Search results for "Environmentally conscious" in Home Design Ideas

Decomposed Granite path between Giant Sequoias leads to repurposed, reshaped and stained rear concrete slab. Micro-climate appropriate plants complete the picture. Photo by Ketti Kupper.

I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got.
It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall.
The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland.
The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to math the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is.
I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces.
Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation.
For those who could not live in a tiny house, I offer the Tiny-ish House.
Photos by Ryan Gamma
Staging by iStage Homes
Design assistance by Jimmy Thornton

The peeks of container throughout the home are a nod to its signature architectural detail. Bringing the outdoors in was also important to the homeowners and the designers were able to harvest trees from the property to use throughout the home.
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Environmentally conscious design and timeless style. Our Queen size Platform bed frame is crafted by hand from sustainably harvested and reclaimed woods such as Peroba Rosa recovered from a old Brazilian coffee factory and Chilien Cruzeta. Juxtaposing warm patinas with rough and refined woods, designs of this unique bed frame lend a sense of history to any space, though never appear dated. The artistic use of tone ensures every one-of-a-kind piece is a focal point able to blend beautifully with others.
Dimensions: 67"W x 90"D x 57"H
Solid Reclaimed Peroba, Acacia and Cruzeta Wood
Crafted from reclaimed timbers
Bench-built with dovetail joinery.
Hardware made from recycled materials
Each piece is unique and no two are exactly alike.

Recycled shipping containers combine with traditional stick-building methods to result in this luxury hybrid home. A juxtaposition of wood, mixed metal and soft textural elements strike a fabulous balance between industrial and rustic. The designers turned the concept of sustainable luxury upside down to create this truly original design.

The juxtaposition of raw, weathered and finished woods with sleek whites, mixed metals and soft textured elements strike a fabulous balance between industrial, rustic and glamorous – exactly what the designers envisioned for this dream retreat.

Designed by environmentally conscious designer Thomas Bina. The Solid Wood Ray 84" Dining Table is crafted by hand from sustainably harvested and reclaimed woods, such as Brazilian Peroba and Walnut. Juxtaposing warm patinas with rough and refined woods, the design of this block base dining room table lend a sense of history to any space, though never appear dated. The artistic use of tone ensures every one-of-a-kind piece is a focal point able to blend beautifully with others.
Dimensions: WDH": 84 x 41 x 30
Handcrafted of Peroba and Walnut wood
Natural wax finish.
Given its hand-crafted nature, variations and imperfections in the wood are to be expected and not considered as damaged.
Each table is unique and no two pieces are exactly alike.

The client had partially remodeled the home a few years prior but said the kitchen did not have the right feel. In addition, its functionality was stunted by the layout. The two large ovens were shoved in a corner and inhibited the use of the nearby drawer space. Colors of the kitchen all blended together in a wash of cream. The countertops were marble and showing wear. Ultimately the client wanted a more functional kitchen, updated appearance, easy to use and something they would feel reflected the warmth of their family.
Visually the new kitchen is stunning. It combines an old world feel with some modern twists. The custom stone hood and large stoves became a focal point in the kitchen. The antiqued red island softens the look of the stoves, compliments the moss tones of the ceiling beams and creates a warm touch in the heart of the kitchen.
Perimeter counters are made of leathered Taj-Mahal granite, and the island is polished Typhoon Bordeaux granite. Above the island are hand blown glass pendants that give a little shimmer and sparkle to the old world feel. The Arabesque style handmade ceramic backsplash pulls together the tones from the cabinets, countertops and ceiling.
As part of our environmentally conscious building, we used KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufactures Association) Environmental Stewardship Program certified cabinets and replaced all of the lighting with energy efficient lighting.
Outcome is warm, highly functional and inviting space for family and friends to gather.

The juxtaposition of raw, weathered and finished woods with sleek whites, mixed metals and soft textured elements strike a fabulous balance between industrial, rustic and glamorous – exactly what the designers envisioned for this dream retreat. This unique home’s design combines recycled shipping containers with traditional stick-building methods and resulted in a luxury hybrid home, inside and out. The design team was particularly challenged with overcoming various preconceived notions about containers to truly create something new, luxurious and sustainable.

Playfair Ranch is a pioneering contemporary design in many ways. At the same time a working ranch house and an environmentally conscious sustainable passive and active solar luxury home, Playfair Ranch has been featured in numerous magazines including Fine Homebuilding. It attained a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Rating. Its many green building features include its siting, energy efficient systems and extensive use of natural and recycled local building materials.

Playfair Ranch is a pioneering contemporary design in many ways. At the same time a working ranch house and an environmentally conscious sustainable passive and active solar luxury home, Playfair Ranch has been featured in numerous magazines including Fine Homebuilding. It attained a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Rating. Its many green building features include its siting, energy efficient systems and extensive use of natural and recycled local building materials.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.”
This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat.
The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings.
Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up.
The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation.
When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space.
Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

The modern living room of Mountain Modern Vista showcases an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame spectacular mountain views, blending contemporary design with sustainable materials to create a luxurious yet environmentally conscious living space.

Create a grand statement with a gorgeous, luxurious carpet from Kelly's Flooring. With a focus on sustainability and environmental impact, Masland Carpet provides homeowners with chic, stylish options that implement practices of safety and environmental consciousness. Their four basic principles include the sustainable selection and efficient use of raw materials, the conservation of energy, the management of waste, and the recycling of materials. For more information on the Masland Carpet collection, please visit our showroom at 2311 Little Antire Rd
High Ridge, MO 63049 or call us at 636-677-5555.

Create a grand statement with a gorgeous, luxurious carpet from Kelly's Flooring. With a focus on sustainability and environmental impact, Masland Carpet provides homeowners with chic, stylish options that implement practices of safety and environmental consciousness. Their four basic principles include the sustainable selection and efficient use of raw materials, the conservation of energy, the management of waste, and the recycling of materials. For more information on the Masland Carpet collection, please visit our showroom at 2311 Little Antire Rd
High Ridge, MO 63049 or call us at 636-677-5555.

Create a grand statement with a gorgeous, luxurious carpet from Kelly's Flooring. With a focus on sustainability and environmental impact, Masland Carpet provides homeowners with chic, stylish options that implement practices of safety and environmental consciousness. Their four basic principles include the sustainable selection and efficient use of raw materials, the conservation of energy, the management of waste, and the recycling of materials. For more information on the Masland Carpet collection, please visit our showroom at 2311 Little Antire Rd
High Ridge, MO 63049 or call us at 636-677-5555.

Introducing our eco-friendly wooden bar chair, the perfect addition to your seating options. Crafted from sustainable materials, this stylish chair combines comfort and durability, making it an ideal choice for any bar or dining space. Its sleek design and natural finish enhance your furniture collection while promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Upgrade your home or commercial space with our wooden bar chair, where quality meets sustainability.

This project was all about resurfacing an existing deck, which provides a significant amount of benefits, including:
- Enhanced Aesthetics: A deck resurfacing project can transform the appearance of the deck, giving it a fresh and modern look that can significantly improve the curb appeal of the entire home.
- Cost Savings: Resurfacing is often more cost-effective than completely rebuilding a deck. It allows homeowners to achieve a like-new appearance without the expense of a full replacement.
- Increased Durability: New materials used in resurfacing are designed to be more resistant to wear, fading, and the elements, resulting in a longer lifespan for the deck.
- Improved Safety: Addressing structural issues during the resurfacing process ensures the deck's safety and stability, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Less Disruption: Compared to a full deck replacement, resurfacing typically involves less disruption to the homeowner's daily routine, as it's a faster and less invasive process.
- Customization: Homeowners can choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes to match their design preferences and complement their home's style.
- Environmentally Friendly: Resurfacing reduces the amount of old material that needs to be disposed of, making it a more environmentally conscious option.
By undertaking a deck resurfacing project, homeowners can rejuvenate their outdoor space, enjoy a beautiful and functional deck for years to come and increase the overall value of their property.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.”
This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat.
The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings.
Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up.
The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation.
When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space.
Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

The feature wallpaper is Elitis Wallpaper Natives Maori. It runs floor to ceiling over two stories. The wallpaper reflects Oceania.
The Diphy_P3 Pendant by Grok looks like sea creatures swaying and floating and the wing lights in the hall evoke sea birds hovering above the ocean.
The carpet chosen is a new premium fibre made with 37% renewably sourced polymer from corn sugar. Extremely soft, it provides high stain, soil, wear and colourfast performance.
It is to evoke the sea and its softness really makes you want to lie down on it.
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