The premade container home maker Cargotecture now offers a prefab home that is a perfect way to downsize yet retain the comforts of living in a larger space. The c-series 640 Lookout model measures 640 square feet, and features a large living area with a kitchen, a spacious bedroom and bathroom, a media room and a lofted sleeping area for guests.
On January 1, 2014 the federal ban on manufacturing 40- and 60-watt incandescent bulbs went into effect. One of the main implications of this ban is that consumers are slowly going to be forced to opt for LED or CFL light bulbs. However, the shape, cost and light quality of LED light bulbs has not made them very popular with consumers thus far. Philips aims to change that by releasing an innovative LED light bulb, which is called SlimStyle, retails for less than $10 and is flat.
The Pearl Place II affordable multi-unit building, designed by the nonprofit organization Avesta Housing and Thornton Tomasetti Inc., has been awarded the LEED Platinum certification. Pearl Place II is located in the Bayside neighborhood of Portland, Maine. Avesta is one of the largest non-profit developers and has been developing high standard, affordable housing in the New England area for the past 10 years. For the Pearl Place II project they partnered with Thornton Tomasetti, who acted as the LEED for Homes Provider and sustainability consultant,. He advised on the energy efficiency modeling, including choosing appropriate window glazing type, insulation systems, heat recovery ventilation systems and solar hot water systems which led to the project ultimately receiving the LEED Platinum certification.
