Green Building Blog - Jetson Green

Verdier Upgrades Solar Eco-Camper

Over a year ago, we mentioned Verdier Van & Camper's Eco-Camper, the posh recreational throwback to VW's Westfalia, and it looks like the Solar Power Eco-Camper has a new look.  Verdier now offers five different personalities of the award-winning vehicle: Woody, Geeky, Ebony, Blueberry, and Purity.  The eco-camper configuration is an add-on package available in any personality and entails solar panels, hybrid engine, Sun Tracker system, two gazebos, a second floor area, sliding door with integrated ladder, folding furniture, cargo storage, etc.  The price?  $129,000. 

Dwell Home: Silicon Valley, the Bold Look of Sally Kuchar [Video]

Back in March, we mentioned the Silicon Valley NextHouse prefab, which was designed on the inside by Sally Kuchar.  If you weren't able to tour the home, no worries because Kohler sponsored several videos with Sally and the homeowners.  The 2,400 sf Dwell Home: Silicon Valley was designed to accommodate natural light, solar orientation, seasonal shading from vegetation, and prevailing wind movement, and also to contribute to passive heating and cooling.  It's an incredible prefab home.  In the above video, Sally explains some of the green materials they used, such as cork tiles, reclaimed limestone, FSC certified brazilian cherry, low-VOC paints, and earth plaster walls.  Below, she talks about the kitchen and master bath design -- how about those penny tiles in the kitchen?  Nice.  Enjoy the videos ...

Pinon House, Mid-Century Modern Renovation Reveals Natural Aesthetic

This website spends a good amount of time talking about new homes and innovation, but don't let us fool you into thinking everything has to be brand new.  Just like the Box House renovation, this house, the Pinon House, is a great example of marrying the old and new to create an incredible living space.  Lead designer Rick Sommerfeld and the3rdspace, with the collaboration of Rob Pyatt, sent us the following narrative of their work on the Pinion House:

zBoards Green Furniture Building Blocks

I've just recently come across an interesing company, Way Basics, that's making eco-friendly furniture blocks called zBoards.  zBoards are made from post-consumer recycled paper and can be recycled with no waste when their use is over.  Their website markets the zBoards with one, main, simple statement: No Waste.  No Rules.  No Tools.  And it's a compelling premise, especially if you've ever spent some time putting together an IKEA drawer or something.  zBoards and blocks are put together using a super-strong adhesive tape (not sure whether the tape is low-VOC or anything like that).   

Evo Green Condos Looking for Silver

If you live in LA, you've probably heard about Evo and the rest of the newly planted green buildings in the South Park neighborhood (official referred to as "South").  Evo is expected to receive LEED Silver certification, joining its neighbors Luma and Elleven -- California's first LEED Gold condos.  At some point, we'll take the opportunity to talk about both Elleven and Luma as well, but since Newsday published these pictures of the model unit in Evo, we thought it'd be fun to take a look inside. 

Stardust Glass: A Hip, Green Oregon Tile Company

Based in Portland, Oregon, Stardust Glass is offering recycled glass tiles with a hip style.  The company is owned and run by artists Megan and Jason Coleman.  Their mission is to protect the earth's resources by creating tiles from 87%-100% recycled glass while producing completely hand-made, boutique-style pieces. 

Photo Tour: Harbinger SG Blocks Shipping Container Home

So here's the deal.  The Harbinger SG Blocks Showhouse was bad out.  Everyone I talked to loved it.  You might think that a shipping container home would feel closed-in and constrictive, but this home certainly wasn't.  At 1700 sf, everything felt just right to me.  I was able to sneak into the Exhibit Hall early enough to get some killer images (in case you couldn't be there), so let's talk a walk through the Harbinger House below. 

Eco-friendly Founding Farmers Restaurant Seeking LEED Gold in D.C.

The green design and sustainability movement is gradually taking over all types of real estate and the restaurant industry is no different.  Later this month, and pending certification, Founding Farmers is expected to become Washington D.C.'s first LEED Gold restaurant.  It will also operate as a Certified Green Restaurant and serve sustainably farmed, locally produced food and products.

Shop Etsy for Vintage Furniture and Accessories

Etsy, the popular new site used by artists and crafters, is also a gem for vintage finds such as furniture and accessories.  The prices on Etsy are usually quite reasonable -- especially compared to shops specializing in vintage and antique furniture -- and the treasures are endless and unique. 

[Video] Margarido House and The View

Remember earlier this week when we talked about the Margarido House, you know that posh, modern home that's about to be the first LEED-H Platinum home in Northern California?  Well, the always entertaining Sally Kuchar of SallyTV has just posted these videos and we thought it'd be fun to share.  You might know Sally from her recent work designing the Silicon Valley Dwell Nexthouse, but she's also a regular contributor to Apartment Therapy SF and MoCo Loco.  I can't help but watch these videos and think about the endless possibilities presented by thoughtful design and modern green materials.