Save 11,000 Gallons of H2O

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...

Sustainable since 1943- Richlite paper composite surfaces

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’s 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

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.

Grand Teton National Park Building- LEED Platinum

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

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.

Hand-crafted Hardware with Sustainable Style

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

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.

Japanese Inspired Paper Lamps

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

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.

Wastepaper Basket from Waste Paper

Here's an innovative idea for you- a container for trash that reduces the amount of trash in landfills. CHUCK™ 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.

Eco-friendly Wallpaper goes Mod

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

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.

Vintage and Repurposed Furniture

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

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

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.