Nuts About These Colorful Bowls

Posted on 09. Nov, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, eco-friendly design, eco-friendly interior design, gifts, home decoration, locally made, recycled, sustainable, sustainable design, sustainable interior design

A room is never quite finished until it is accessorized – and a touch of whimsy or personality is exactly what is called for.  I just love these fun and functional bowls made from Macadamia nut husks because they provide both.  Each one is unique, and still contains bits of the original shell that show through in the colorful interior coating.  The wood-like outer shell contrasts with the vibrant colored hand-polished lining, created though a process of grinding, polishing and waxing.

Designed and crafted by Marc Harrison in his native Australia, he hopes these bowls create an emotional connection between the product and the end-user.  Hand-crafted with local materials and manufactured using low-impact processes these Husque bowls are a great example of artistic and sustainable design.  Each one arrives packaged with the story of the design’s origin and the history of the macadamia nut.

Available in an array of bright colors, these bowls would add a nice accent to any room.  Used to serve nuts, display fruit, or just as a piece of art they are sure to grab attention and the story of their creation makes a great conversation starter. In addition to the bowls which come in two shapes, the Husque collection includes a tray and vase in the same colorful options.

Easy LEED-Homes Platinum Certification?

Posted on 12. Oct, 2010 by Sesshu Design in Blog, cost of green design, eco tips, eco-friendly, eco-friendly design, eco-friendly interior design, eco-friendly lighting, energy efficient design, energy saving, energy-star, environmentally friendly tips, flooring, green building products, green design, healthy homes, LEED, recyclable, recycled, repurposed, resources, reuse, sustainable, sustainable design, water saving tips, zero-VOC

Here’s a great true-life story of how it is possible to design a great green build home easily and within your budget.  This is reprinted from Green Building Advisor and chronicles the complete gut rehab green design of a row house in Washington DC by the owner utilizing an experienced green builder and the LEED Checklist as her guideline.  She also shares some of the pitfalls and things she wished she had done differently.

Washington, DC

Sep 3 By Peter Yost 

This photo shows Levin’s completed LEED Platinum gut rehab of her row townhouse. From the scourge to the envy of the neighborhood. And those beautiful river run stones at the front of her yard? Reclaimed from the excavated basement.

Green realtor Amy Levin uses her background in construction, housing market savvy, and sheer will to achieve Platinum on her LEED for Homes gut rehab of a DC rowhome

“It was easier than I thought,” says Amy Levin when first asked about her LEED for Homes Platinum gut rehab. This would not be the last time my jaw would drop when dealing with Amy; she is a completely unflappable, sharp as a tack, force of nature. She is a born problem-solver and her favorite retort is most certainly “why not” rather than “why.” The devil is always in the details; here is the rest of the context on Amy’s “easy” version of LEED Platinum.

Using the LEED for Homes checklist to drive the process
Amy used the LEED for Homes rating program and checklist to drive her own green building learning curve as well as her design and building process. “I had done some green building in the past,” recalls Amy, “but it was not a comprehensive or integrated process. We did not use the LEED for Homes checklist as prescription, we used it to learn, evaluate, and prioritize. The LEED for Homes program checklist is a really great organizational tool.”

“While this approach is not the ideal, it is quite common and can work” says Asa Foss, Amy’s LFH rater, her primary green building consultant and now Manager for LEED Technical Development at the USGBC. “The danger in having the checklist in the driver’s seat is turning your project in to a point-chasing exercise. While point-chasing was definitely not an issue with Amy’s project, it’s an important hazard to avoid.”

Fully utilizing local green resources
Amy is quick to point out that she was fortunate during her project. “First,” says Amy, “I had Asa as my ace; his availability, knowledge, and willingness to work with me as the general contractor was a huge green advantage.” “And discovering local resources like Marcus Sims (Treincarnation) and The Community Forklift were key for green rehab.” TreIncarnation supplied lots of surplus salvage finish materials and The Community Forklift’s salvage retail operation was a great two-way street for the project, taking from and supplying to Amy’s project.

Making the numbers work
While Amy had a substantial budget for her project, it was definitely finite: “My budget was $500,000 and we came in at $495,676.92. I kept expecting the green building BigFoot to come and crunch the project, but I really believe that there was no real premium. Think of it this way: my apartment rental income covers more than what my mortgage would be on this project. My peak monthly utility bills are less than half those of my neighbors, and my home is more comfortable with better air quality.”

Amy is clear that some individual components came at a premium: higher SEER AC unit, her solar water system, top-of-the-line household appliances. But here is a list of project elements where she is sure she saved money going green: a salvaged kitchen cabinet and granite countertop for her rental unit kitchen ($500), powder room vanity made from site-salvaged lumber ($50), river-run fieldstones for front yard landscaping (free from her 4 feet of basement excavation).

And as a realtor, Amy is confident she can take the value of her LEED Platinum project with her if and when she sells her home. “There is real value here that I can show, from the comfort and health perspectives, but also by simply sharing my utility bills!” says Amy with a smile.

An interesting twist: Salvaging art as well as the building
The emphasis on salvage is pretty clear in Amy’s home: the reuse of the original heart pine flooring, rough framing planed and used for the powder room ceiling exposed latticework, the upstairs laundry framed with salvaged two by fours. But the most impressive and unique salvage during the project was not building materials. It was the paintings of EJ Martin that Amy discovered half-buried in the dirt of the basement and even behind drywall from previous renovations. EJ Martin lived at 1834 Ingleside Terrace for many years, at times even paying his rent with his work.

“They were far too beautiful to toss,” says Amy. “It was more than worth it to restore what we could and keep them with this house.” EJ Martin’s paintings are hung throughout Amy’s home.

Lessons Learned

Amy was not particularly fond of being a green guinea pig for some of her materials. “The Columbia Forest Product Purebond door on the largest cabinet never worked; it warped badly,” says Amy, “and we finally just had to replace it.“

“I also completely underestimated the need for residential lighting design,” adds Amy. “We got energy-efficient lighting products, but the location of lighting is sometimes an issue and also the balance of task and background lighting is wrong.” Amy wishes she had known about residential lighting design guidance from IBACOS (High Performance Lighting Guide) and from RPI (Builder’s Guide to Home Lighting).

“Frankly,” says Amy, “it was the regular headaches that had little to do with green that I wish I could do over again, like finding the right plumber!” Amy wrapped up by saying how hard it is to figure out the right way to “divvy up” four stories of a rowhouse between the rental and the live-in portions.

Peter Yost

Tags: LEED for Homes, LEED Platinum, remodel, Gut rehab

---

Image Credits:

1. Amy Levin
2. EPA Energy Star

Easy LEED Platinum? | GreenBuildingAdvisor.com

General Specs and Team

Location: Washington, DC
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Living Space : 2600 sqf
Cost (USD/sq. ft.): $190/sqf

The rowhome has a finished basement that is a fully independent rental unit, quite typical of the area.

General Contractor – Amy Levin
Builder – Leon Home Improvement
Insulation contractor – Anchor Insulation
Electrician – Michael n Sons
HVAC – Argent Heating and Cooling
Renewable energy systems contractor – Capitol Sun Group

Construction

Click here for REMRate report with construction details

Energy

- Air tightness = 4 ACH50
- Heating efficiency (heat pumps): 9.0/8.2 HSPF
- Cooling efficiency (heat pumps): 17 SEER
- All ducts in conditioned space
- Water heating: 0.82 EF (see below for solar water heating)
- Energy Star windows (U-value=0.3; SHGC=0.29) (glazing to floor ratio=12%)
- Seagull Energy Star Lighting
- KitchenAid Energy Star appliances
- Evacuated tube solar water system (supplying 77% of total hot water)

NOTE: Jeldwyn Doors and Marvin Windows from Midsouth Building Supply Co. (only companies meeting size and historic requirements)

NOTE: All sealants from AFM Safecoat

“>”>Click here for REMRate report with energy efficiency details

Water Efficiency

- Limited turf: 17% of landscaped area
- Drought-tolerant plantings: 100%
- Roof rainwater harvesting system: 63% of roof area
- High Efficiency Fixtures (toilets, faucets, showerheads)

NOTE: All plumbing supplies, including Toto dual-flush toilets, from Thomas Somerville

Indoor Air Quality

- Ducts sealed off during construction
- Home flushed continuously for one week prior to occupancy (windows open)
- No attached garage
- MERV 13 air filter

Green Materials and Resource Efficiency

- Framing waste factor = 0%
- Advanced framing techniques
- Construction waste diversion rate = 90%
- Salvaged heart pine flooring
- Salvaged kitchen countertop and cabinet set (basement rental unit)
- Site-salvaged river stones for landscaping

NOTES:
a. Metal stairs with FSC-certified treads from The Iron Shop
b. Paint – Harmony
c. FSC-certified interior doors- MidSouth Building Supply
d. Concrete – Fly ash, recycled aggregate: DC Materials
e. Cabinets – Eco Green Living
f. Countertops and bath sink Eycon
g. Recycled ceramic tile – Nature Neutral
h. Trex decking – MidSouth Building Supply

Certification

LEED for Homes Platinum Rehab (Click here for Amy Levin’s Final LEED for Homes checklist)
HERS Rating = 63

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

A hand carved chest from Jason Scott Collection

The Jason Scott Collection line of reclaimed teak wood furnishings has options that are rustic or refined, in traditional or contemporary styles.  All are 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.

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.

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, home decoration, LEED, 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.

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.

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.

Magnificent Flooring with a Story to Tell

Posted on 30. Jan, 2009 by Sesshu Design in eco-friendly, eco-friendly interior design, green building products, green design, luxury design, reclaimed flooring, recycled, scottsdale interior design, sustainable design, sustainable interior design

One of my favorite eco-friendly products is reclaimed wood flooring, and a fantastic source here in Scottsdale is Vintage Hardwoods. They offer a wide variety of wood species sourced from the US and Australia. Reclaimed wood already has that beautiful patina of wear and a story to tell – something we often try to achieve through artificial aging processes, with sometimes less than fabulous results.

By using the wood from old barns, sheds and other structures which are going to be torn down, we save new trees from being cut down, avoid sending smoke and ash into the air (because often these buildings are burned rather than torn apart), and are able to experience some incredibly beautiful woods that may not even be around anymore.

Vintage Hardwoods resources, gathers and re-mills all their own wood. They specialize in longer planks which, while more difficult to remove from the old structures they were originally a part of, create a longer lasting and more beautiful floor. Often their wood comes from smaller structures, as well – those that many people don’t want to hassle with disassembling and transporting.

Vintage Hardwoods uses water based stains and low VOC glues to finish and install the planks in your rooms. Each installation is provided a plaque that identifies the wood species and where it was sourced from, as well as the approximate date of its first use.

By its nature, reclaimed wood is always unique and available in limited quantities. Some of my favorites are shown below.

Reclaimed Australian Sheep Wood

We call it “sheep wood” because it is authentic floor planking removed from original sheep shearing facilities and wool sheds in Western Australia. The white gum species were used because their extreme hardness and durability were able to withstand the constant traffic of the sheep.
We locate this wood, import it and then restore it in our mill. We preserve it’s original character while revealing a new beautiful complexion. The result is a luxurious floor reminiscent of the frontier days of the outback.
Woods from these eucalyptus families are beautiful and elegant. They are characterized by a smooth, creamy grain and original nail holes darkened by decomposed nails. The natural color is a light reddish brown with hints of chocolate.

Reclaimed Australian Spotted Gum

Historically, spotted gum was used in Australia for construction piles and shipbuilding. Its long fibers give it an excellent “power to weight” ratio and high resilience. The original timbers came from Australia’s east coast in a section from the far south to Queensland. Spotted gum has varied grain patterns and colors ranging from light mocha to pale blond with peach undertones.

Reclaimed Vintage Oak

For hundreds of years oak has been used to build barns and warehouses. Oak is a popular choice for reclaimed flooring because of its very fine grain patterns, interesting knots, and nail holes with mineral stains left by decomposed nails. Other characteristics include saw marks, hairline cracks, and occasional worm holes. Reclaimed oak has beautiful nut-like tones ranging from a deep mocha to light cream.

Reclaimed Vintage Heart Pine

With its strength and durability, heart pine was used extensively in shipbuilding, as well as for houses, barns, factories and warehouses. The supply of this wood is limited because the old-growth yellow pine trees were all cut down by the early 1930s. This beautiful reclaimed flooring is characterized by its varied grain patterns and unique colors of light gold, shades of red, orange, brown, and dark honey. The dramatic coloration is created by an oxidation process; the planks change color as they are exposed to season after season of heat, cold, snow and rain. The planks expand and contract as they go through the seasons, becoming harder as the colors deepen. The sapwood begins to crystallize and deepen in color. Other characteristics of reclaimed heart pine include knots, nail holes, mineral stains and occasional saw marks.

Reclaimed Vintage Sycamore

The hearty sycamore tree has the largest leaf of any tree native to North America. It was used primarily for barns built in the mid 1800′s. The sapwood of sycamore is white to light yellow, while the heartwood is light to medium brown. This beautiful wood has a fine, close texture with an interlocking grain. Reclaimed sycamore is characterized by its light, creamy color, dark knots, nail holes with mineral stains and occasional saw marks.

Green fabrics come in all colors

Posted on 29. Jan, 2009 by Sesshu Design in bamboo, eco-friendly, eco-friendly interior design, fabrics, green building products, green design, luxury design, recyclable, recycled, scottsdale interior design, sustainable, sustainable design, sustainable interior design

Brentano Fabrics has added a new label to their line which features exclusive eco-friendly textiles in a variety of styles, and materials. Their commitment to a green awareness while still designing with beauty and performance in mind led to the creation of Brentano Green, which includes both woven textiles and faux leathers.

The Brentano Green labeled materials are qualified with the following criteria:
Raw Materials must have either biodegradable or recycled content
Process evaluation of the dying and weaving as well as other environmental aspects in manufacturing the textiles
Facility & Social Responsibility accounting for working conditions, public health and green programs

The eco-fabrics are made from bamboo, eco-intelligent polyester, eco-wool, 100% post consumer recycled polyester and biodegradable polyurethane. In 1993, Brentano was searching for an alternative to environmentally harmful leather and vinyl textiles. After learning about polyurethane, they made the decision not to produce either leather or vinyl products, instead developing beautiful and environmentally friendly faux leathers.

Bamboo is 100% biodegradable and a rapidly renewable resource. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Bamboo also has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produces a large amount of oxygen as it grows.

Brentano’s Eco-intelligent Polyester is MBDC Cradle to Cradle Gold rated and part of a closed loop system designed to be upcycled (after use, it can be recovered and remanufactured safely and effectively). It is manufactured using 100% hydro-power.

Eco-wool is a naturally environmentally friendly fiber that requires less water and fewer pesticides than linen or cotton. The fibers have almost no toxic residues and it is compliant with EU Eco-label standards, Environmental Choice New Zealand certified and the mill is ranked Enviro-Mark Silver.

100% Post consumer Recycled Polyester if rated MBDC Cradle to Cradle Silver. Using post consumer polyester fibers preserves virgin oil, reducing use of this natural resource. The fabric is recyclable and the dyestuffs contain no harmful chemicals or heavy metals.

Faux Leather is made from biodegradable polyurethane, it is naturally soft and flexible and does not require plasticizers often used to soften vinyl or heavy metals used to tan leather.

Brentano Fabrics are available through your designer.

Amazing Glass (Tiles)

Posted on 20. Jan, 2009 by Sesshu Design in eco-friendly, eco-friendly interior design, glass, green design, luxury design, recycled, scottsdale interior design, sustainable design, sustainable interior design, tiles

Just found these 100% recycled glass tiles from Bedrock Industries – they use only post-industrial and post-consumer glass and NO added oxides or colorants. Each tile is handmade, creating a distinctive appearance and wonderful color variations.

These are available through designers and tile showrooms nationwide. People have used them in many creative and unique ways – I love the idea of using them on the porch transom to create wonderful light play outside.

The tiles are available in many sizes, shapes, designs and colors – there is sure to be one that fits your style whether that is traditional or modern.
You can bet I will be specifying them somewhere in upcoming projects!

A Green Idea for Gift Wrapping

Posted on 22. Dec, 2008 by Sesshu Design in eco-friendly, gifts, green building products, green design, green living tips, luxury design, recycled, sustainable design

While it makes a fun tradition, gift-wrapping packages with paper and tape is an inherently unsustainable practice: think of all the paper and ribbon that goes into the trash each holiday season for the sake of making presents pretty.

Here’s a lovely green gift-wrap idea: wrap your present in a silk scarf this year! Not only do scarves make beautiful, easy gift wrap that requires no tape or scissors – but the durability and multiple uses of scarves mean that the gift-wrap itself becomes part of the present that can be worn and reused again and again.

BOBO wrapping scarves are silk scarves that are designed for the express purpose of wrapping presents. They can mold into a variety of shapes and the cloth material can be re-used over and over again.

Luxury Recycling

Posted on 15. Feb, 2008 by Sesshu Design in eco-friendly, eco-friendly interior design, green building products, green design, luxury design, recycled, recycling, scottsdale interior design, sustainable design, sustainable interior design

Here’s a juicy little tidbit you probably didn’t know -

Nearly 85 percent of all the gold ever mined is still being used today. Because it has been highly valued throughout history, it has always been recycled.

(Source: Discover Magazine)