I was completely intrigued by this article in the New York Times about two architects’ vacation getaway, which just so happens to be green built.  And before everyone flips out saying "second homes aren’t green," I’m going to preempt that by not getting into it.  The house itself is an example of good design, small living, and green construction.  The 935 sf modern home has a living roof, FSC-certified tigerwood flooring with vegetable wax finish, water-efficient toilet, on-demand water heater, and solar tube in the bathroom, etc. 

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We’re no longer in rendering stage, this is the real deal.  Project7ten is built and ready for viewing.  Actually, it’s ready for sale if: (1) it hasn’t already been sold, and (2) you’re in the market for one of the greenest, most modern homes in California.  Interestingly, this house is the first conventionally- constructed LEED Platinum home in the state.  Located at 710 E. Milwood Avenue in Venice, California, it probably doesn’t get much better than this.  Check the images.  I get this plush, radiant, rainforest vibe from the images.  So colorful and clean.  Anyone else agree?  This is definitely more contemporary than minimal, or modern even, but I really like what they’ve done.  If you watch the slide show, you’ll see a NASCAR-esque wall of sponsors.  I bet your friends don’t have that! 

Related Links:
++Project7ten Goes Platinum, Draws Celebrity Crowd
++Top Five Super Green Modern Homes

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It’s Friday and as I like to say, why not watch a little video?  If you’ve been to Dwell lately, you’ll know they just unveiled their new, completely overhauled website.  It’s super nice now, with easy access to images and information from their archives.  There’s also a new video page with content of some very interesting leaders in design.  Hence, the name for their new video series, Dwell Design Leaders.  I’ve embedded the video of Michelle Kaufmann above talking about prefab and the mkLotus.  The next video below is of David Baker.  I found his comments extremely interesting.  The last video below is Christopher Deam talking about his modern interpretation and design of the Airstream and his collaboration with Design Within Reach.  Very compelling, really inspiring.

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UPDATE 3/16/09 – Urban Core International has gone dark.  The website was shut down.  If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us. 

Aaron Newman, founder and managing partner of Urban Core International, sent me the details of his latest project, Urban Rio.  Specifically, Urban Rio is a product of Urban Core's prefab and container division called Envision Prefab.  It's easy on the eyes, to say the least, and just so happens to be the first sustainable, affordable, container project in Panama. 

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There’s an interesting article in the November issue of Inc. Magazine about Full Spectrum NY and their low-income, green development, The Kalahari.  Located at 116th Street in Harlem, Kalahari has an interesting design — it’s actually inspired by designs of the Ndebele tribes of southern Africa.  The building is currently under construction and is aiming for LEED Silver certification; some of the green technology used in this building include wind and solar power, low-flow water fixtures, energy-efficient appliances, vegetated green roofing, and bamboo floors.  About half of the 249 units are set aside for families earning in the $56,000 per year range.  The article goes on to explain how successful Full Spectrum NY has been developing in the low-income, green housing niche.  Very cool.