This contemporary home just hit the market about a week ago and comes with Earth Advantage Gold certification and a 2.4 kW photovoltaic system expected to save the future owner about 30% on utilities.  With three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and 1,836 square feet, the speculative home at 5110 NE 17th Street also has bamboo flooring, tankless water heating, and energy-efficient appliances for $419,000, illustrating the fact that in progressive cities like Portland, stylish green homes are becoming the standard. 

Read more »

I thought the ECObitat concept from Felipe Campolina was worth a look.  ECObitat, a modular system capable of being applied to emergency or relief housing, features drop-down telescopic legs and a steel skeleton covered in OSB, thermoacoustic insulation, and greenery.  Water and solar power is collected on the roof, while an Energy Ball captures on-site green energy.  The set up is spartan but interesting nonetheless.

Read more »

Staybull Flooring, a Florida company, recently let us know about their recycled flooring available in more than 20 wood species.  The company salvages waste wood from lumber mills around the globe; binds discarded strips together with a solvent-free, no-VOC adhesive; and then mills and finishes the planks with a ceramic, no-VOC finish.  The result is strong, mosaic-like, rich in detail, and made in the U.S.A.  And if you're looking for an FSC certified option, Staybull Flooring can provide that, too. 

Read more »

While not as sexy as the WattStation, Coulomb Technologies today unveiled a new charging station that could be found in thousands of homes across the country over the next few years. Referred to as CT500, the Level II charging station is compatible with electric vehicles using the SAE J1772 standard and is perfect for residential or light commercial use.

Read more »

Sunset has the story on this off-grid, low-impact, affordable shelter built in the wilderness near Joseph, Oregon.  The modern structure of 130 square feet, not counting the deck, was designed by Ryan Lingard and built in a couple weeks for roughly $10,000.  Signal Shed has a wood stove, metal roof, cedar rainscreen, reused windows, portable toilet, and operable shutters.

Read more »