Last October we blogged about the Inhabit prefab prototype built in Washington and designed by Mithun and Hybrid.  Since then, there hasn’t been much news about the prototype, except that the initial two units are for sale right now.  Now comes news, however, based on an article in The Seattle Times, that Unico Properties is planning to bring Inhabit to market in a legit, 62-unit apartment complex that includes a few live/work spaces.  The development is planned for a site on Dexter Avenue North above Lake Union.  Unico has been quiet about the project because the land is still under contract and the permitting process has just begun.  But long and short, Seattle is on the cusp of becoming a major demonstration city for green, prefab apartments in the U.S. — fantastic news for proponents of healthy, affordable, and stylish living spaces. 

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Duro Design is offering a beautiful collection of eco-friendly Eucalyptus flooring.  The wood is grown in managed forests in Europe and is available in 12 colors ranging from gray to natural to a warm apricot color.  Premium German and Swiss pigments give the flooring its wonderful tints and depth of color. 

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You’ve probably seen Big Ass Fans in the gym or in some larger space, and that’s because they’re huge and energy efficient.  Just last week, Big Ass Fans launched their newest product called the Element Fan.  Element uses the 10 airfoil and wiglet design to move air quietly and efficiently.  According to BAF: "At standard speed in a room with 16 ft. high ceilings Element is able to create comfortable breezes over an area larger than a basketball court, all while requiring less than 100 watts to operate. That is considerably less energy than even the most efficient small ceiling fan in production today."  I’ve been around these gargantuan fans and love them.  Seriously, they cool down a large space like nothing I’ve ever seen.  Plus, you can really get creative with the colors, so as far as large fans go, this is a dang good option to go with.    

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I’ve mentioned Kirei in projects previously, but I’ve never really blogged about it.  Kirei, or きれい, is Japanese for pretty, beautiful, pure, or clean — an apt description for this popular green product.  Constructed of reclaimed agricultural fiber (which is heat-pressed with a non-toxic adhesive), Kirei Board is lightweight and durable.  It’s often used as a finish material in flooring, furniture, cabinets, and other interior design applications.  Use of Kirei Board may help contribute towards credits for LEED certification, depending on a variety of factors …

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• Can housing be green — and cheap?
• Green residential market may be coming around.
• SF’s stringent green building codes called costly.
• Bay Area passes carbon tax covering nine counties. 
• USGBC testifies at Congress on green building benefits.
• China claims Beijing Olympics "basically" carbon neutral.
• Energy efficiency: overlooked and misunderstood.

BONUS:

• Free Dwell on Design Exhibition Ticket – use code: BDODEC

*WIR = Week in Review; a Saturday showcase of excellent links.