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.

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.

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.

Mass Transit with zero-emissions?

Imagine combining the innovation of MagLev technology with solar power, hydrogen fuel, and a futuristic aesthetic. The Interstate Traveler Hydrogen Super Highway does exactly that. The Traveler for short- is a revolutionary solar powered and hydrogen-fueled, zero emission mass transit system that would carry everything from people to cars. It does this all in sustainable style and carbon neutral function.



For more info and concept renderings, read the article at www.inhabitat.com The Interstate Traveler Project is being pioneered by Interstate Travel Company, and will eventually connect major cities across the country.

If this goes forward, the concept could turn quite a few heads and maybe be a step in the direction of a sustainable future...We'll have to stay tuned.