Photovoltaic Systems

Archive for the ‘Modern design’ Category

Several months ago, I shared news of unique, green birth chart art by StarArc.  That company now has some new prints based on each customer’s primary astrological sun sign symbol as well as their moon and rising sign symbols.  Although I can’t shed much light on astrology, I can say the prints are made using a museum quality giclée printing process that utilizes environmentally friendly canvas, inks, and stretcher bars.  They come with a modern look, 35 color schemes, eight sizes, and pricing from $49.

[+] More about StarArc modern astrology portraits.

Credits: StarArc. 

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Toba is an award-winning pellet stove designed in Italy by MCZ Group SpA in collaboration with EMO.  The simple, modern appliance can warm a space of about 1,800 square feet at more than 90% efficiency, according to Wittus, which announced plans in June 2011 to import Toba into the US.

Wittus says the wood stove has EPA certification and meets UL safety standards.  The stove is controlled with a remote to adjust things like heat output, room temperature, fan speeds, and a sleep timer.

Toba appears tiny in the picture above, but the stove weighs more than 300 pounds and measures 43” high x 20” wide x 20” deep.  It’s built with a rectangular body, black cast aluminum (top and base), black steel sides, and a cast iron door.  The front of the stove can be customized with red, white, black, and a couple other panels.

Specific pricing is available through Wittus dealers.  In addition, Toba is eligible for tax credit of up to about $300 that can be put towards the purchase price of the stove.

[+] More about the Toba wood pellet stove at Wittus.

Credits: Wittus.

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If you’re thinking about a bathroom overhaul, I think this is an article you will enjoy reading.  Architect Jeff Stern of In Situ Architecture was approached by a homeowner in Portland to transform an old bathroom with a modest budget.  Expanding the size of the room meant a larger budget, while using the same footprint meant saving money through the use of existing plumbing and fixture locations.

Inspired by the Japanese bathhouse, Stern came up with a plan to give the existing space drama and warmth with douglas fir reclaimed from an old dock on the Willamette River. The wood was milled with a tongue and groove, coated with four layers of clear finish, and applied with a vented rainscreen to facilitate drying from both sides.

To make the room feel bigger, general contractor Right Arm Construction replaced the swinging door with a sliding door to match the walls. This was accomplished with hardware and a track from Krown Lab in Portland. Also, a new skylight well was installed to draw natural light into the space.

The rest of the space was completed upgraded. Right Arm finished the contemporary bathroom with a Duravit tub and sink, Caesarstone remnant countertop, Toto dual-flush toilet, Pratt and Larson porcelain floor tile, Ikea shower curtain cable, and a floating wood cabinet with bright yellow paint.

Share your green bathroom or green kitchen renovation with Jetson Green editors for potential inclusion in a future publication.

[+] See more about this renovation at In Situ Architecture.

Credits: In Situ Architecture. 

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Housefish, a modular furniture company based in Denver, Colorado, conceived a new shelf design with inspiration from a beehive.  Called Hex Modular Shelving, each shelf is made with custom aluminum extrusions that are light, strong, and hexagonal.  The extrusions are then paired with FSC-certified, zero-VOC finish, maple plywood boards to create a strong and contemporary piece of furniture.

The extrusions are made in Kentucky, the wood is sourced from Oregon, and each shelf is completed in Colorado.  Hex is available in two widths, two depths, and a variety of heights.

Housefish is introducing the modular shelving system with a Kickstarter campaign.  Upon receipt of the funds, the company will invest in tooling and bulk purchases to send shelves to supporters at a lower that usual price.

[+] More info on Hex Modular Shelving by Housefish.

Credit: Housefish. 

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