………..So, I told him just what his fast talking sales guy had told me last year, that in ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves! Helllooooo? It’s been a year! I told him. There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just hung up. He never called back. I bet he felt like an idiot.

Money Saving Water Conservation Tips

Posted on 17. Dec, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly interior design, green design, green living tips

It is estimated that by the year 2016 as many as 36 states will be experiencing serious water issues. Of course, Arizona is a hot spot for efforts to reduce water usage. As with most areas, our water supply is fixed – there aren’t any new sources available. So, we must learn to be more efficient with the water we do have. Only by conserving this limited resource will we be able to sustain population growth which has been a driving force behind our economy for quite some time. The focus for water conservation is sustainable water management – making the best use of what we have to serve the needs of the people who are already here, as well as new population growth for the future. The key to this effort is education and awareness.

In your home, the single biggest water use comes from flushing toilets. This is followed closely by your clothes washer, then shower and faucet use. A surprisingly large amount of water is wasted in leaks- over 13% of average residential use!

There are a number of easy, inexpensive ways to positively impact your personal water use:

Water your lawn less often
Take shorter showers
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
Run only full loads in the clothes and dishwasher
Install faucet aerators
Repair leaks
Replace older toilets with new 1.28 gpf HET or dual-flush toilets.

You may remember when the EPA mandated that all toilets be no more than 1.6 gpf and that shower heads be 2.5 gpm maximum in 1992- and how poorly they functioned. This left a bad impression in many people’s minds about water conserving fixtures. The good news is that technology has vastly improved since then. I can attest to this from personal experience- having just replaced an even older toilet (probably from the 1980′s and using 3.5 gpf or more) to the new HET 1.28 gpf model in my own home- the new one works great!

The newer WaterSense shower heads only use 2.0 gpm, and also work really well- the difference is not even noticeable. Another annoying issue that you’ve likely experienced is the gallons and gallons of water wasted waiting for the hot water to reach the shower. By installing a hot water recirculation system, you get the convenience and luxury of instant hot water AND save an average of 5 gallons every time you shower! If you are building a new home, the cost to install the system is around $200 or less, plus labor. They also have retrofit systems available, which typically run less than $1000installed.

Sensor faucets (the kind you often find in public restrooms, where you don’t have an on/off lever) are now available for residential use in both kitchens like the Delta Touch shown here, and baths. These fixtures save water by shutting off automatically… and they are also more hygienic because dirty, germy hands never touch the fixture.

Many local water utilities are making changing to more efficient fixtures very affordable by offering cash or credit rebates on your water bill. In Scottsdale, for instance, a new high-efficiency toilet earns a credit of $75-$100, and new low flow shower heads also earn credit for each one installed. Check with your local utility to find out the options where you live. In any case, your water bill will be lower because you will use far less water if you implement these strategies!

Save 11,000 Gallons of H2O

Posted on 10. Dec, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly interior design, green design

Did you know you can save up to 11,000 gallons of water every year by switching to a new WaterSense approved toilet?
Kohler Co. announced that eight of it toilet models have been certified to carry the new EPA-designated WaterSense label, including the Escale model shown here. The new designation means these toilets use at least 20 percent less water than standard 1.6-gallon toilets while still meeting strict flushing performance guidelines.

Launched in 2006, WaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program aimed at protecting our nation’s future water supply by promoting water efficiency and encouraging design and use of water-efficient products, programs, and practices. WaterSense partners with manufacturers, retailers and distributors to bring WaterSense labeled products to the marketplace and make it easy for homeowners to purchase high-performing, water-efficient products. The WaterSense label applies to toilets, showerheads, and faucets.

I will be attending a seminar discussing WaterSense fixtures next week, and will share more water and money saving tips here. Stay tuned…

Hand-cast Glass Mosaics – Responsibly Manufactured

Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly interior design, luxury design

A private residence great room created by Sesshu Design Associates uses the Tessera tile in Black in combination with other custom mosaics on the face of the bar to create instant impact and ‘WOW’ in the primary living space.

A favorite material I use as decorative borders inside showers, at vanities and in kitchen backsplashes is glass mosaic tile. Glass is so versatile, ranging from sleek contemporary to earthy and organic – especially when mixed with other natural stones. One line I use often and appreciate for its sustainable and recycled manufacturing process, as well as their community values, is Oceanside Glasstile in Carlsbad, California.

All Oceanside Glasstile is made primarily from silica sand, an abundant natural resource. Many colors (depending on the “recipe”) also contain recycled content that may include pre-consumer, post-industrial, and/or post-consumer recycled bottle glass from curbside recycling programs. Pre-consumer materials are generated during the manufacturing process and typically consist of scrap and trimmings that were never used in the consumer market.

Because of its handcrafted nature and broad range of colors in both translucent and iridescent finishes, Oceanside Glasstile is an exceptionally beautiful building materialan ideal choice for creating unique, comforting living spaces that are conducive to health and productivity, all of which is part of green building.

Glass tile is a very strong building material that is impervious to water and resistant to problems from freeze/thaw cycles. This durability further adds to its sustainability.

Oceanside Glasstile allows custom blends in both the Tessera and Geologie lines, using any combination of their vast selection of stock colors and sizes. The possibilities are limitless meaning your home can truly be unique! All Oceanside Glasstile materials are designed to work together in colors that are consistent across all product lines. You can easily combine liners, decos, and trim from one line with mosaics or field tile from another. The entire Oceanside Glasstile product family integrates to allow unlimited possibilities. Each line embraces the glass medium in a different way. The cost to create your own unique blend is quite reasonable, and delivery times are excellent – typically less than 3 weeks from order to delivery.

Respect for the environment and respect for their employees are principles essential to Oceanside’s company philosophy. They provide on-going education, community outreach and other programs for their employees.

Oceanside Glasstile is available through your builder or designer at over 400 locations across the country.

Update: An installation at one of our projects here in Scottsdale, this bar face utilizes a combination of Oceanside Glass Tessera tiles and a custom mosaic from another source.

Sleek, cool styling from recycled seatbelts

Posted on 10. Nov, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly interior design, home decoration

I saw this over at Inhabitat.com, and loved it! I have long admired the handbags made from recycled seat belts, and definitely think this is a fantastic use in the furnishings industry. The webbed material is super strong, and comes in many colors. The possibilities allowed by weaving two or more colors together could be quite attractive.

Designed by Peter Danko, these pieces are stylish and sleek contemporary seating that could be used in many settings.

Zen Powder Room is also Eco-friendly

Posted on 25. Aug, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly interior design, luxury design, recycled

We recently completed this powder room in one of our projects- a remodel in Scottsdale of an early 90′s semi-custom home. The owner wanted aspects of a Zen aesthetic, with the quiet, soothing sounds of water running to be incorporated into the home somewhere. The powder room was a logical choice for both. We worked with Concrete Interior Design here in Scottsdale to create this unique vanity and water-feature combination.
The entire vanity is designed and constructed of colored concrete, which is made from recycled and eco-friendly materials. Incorporated into the upper shelf is a hidden motion-sensitive eye that operates the “faucet” – a row of individual water streams trickling down into a pebble filled basin. The effect is a unique blend of fountain and function. The design of the faucet feature conserves water with its low-pressure streams and automatic shut-off. Behind the flowing water, a mosaic blend of glass and man-made tiles provides a bit of color and sparkle.
The pebble-like texture of the glass sconces harmonizes with the Zen theme, and repeats the texture of the actual stones in the sink basin. Soft, glowing faux finished walls are the perfect backdrop for pops of bright red accents and tie into the rest of the home.

Sustainable since 1943- Richlite paper composite surfaces

Posted on 18. Aug, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, healthy homes, recycled

Countertop surface materials come in all makes, colors and qualities but only Richlite stands out for its unique paper content, natural look and warm appeal. It’s produced out of environmentally sustainable materials unlike stone countertops quarried out of permanent holes in the ground. They are committed to building products that not only look good and last for years in the home or office but, also, can be manufactured with as little impact on the environment as possible. Established in 1943, Rainier Richlite Company, based in Tacoma, Washington, first produced natural fiber composites for aerospace and industrial markets in the late 1950s.

Richlite® is made primarily of paper purchased from FSC-Certified sources and/or recycled paper. The paper is treated with resin then pressed and baked to create solid sheets.

Richlite® is classified green in large part because the predominate raw material is derived from renewable or recycled resources. Managed and sustainable forests, habitat conservation efforts, along with prudent manufacturing practices are just some of the environmental mandates that go into Richlite countertop products.

They use the most environmentally benign production methods and materials available. During the saturation and drying process, over 99% of the volatile organic compounds are incinerated. The heat from that incineration is used for the drying process to minimize thermal pollution. There is no hazardous waste generated in the process. Richlite® does not off-gas because the compounds inside it chemically cross-link during the manufacturing process and are locked into the solid surface creating a homogenous material.

Currently Richlite® offers two products that contain recycled content; r50 contains 50% old corrugated cardboard (post-consumer waste) while r100 is made with 100% recycled paper (post-consumer waste) and is certified by FSC.

Richlite is the first company to offer hemp-based countertops, a visually unique surface alternative that produced from an exceptionally sustainable resource. Richlite’s hemp counters are made with fast-growing abaca fibers purchased from the Philippines and Ecuador. Abaca is a type of plant noted for its fibers used in weaving. The fibers, commonly referred to as hemp, have been used in textiles for more than 6,000 years. Few textiles are as strong or as long lasting as hemp. Today more than 25,000 products, including monetary currency and now countertops are made with the fibers.

Certified Eco-friendly Outdoor Fabrics

Posted on 13. Aug, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, home decoration, luxury design, recycled

Here in Arizona our outdoor living season is just getting under way when most people are thinking about bundling up for winter. Which means that the latest introduction into the sun-resistant fabric selection from Mokum is very welcome right about now. Mokum’s latest outdoor collection, Australian Botanicals Outdoor, is made from 100% Post Consumer Recycled textiles. The fabrics are inherently and permanently stain resistant, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, bleach cleanable and machine washable. The collection is also extremely durable, adding to its environmental desirability…

The fabrics are 100% solution dyed olefin with a soil resistant finish and all yarns used in the Australian Botanicals Outdoor collection are:

• Made from post industrial waste
• Produced using environmental friendly manufacturing processes
• Fully recyclable
• Certified Cradle-To-Cradle

These are not just your everyday, ho-hum, designs, either. Vibrant colors and bold patterns enliven any backyard or patio living space. Available through your interior designer.

Solar-powered Outdoor Lighting

Posted on 11. Aug, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, green design, innovation, luxury design, new technology

The glass shade is handcrafted for CL Sterling & Son in a Portuguese town called Marinha Grande, which has a history of glassmaking that dates back 300 years. The craftspeople pour a slurry of molten glass into individual molds to simulate a wax candle. The light’s energy source, embedded solar cells, is concealed in the solid brass stand, shown in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. The style is very low-tech, but is quite the opposite with a hidden timer that is set according to geographic location. The LED bulbs will last for three to five years.

Because the solar-powered energy source does not require an external electricity supply, there is no wiring involved, which makes installation easy and allows the fixture to be easily moved around an outdoor landscape.

CL Sterling & Son, 860.739.2720, http://www.clsterling.com/

Grand Teton National Park Building- LEED Platinum

Posted on 31. Jul, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, LEED, architecture, green design

LAURANCE S. ROCKEFELLER PRESERVE
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Completion date: 2008, Carney Architects, Jackson, Wyoming

Part of my summer vacation, besides visiting family and friends, is always spent exploring and enjoying the beautiful area I grew up in. I make it a point to make at least one voyage into the park every trip, and this year my focus was on touring the first LEED Platinum park building.

The Interpretive Center and its related trails represents a gift of an 1,100 acre inholding of land on the shores of Phelps Lake from Laurance S. Rockefeller to the National Park Service to benefit and educate the public. The meditation space, complete with rain and thunder soundtrack was interesting, as were the videos showing the park in all the seasons with close-ups of animals you may or may not get the chance to see up close. My favorite, though, was the reading room with comfortable chairs to relax and explore the many books about the park and the eco-systems in it.

The 7,000-square-foot building is self-guiding, with the goal of awakening the senses so that visitors may gain a heightened appreciation of the surrounding landscape. The building advances environmental responsibility, with sustainable materials and methods employed in all aspects of the design, from the building itself to every piece of furniture, also designed by Carney Architects. This building is the first to achieve LEED-Platinum status in the National Park Service and in Wyoming.

I loved this unique drinking fountain design- stainless steel pipe surrounded by rusted iron and drilled through a large boulder.

Directly behind the discovery center are several trails with beautiful viewing “nooks” overlooking the creek. We saw bear scratches on aspen trees, and a pine marten- up close and personal. He was too quick to snap a picture, though.

Bosch- eco-friendly to their roots

Posted on 01. Jul, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, innovation, recycling, water saving tips

At a recent seminar held by the Bosch Gallery here in Scottsdale, I learned a bit more about this amazing company, the history behind their commitment to the environment and social responsibility. I was amazed to know how long they have been a leader in innovative technology and leading edge ideas.

In 1886, Robert Bosch founded the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering ” in Stuttgart. This was the birth of today’s globally active Robert Bosch GmbH.
From the very beginning, the company’s history has been characterized by innovative drive and social commitment. They even have their own recycling centers when your appliance is no longer functional.

Best known for their dishwashers, and laundry appliances, they continue leading the way with the most energy- and water-efficient models available on the market today. In fact, they have been honored as the 2009 Energy-Star Partner of the Year for Appliances. Bosch dishwashers are the ultimate green machines- they are the quietest on the market, while exceeding federal energy standards by 48%.

Bosch has been advancing and improving their clothes washer design over a 50-year history, when they first introduced the front-loading models in Europe. Today, the Nexxt® 800 Series washers are so efficient they are 102% above ENERGY STAR® requirements. Their ECOSENSOR reduces energy usage while caring for your clothes.

Bosch also offers refrigerators, hot water heaters, cooking appliances and small appliances- and that doesn’t even start to cover the range of other equipment for home, garden, car, etc. When you consider their appliances are intelligent, more enjoyable and look stylish too, you can see why they are favored by many homeowners, as well as designers.

After learning about the company’s commitment to global energy concerns, worker welfare, and even providing innovative solutions for third-world and developing countries, I am putting Bosch (and their sister companies, Thermador and Gaggenau) on the top of my list.

Recycled auto glass countertops

Posted on 17. Jun, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, green design, luxury design, recycled, scottsdale interior design

We recently re-modeled our studio, including the bathrooms, and one of the most unique products we used was this countertop made from 100% recycled auto glass, and manufactured locally by High Road Custom. The product, called Re-Glass, is available in many colors, hues and finishes. Ours is Turtle Multi-Hue in the Natural finish.

Re-Glass was born from the simple concept of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Each one-of-a-kind, hand-made glass product is made of 100% recycled glass, created with nearly zero waste product and containing zero VOC. To further its sustainability; each and every product is 100% recyclable.

While Re-Glass products are designed for a lifetime of use, the counter tops, surfaces, furnishings and even sculptural elements are 100% recyclable and can be reclaimed and used in new recycled glass products at anytime in the future making for a zero landfill product. This is known as cradle-to-cradle, salvaged and reused materials that can be used again and again staying out of the landfill permanently.

Hand-crafted Hardware with Sustainable Style

Posted on 15. Jun, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, LEED, home decoration, luxury design, recycled

Hand-cast bronze door hardware by Rocky Mountain Hardware has been a long-time favorite in our studio for quality, dependable and beautiful door pulls, latches, hinges and decorative details. I am proud to use them on any of my projects, and the sustainability of their product is a big plus. They have a very organic, comforting feel which appeals to the senses- you just love to touch and handle these pulls.

Rocky Mountain Hardware uses the highest-quality (suitable for art), recycled material to create all of their bronze products. The factory and company headquarters are in Idaho, and they are a family owned and operated company proud to still be in their home state. Love for preserving the beauty of the natural environment in taken very seriously by the company -the corporate headquarters is even housed in a LEED Gold certified building!

Rocky Mountain Hardware is certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) to contain a minimum of 90% recycled content, with at least 50% post-consumer recycled content and the balance (40%) pre-consumer recycled content thus qualifying for up to 2 LEED points. SCS is the leading third party provider of auditing and certification for green building products.

Featuring multiple metal and patina options, in rustic or refined styles, there is likely to be a door set that suits almost any home. They also make custom lighting, bathroom accessories and decorative tiles.  Available only through your designer, architect or builder.

Beautiful Plaster Finishes in Natural Clay

Posted on 27. May, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, LEED, healthy homes, luxury design, recyclable, scottsdale interior design

We just finished a small remodel at our office, and used a terrific product in one of our conference rooms- American Clay Plaster. It is all natural, coming straight out of the earth, and has absolutely no nasty odor- even during application! It is hand troweled on and can be finished in a variety of techniques that range from very rustic to more polished and smooth, similar to Venetian Plaster. Painted Earth Finishes did the installation for us, and were fantastic to work with.
Manufactured in and using materials from the United States, American Clay uses natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and vibrant natural pigments in each of three beautiful finishes: LOMA, PORCELINA, and MARITTIMO.

Earth Plasters are non-dusting, mold and fade resistant, repairable and moisture controlling. For projects in Scottsdale, they would also qualify for LEED MR 5.2 regional material credits. American Clay may contribute up to 7 LEED credits (8 if you include the recycling area as all of American Clay’s packaging is recyclable), and 5 in most areas.

American Clay is available in a wide range of standard colors, and custom colors are also an option, making it the perfect choice for any space.

Fantastic Lighting from Leftover Cardboard

Posted on 25. May, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly lighting, recycled

I don’t often feel that fixtures or furniture made from recycled or repurposed materials are really all that attractive (frankly I usually think they’re cheesy and junky). This is one of those exceptions. Made from stacked rings of corrugated cardboard, Graypants‘ pendant Scrap Lights are a wonderful example of the power of good design. The ceiling lamps’ elegant construction recycles leftover scraps of cardboard to create a semi-translucent shade that gives off a muted, soft glow. The overall effect is elegant, understated and as far from trash as you could possibly get.
The founders of Graypants, Jonathan Junker and Seth Grizzle, have been collaborating in design for eight years. Based in Seattle, Junker and Grizzle have produced everything from chairs and tables to buildings – all made from discarded and repurposed materials like newspaper, cardboard, and plywood.
Their Scrap Lights are an expertly blend contemporary design with a practical approach to materials and waste. Wouldn’t these lamps make an fantastic focal point hanging from the ceiling in a dining room, kitchen or bar? They prove that good design can be both stunning and sustainable.

Ensure Healthy Indoor Air with Airpod

Posted on 20. May, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly interior design, green living tips, healthy homes

After sealing and insulating your house to create a more energy efficient home, you also need to be sure you are creating and maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Enter the Airpod, which packs a high quality HEPA air filter into a compact, modern package. Perfect for bedrooms, office, or nursery, this affordable air purifier will have you and your loved ones breathing easy.

Quite often, poor indoor air quality is responsible for prolonged illness, difficulty sleeping, and respiratory discomfort, although it is often overlooked as the cause of these symptoms. With a high efficiency silent HEPA-Air filter, such as the delightfully designed Airpod by Blueair, you can filter out at least 99.97% of impure airborne particles in your indoor environment, which will in turn improve your family’s health.

Compared to air filters with comparable performance rates, the Airpod uses approximately 60% less material in its design and manufacturing. The Airpod costs less to run than a single light bulb, and it does not generate ozone byproducts like Sharper Image’s Ionic Breeze.

Air filtration units used for large areas of space (approx. 200 sq ft-600 sq ft) range anywhere from $150 to $800, which means it can be quite costly to purchase such units for every room in your home. The Airpod allows for good air quality in your smaller personal spaces: it covers up to 50 square feet and costs just $99.95 at most retailers.

The sleek design and easy mobility allows the Airpod to go work with you, so that you can filter out those unwanted particles floating in your office air. The Airpod is perfect for your child’s playroom/area as well. The easily movable unit can dock next to your baby’s crib while he’s sleeping, and then transfer to wherever you go to nurse, cuddle or play with your baby.

Japanese Inspired Paper Lamps

Posted on 18. May, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, green design, home decoration, innovation, luxury design

These beautifully patterned cut paper lamps from Brooklyn based Levent & Romme shown at this year’s BKLYN Designs really caught my eye. Imagined first as pen and ink illustrations, the designers then cut the patterns into a single sheet of thick watercolor paper. Watercolor paper is softly textured and just opaque enough to make the designs pop, and the heavy weight paper lends itself perfectly to the shades’ delicate cuts. The shade fits together using a tabbed design so that it forms a tube without any fasteners or adhesives, increasing the lamps’ sustainability.  Available in four patterns, the fixture uses a compact fluorescent lamp for illumination.

Designers Anne Romme & Fiyel Levent have been working together for the past two years on furniture, installations, and interior designs. They add a twist to their designs by focusing on technology in their fabrication methods, while basing them around traditional materials and craftsmanship. The patterns used for the floor lamps were inspired by the work of Japanese American artist Ruth Asawa, and other Japanese designs- such as Isama Noguchi’s paper lights.

Eco-luxury Resort in Napa Valley

Posted on 06. May, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, LEED, eco-friendly design, green design, luxury design

The newest Napa Valley luxury hotel is an eco-resort- the Bardessono- and it looks to be a nicely sustainable gem. When designing the inn and spa they took care not to disrupt the area’s natural habitat while including a host of green building strategies including rammed earth walls, grey and black water treatment systems, and solar and geothermal energy. Completed just a few weeks ago by eco-developer Phil Sherburne and architect Ron Mitchell, the project is currently pursuing LEED platinum certification.

Building a luxurious restaurant, spa, and hotel in the middle of Napa Valley’s Yountville was a challenging project for Phil Sherburne and architect Ron Mitchell. They needed – and wanted- to be sustainable while also building a relationship with the community.

The architect and developer used recycled cypress wood to build all of the doors, desks, floors and ceilings. They also focused on the interior, targeting elements that would ensure the property’s natural feel. The environmentally rich 62-room hotel stands proudly, with the support of the neighborhood, right on the Bardessono family’s six-acre farmstead in Napa Valley.

How to Enjoy a White Sofa- Even if You Have Kids

Posted on 22. Apr, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly interior design

Have you ever lusted after a pure white sofa, but had to deny yourself because it just wasn’t practical? White looks so crisp and beautiful in the showroom or on the magazine page, but you KNOW it will be a grimy, icky nightmare after only days in your own home. Well, finally you can have that sophisticated look, and not worry about red wine or even mustard.

The latest advances in technology are focusing on nanotechnology – the science of super tiny things- and now it is being applied to fabrics. NanoTex, the company responsible for bringing this to the consumer is using the technology to create spill and stain-releasing fabrics for home and apparel. One of my favorite home textile companies, Calvin Fabrics, is using NanoTex on their line of natural and neutral textures.

With NanoTex applied, liquids bead up and can be blotted easily away. The real beauty of the technology, however, lies in the fact that the feel (hand) of the fabric is not changed, nor is the color or appearance. Because the molecules that create the stain repellent are so tiny, they bind directly with the fibers of the fabric, rather than coating them. This also makes the stain releasing capability even more effective – stains can’t even get to the fibers.

While still using a chemical to achieve the results, NanoTex is more eco-friendly because the nanotechnology allows a minuscule amount of chemical to give better results than other formulas which contain harmful VOC’s.

Wastepaper Basket from Waste Paper

Posted on 20. Apr, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, green design, green living tips, home decoration, recyclable

Here’s an innovative idea for you- a container for trash that reduces the amount of trash in landfills. CHUCKâ„¢ is the world’s first modern wastepaper basket constructed of 100% recycled cardboard and printed with low VOC water-based soy inks.

Inspired by walking past a pile of trash, these fun waste baskets are available in a variety of printed patterns and designs. Perfect for guest rooms, dorms, playrooms, etc. Take your recycling to the next level- not only is Chuck made from recycled material, it is 100% recyclable when it’s useful life is over.

Healthy Sleep with Organic Mattresses

Posted on 15. Apr, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, healthy homes, indoor air quality, luxury design, scottsdale interior design

Looking for a quality mattress that will let you sleep healthy, deeply and well? If you suffer from allergies, asthma or environmental illnesses, a natural mattress is exactly what you need. Several all-natural mattresses are now available, but one of my favorite is from Savvy Rest. Originally developed as the Savvy Baby Organic crib mattress, now all Savvy Rest mattresses are free of toxic chemicals, just as your sleep should be.

Several factors play into creating a healthy mattress, including the following:
Hypoallergenic
Most mattresses and pillows even most organic ones are welcoming habitats for allergens. Dust mites cause breathing problems, stress the immune system and can trigger asthma attacks. A chemical-free organic mattress should also be hypoallergenic, or you’ll just be trading one problem for another. Savvy Rest is made of natural latex rubber, in which dust mites can’t survive.

Pressure Relieving
Your mattress should support you in supreme comfort. Most conventional mattresses, particularly those made with innersprings or coils, produce painful pressure points that cause you to toss and turn.

Natural latex rubber, the core of a Savvy Rest, is pressure relieving and promotes the deepest stages of sleep. You can choose very firm, very soft, or any grade between (on each side).

Comfortable
A removable mattress casing made with certified organic wool fiber quilted to certified organic cotton fabric (not cotton fibers- see cotton fiber vs. cotton fabric for the crucial difference). The wool’s lanolin is naturally repellent to dust mites and microscopic scales covering each strand keep the internal ticking environment dry. So you’ll sleep warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer on a Savvy Rest.

Savvy Rest mattresses are available in Scottsdale at Natural Territory, or through your designer.

Eco-friendly Wallpaper goes Mod

Posted on 13. Apr, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, healthy homes, home decoration, indoor air quality

Many traditional wall coverings often use PVC, a harmful and toxic material (VOC)that has been known to off-gas into the air. Buying toxin-free textiles is an important health consideration that can’t be ignored, especially for homes with infants or people who suffer from respiratory illnesses. One company, Mod Green Pod was founded by Lisa and Nancy Mims as a means to offer safer and fashionable alternatives to conventional textile prints. Their products are not just graphically gorgeous, but completely green too. They are completely free of vinyl, and use water-based inks on 100% certified organic cotton-based fabric.

In addition to these wonderfully playful yet sophisticated wallpapers, Mod Green Pod offers organic, eco-friendly fabrics in coordinating patterns and colors.
Mod Green Fabrics
Who says being Green has to mean “earthy”?

Eco-friendly Car for Everyday

Posted on 08. Apr, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, cost of green design, new technology, zero emission transportation

Tesla Motors has announced the release of the Model S, an eco-friendly luxury sedan with all-electric technology for the rest of the world who needs a real car, not just a sportscar. Most people don’t realize (or have forgotten) that the Roadster was always mainly seen as a tool to generate the excitement and support to release a moderately priced sedan, and here it is.

The Tesla Model S and Roadster

With a range up to 300 miles and 45-minute QuickCharge, the Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort – and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. The mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility for a base price of $49,900, making it the only car you’ll ever need.

The Model S offers 100 percent torque, 100 percent of the time without jerky shifting and a fraction of the noise and harshness of internal combustion engines. This smooth and constant power delivery, combined with the sporty handling of the chassis and suspension, leads to a superior driving experience. Performance of 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and a 120 mph top speed nearly equal the Roadster, but with sport sedan dynamics. All-wheel-drive available allows you to take this energy efficient car almost anywhere.

The Model S powertrain features a liquid-cooled, floor-mounted battery pack and a single-speed gearbox, delivering effortless acceleration, responsive handling and quiet simplicity — no fancy clutchwork or gear-shifting required. Energy efficiency is exceptional – the Model S costs about $4 to fully charge, a bargain even when gasoline is $1 per gallon. Eco-friendly design and luxury are nicely balanced in this sedan, including expected features like Pandora Radio or the 17 inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity let you consult Google Maps to find your way.

Limited range is one of the biggest complaints with electric cars, and it looks like Tesla has been listening. The Model S has three battery pack options which offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge. With the 45 minute QuickCharge or a 5 minute battery swap, you can drive from LA to San Francisco, Washington to New York or take even longer road trips in about the same time as in a conventional car.

I can personally see using this car as my everyday car with clients, commuting, and family road trip vacations. The base price is more attainable for most people, and should help ensure it will fly off the factory line.

Flooring for Cavemen, Castles and a Govenor’s Mansion- Now it Can Be Yours

Posted on 06. Apr, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, LEED, luxury design, recycled, scottsdale interior design

Leather has been used for centuries to soften, cushion and warm rooms in the finest homes. In the past leather floor tiles used the dorsal (spine) part of the hide, which is thicker and more durable – but also the most expensive. EcoDomo Recycled Leather Tiles are a more cost effective, and eco-friendly option combined with exceptional beauty, character, and resilience. Like all leather tiles, they will develop a patina over time and reflect the uses and characters of the inhabitants of the space. However, they are the most resilient leather tiles on the market today. They have the look, feel, and characteristic fragrance of leather – while being made of a recycled material.

The EcoDomo Recycled Leather Tiles are made from natural products which are completely renewable, including leather (scraps collected from furniture, shoe and other leather factories), natural rubber, and acacia tree bark. The acacia tree bark is a natural binding agent used to ensure the consistency of the product. Acacia tree bark is harvested from trees which re-grow the bark over time, in a similar manner to cork. The harvesting does not damage the trees.

Recycled Leather Tiles and adhesives required to apply the tiles can contribute to LEED credits. Maintenance is very easy, and eco-friendly also. Eco-Domo recommends using beeswax or carnuba wax to maintain and restore the tiles after installation- both of which are natural and renewable. These recycled leather tiles are completely natural, and help to reduce materials sent to landfills.

Tiles are available in 8 colors and 4 textures – contact your designer to see actual samples. Their online virtual sampler is a good place to start, though.

Vintage and Repurposed Furniture

Posted on 01. Apr, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, home decoration, recycled

Restoration Hardware has gone back to their roots and introduced a limited edition line of furniture pieces that use antique and vintage elements to create unique combinations of eco-friendly style and function.

Included in the collection is a coffee table created from a repurposed antique factory cart- an early American 1900s industrial original once used to transport furniture, fabric and supplies across the factory floor. Each cart has been restored by a Northern California craftsman. Tops have been cleaned and oiled but still bear the marks of its history and may have nicks and imperfections and the carts still have their original cast iron wheels, bolts and plates. Each cart is a vintage original and no two are exactly alike; variations in distressing, cracks, finish and wheel construction are to be expected and add to the charm and character.

A more simple, clean-lined and very usable piece is the Brick maker’s Pallet Table. A limited number of one-of-a-kind brick maker’s tables found with the help of European antiques dealers. Originally a pallet used to cut, cool and transport bricks 100 years ago in a Belgian brick works, the table top’s bolted planks are rugged Northern European azobe wood. The rough-hewn pallet top has been cleaned, yet bears the nicks of time, the patina of use and is true to its masonry origins. The base is hand-welded steel with a distressed finish.

While not technically an antique, the Steamer Trunks in Vintage Cigar Leather are each handmade and no two are alike. The reproduction trunks use vintage cigar leather over a solid wood frame and 3000 hand-hammered nailheads. Using trunks as coffee tables is a smart balance of storage and surface and has been very popular for years. Restoration Hardware’s steamer trunks are available in two sizes that will be functional in many rooms.

New Hybrid Sportscar from Toyota

Posted on 30. Mar, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, cost of green design, energy efficient design, hybrid sportscars, innovation, new technology

Another exciting development in eco-friendly transportation may be on the horizon in the form of a sporty car based on tried and true hybrid technology from Toyota. As a long-time loyal Toyota owner who likes a sporty car that can deliver performance and economy, I am thrilled to see this breaking news.

Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto has reportedly confirmed the MR2 sportscar will soon be hitting the road, remade from its older version into a Prius-inspired hybrid vehicle. The new MR2 will draw inspiration (and technology) from the iconic Toyota Prius, with the goal of creating a mass market hybrid sportscar that is as fun to drive as it is green. No actual renderings of the car have been released, but based on rumors and existing concepts for the ft-HS concept car, it is expected to be a sporty, low-slung coupe cross between the old MR2 and the Prius.

Toyota’s development of the MR2 will not compete directly with the Tesla Roadster, but rather creates a car that can do a reasonable 0-60mph in seven seconds and get an incredible 60mpg, presumably at a much more achievable price point. We are all familiar with Toyota’s efforts to create a mass market electric vehicle. The Prius, after all, is the best known green car on the market. So looking to capitalize on such technology while creating a sportier, much more dynamic looking vehicle has great implications for both a consumer market and the corporation’s innovation.

Based on the automaker’s current line of eminently reliable, practical and fuel efficient machinery, it’s easy to forget that Toyota has a past full of exciting sports cars. A couple of years back, Toyota decided to highlight the fact that it knows how to built a sporty-looking vehicle with the FT-HS concept, which mated a performance-minded hybrid powertrain with edgy, low-slung bodywork.

If indeed true, this new sporty hybrid would go up against Honda’s expected CR-Z hybrid hatchback. Unlike its rival from Honda, though, the MR2 would feature rear-wheel drive, and that’s something to get excited about.

Save Energy with Technology and Convenience

Posted on 21. Mar, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, LEED, energy saving, green design, home decoration, innovation, new technology, scottsdale interior design

A new partner that I am working with to create integrated home theater, lighting and security systems for clients who want to enjoy ultimate convenience and cutting edge technology in their homes, Digital Home Lifestyles, is helping them to save money and energy as well. That may seem unlikely – after all adding more electronics to your home must add to the electricity required, right?

The difference is being made in the amount of energy needed to illuminate the home – something every home requires. The amazing thing is that it works with all the standard lights and bulbs you already know and use. The savings comes from the lighting control system and how it works. In addition to providing ease of pre-set lighting scenes for specific activities and time of day, a lighting control system like the one used by Digital Home Lifestyles can be programmed to limit the level of light. As explained by Chad Hollander, design consultant of Digital Home Lifestyles, by setting all fixtures to only come on at 80% of maximum, you are also using only 80% of the electricity needed to power that fixture, but there is no visible difference to your eye in the amount of light. Limiting the maximum wattage output of bulbs also extends the life of the bulb, resulting in lower replacement costs.

United under a single control system, independent “subsystems” can also monitor and conserve energy throughout the house with a simple touch of a screen, or programmed to suit your lifestyle. From the touch of a button you can open or close window shades according to the sun, adjust thermostats and be alerted to doors or windows that have been left ajar. It can be operated remotely from any computer anywhere in the world. You can even answer the front door while you are in another part of the country via the monitors in your security system and the Internet, instructing UPS to leave the package you were expecting.

Several control system products including lighting systems, thermostats, and shade controls are designed to operate efficiently, replacing several products and drawing less power. Integration solutions offer significant energy savings by providing daylight harvesting and automating lights, drapes, thermostats and sprinklers/fountains based on daylight, time, motion, occupancy, temperature, humidity and other conditions. By integrating the disparate environmental systems, efficiencies are increased exponentially and may contribute toward LEED Certification. Many options are available to suit your needs.

To truly experience the benefits of a home control system, the interface has to be easy to understand and simple to use. Infinitely customizable, the sky is the limit with how your home can be adapted to your lifestyle. The system can turn music on or off, preheat the pool or spa just in time for your arrival and can be set for individual preferences for each member of your family. When you arrive home, and enter your code to change security alarm settings, it can automatically turn on your favorite music or television channel and the lights for your path from garage to bedroom.

Digital Home Lifestyles is my choice for installing home theaters and entertainment systems that are unparalleled in Arizona. Their technology partners are the top of the line and systems can be designed specifically for you and your home – whether you have a dedicated theater space or want to conceal it within a living room, family room or outdoor area. They professionally design a media system according to your desires, and can present you with a budget in minutes, making changes in real time until you are satisfied with both the technology features and price. Then they work with your designer and builder to install it seamlessly into your home. As a designer, I appreciate that speakers and controls can be easily matched to be nearly invisible and integrate into your decor, no matter what the color or style.

For more information about integrating your home and lifestyle, anywhere in the world, contact Sesshu Design Associates or Digital Home Lifestyles directly.

Truly ZERO-VOC paint – in any color

Posted on 19. Mar, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, LEED, cost of green design, healthy homes, indoor air quality, scottsdale interior design

Benjamin Moore has released Natura, the first ever truly Zero-VOC paint that is virtually odorless, and has fewer VOCs than any other paint on the market. With zero VOCs in both the base and the colorants, you can match virtually any color without sacrificing the green benefits. They put their Green Promise seal on this product- assurance that it meets or exceeds the strictest industry standards with excellent performance.

One of my clients used this to paint their entire interior, with rave reviews. It goes on easily, dries fast, has excellent coverage and great durability. Best of all – with no odor, you can still live in your rooms while you’re painting. You can breathe easy, knowing the air is free of the harmful and toxic compounds found in standard paints (which is what we know as “that new paint smell”).

Benjamin Moore has gone beyond the EPA standards to evaluate not just VOCs, but all the elements that affect indoor air quality. Natura exceeds the LEED criteria for the environmental safety.

The Natura range includes a primer plus three sheens – flat, eggshell and semi-gloss – and, of course, the infinite selection of colors. Offered in quarts and gallons, Natura is $49.99 a gallon, MSRP.

For more information on Natura and its availability, visit www.benjaminmoore.com. The site includes a retailer locator to help find where the paint is sold nearest you, or ask your designer to specify Natura on your home.

**Update:
The April 2009 issue of Dwell compares 4 popular lines of eco-friendly interior paint – Benjamin Moore Natura, YOLO Colorhouse, AFM Safecoat, and Mythic. All rated farily well, but the Benjamin Moore was clearly the winner, both from an expert’s view and the editor’s. It ranked espeically high on color choice including darks and brights.

Why is Mesquite a Sustainable Choice?

Posted on 28. Feb, 2009 by Sesshu Design in Blog, luxury design, scottsdale interior design

Mesquite is a sustainable wood because it is actually a bush, not a tree. Attempts to cut, shred, remove and even burn does not kill mesquite root systems and results in mesquite growing back stronger and thicker. Farmers and ranchers have tried to eradicate mesquite for hundreds of years resulting in them growing back stronger and expanding their area of growth as animals and cattle eat the seed pods and distribute the seeds. Based on current usage of mesquite and eradication efforts the supply in Texas alone can last for thousands of years without need to plant additional mesquite.

The beautiful reddish-brown wood is also extremely durable and the hardness is better than oak, maple or mahogany. It is more tolerant of moisture than many woods, which makes its use in areas like kitchens a possibility. One disadvantage is that large and longer board lengths are difficult to find and substantially raise the costs. However, shorter planks or end-grain blocks can be quite unique and attractive.

This mountain vacation home in Colorado features a mesquite countertop and cabinets in the bar.