ECO DESIGN - Net Zero Offices in LA

The new Morphosis office in Culver City is the largest net-zero energy building in LA and is one of the greenest offices in the USA.

The fairly rectangular structure, located just a few feet from the new light rail Expo Line’s elevated tracks in Culver City (good for commuting), gets most of its energy from photovoltaics—a 2,800-square-foot array sitting on top of a shaded parking canopy outside.  What sets the building apart are it's innovative energy saving methods developed by nearby engineers Buro Happold.

There are four windcatchers on top of the two-story building’s angled roof, a technology adapted from ancient desert environments. Their high-tech iteration, produced by a company called Monodraught, has never before been employed in the United States. Essentially they are louvered steel boxes containing interior cross blades that allow air into the building, and, through the pressure built up on the far side of each blade, pull hot air up the other side. A digital sensor system (powered by photovoltaics) decides when to open the louvers and set the system in motion. It also keeps the louvers open at night, so cool air can flush out the space before the next work day.  LA gets so hot during the day that reducing the reliance on air conditioning is key.

The building’s east and south facades are solid and this limits the solar heat gain. In addition to this, a series of acrylic and galvanized steel shades cover the building’s sun-facing edges to create a pleasant outdoor gathering space for employees.

From a design perspective the offices look amazing - at DesignerEco we particularly love the entryway’s fabricated metallic screen. This is how it can and should be done! For more information and the full article click here.

Treasure Hunt

This Eco-Warrior has moved to Oahu, HI.  It's been challenging figuring out how to furnish the apartment without getting items shipped from the mainland.  Craigslist has been good to us and we found a salvage yard.  Re-Use Hawaii is a non-profit organization that diverts home renovation debris from landfills.  Being a small island it is even more important to give items a longer life before discarding.


The lobby is even created out of salvaged items.  Check out those stump end tables.  I'm searching for a tree removal company that might have some extra for my lanai.

Re-Use Hawaii employs a method called deconstruction as opposed to demolition to salvage up to 80% of a building's major components.  It's always a treat to walk through the warehouse searching for hidden treasures.  The staff is helpful and will even cut pieces to fit your needs.  Do some research in your neighborhood to see if you have a warehouse such as Re-Use.  Maybe you'll find some antique pieces or some exotic wood that you wouldn't have bought new but now needs a home...in your home.

             

Beautiful granite.  What could you make with this?

Even their display is done out of re purposed drawers.  

Light fixtures, nails, plumbing supplies etc. etc.

ECO FASHION - Dresses - Vegetable dyed, sustainable fabrics & fair trade

We love these stunning figure flattering dresses from FROCK Los Angeles. The minimalist design aesthetic is easily styled and versatile enough for every occasion.  I could wear some of these by day and some of these are totally sexy for the evening.

Better still every garment is machine washable, vegetable dyed, and eco-friendly. The brand is a fair-trade company and all collections are made in the USA.  FROCK's ethical collection made from the finest sustainable fabrics (certified organic cotton, bamboo and soy) meets that industry gap and aids in buyer responsibility while expanding the notion of eco-fashion.

At DesignerEco we are always on the lookout for ethical fashion finds. These simple silhouette hugging dresses are just screaming to be paired with bold jewellery and scarves for the fall. Click the dresses to go to the sale site.

Children's Nursery Decals - Non-toxic & Very Cute

Eco Friendly Wall Decal Stickers 

We love a healthy and casual way to decorate nurseries. Particularly as we the mums, and the children change so quickly in what we want from the room, and we are usually on a budget so it is useful to be able to change things up.

These super cute fabric wall decals are made from a premium eco-friendly fabric material that's PVC-free, non-toxic, CPSIA compliant, and not vinyl. The best thing about this, as 

we all know children's bedrooms are constantly a-changing these decals can be moved; they are repositionable, durable and won't damage the walls. Testing has shown that you can move it over 100 times without losing stickiness!

At DesignerEco we love an ethical eco-company! The company behind these Decals, Wall Stories, gives back to the community by giving away murals to schools that otherwise couldn't afford them. Gorgeous! If you are interested in buying them they are currently on sale here!

RECYCLE TIRES INTO STYLISH POTS

U Beauty has done what DesignerEco loves best. Taken an old unwanted material, and made something not only useful for Life round 2, but made something stylish and downright desirable.

These Pots are just awesome and would fabulous in gardens, yards and patios around the world. Sadly this is an Australian company so we just have to hope they set up their operations over in the USA.

The big question is how safe are tires to use and how do we recycle them after?

The UBeauty recycled tire pot is made using a segment of the tyre (roughly a third).

The tires contain so many different compounds and ingredients because they are expected to handle heat and cold, high speed, abrasive conditions, and often not enough air pressure. They are expected to run for thousands of miles and retain their essential properties even on poorly maintained roads.

Because of the composition tires can last hundreds of years.  Tires which have been pressure molded are in a very stable form and do not decompose. Which means finding a second life for them is ideal.

Better still - not they are no longer toxic. A report called the Evans report measured the toxicity of the old tires and the reports showed no toxicity. The authors concluded that the danger of chemicals leaching out of tires into soil is minimal. The chemicals that could be dangerous to soil contamination are the solvents used to make the tires and they have mostly disappeared by the time the tire is worn out. So an old tire is considerably more safe for the environment than a new one!

Get those gardening gloves on, my succulents would look fabulous in some of these pots.

Eco Ottomans- Pebbles

Pebble furniture was a foreign word to me until last week, when L.A. designer Eva Sobesky introduced me to her new lines of eco-friendly seating called “Pebbles.” Since then, I have noticed that pebble furniture is popping up everywhere in the industry: in homes, offices, hotels, and even airports. Friends, it seems pebbles are not just for skipping these days.

Made from organic materials like plywood, cast stone, fiberglass, and fabric, this “Pebbles” epic seating sculpture is a cool combo of modern art and functional design. Mix the four different material types to create a dynamic interior or playful outdoor space. Yes, that’s right. They can be used wherever your heart desires, as casual indoor lounge seating or outside by the pool. With four size options and three color choices: orange, green, and white, the possibilities are endless. Check out the Pebbles brochure online.

But wait, there’s another company with a pebble design idea. Imagine jumping into a massive pile of coastal ocean pebbles, and you got the idea. Always eco responsible, French company SMARIN Livingstones edition makes pebbles as practical floor cushions, perfect for lounging. Made of 100% wool, the pebbles range of size is enormous, from a soft head rest to a small sofa.

And alas, Moroso60Fjord collection of modular pebbles is a colorful array of contemporary seating. These are great for public and private interiors. Although not made from eco-friendly materials, they are Italian and super stylish, therefore they must be considered. So check these out and let us know what you think. From Emily at Designereco.

“Best Green Handbag” of 2012 - Eco Chic Handbags

Stylish and eco friendly-  that is what keeps DesignerEco interested. Kempton & Co. bags have managed to combine both without compromise in the new Wiltshire Tote.

With practical functions like an inbuilt protective sleeve for laptops the Kempton & Co. Bags have  been adopted by models to keep their portfolios flat and coveted by moms looking for a modern alternative to the traditional diaper bag.  They could even work as hand luggage on your next glamour packed trip - (watch those airmiles though ;).

Of all the designs (some particularly classy) we particularly love this “Wiltshire” tote which combines recycled jute with gold hardware to present the perfect marriage of ruggedness and femininity. All leather parts are made from scraps of lambskin used for other apparel and bags, and the lining is a natural calico.

Designed by English designer Fiona Kempton.  Feel good about your next handbag purchase -to shop click here. Prices range from $238 to $495.  A sound investment for a good quality durable, neutral and ultimately classic tote.