Apr 02, 2012 Author: Carrie Moore
CaraGreen just visited the new AIA North Carolina Center for Architecture and Design in Raleigh. The building design was selected through a competition, which was won by Frank Harmon Architect PA. The 12,000 sqft building was built to a LEED platinum standard and is a role model for sustainable design. If driving to the site, the “parking garden” greets you to the building and is a porous pebbly surface which collects storm water runoff and has native plantings. A buried rainwater collection cistern captures every drop of rainwater for reuse. This space functions for both parking and green event space. To optimize natural day-lighting and ventilation, the building is South facing. On our tour, director David Crawford demonstrated how the windows opened on opposite sides for an amazing flow of fresh air. The building uses geothermal heating and cooling. And deep roof overhangs protect the interior from harsh summer sun. The majority of the interior finish materials are local and sustainable, including carpets and concrete countertops. The building is open to the public, so stop by if you have a chance. There are free exhibits that highlight architecture and design that change often to take in while you’re there, as well as a library space with resources on all things architecture. For more information, visit their website.
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Jan 13, 2012 Author: Carrie Moore
Each new year feels like a clean slate to fill however we choose. This palette is clean and balancing with neutral whites and grays in assorted textures. It combines materials that could be used for casework, walls, and countertops. Materials from back to front:
-Eco-Gres Asia recycled porcelain tile, Waterloo White
-Meld Micro recycled glass and concrete countertops, Concrete
-Bark House Laminate panels, White Birch
-Durat recycled solid surface for horizontal or vertical surfaces, color 910
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Jan 13, 2012 Author: Carrie Moore
Commercial Flooring Solutions (CFS), headquartered in Charlotte, NC, recently expanded their existing office space into their warehouse space. The move is the result of the company’s growth into six other states on the East Coast. The project architect and designer was Studio Fusion, Harker Doerre was the general contractor, and Metrolina Woodworks was the millworker.
The designer specified Bark House Sanded Poplar panels to clad conference room walls. Per Interior Designer Nan Miller, “The client loved rich, dark woods and wanted a unique design flair to distinguish their space. I thought the Bark House panels in their Conference Room would do just that. The moment we both saw the Bark House sample, we were sold! The natural wood walls blended nicely with their modern design wood furniture. Glass walls allowed for the bark panels to be shown off throughout their new open office area as well. The walls became one of the focal points of the new clean and modern work environment.” Bark House obtains bark from sustainable foresters in the Appalachians harvesting yellow poplar for the plywood and furniture industries, which would otherwise be discarded or ground into low-grade mulch.
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Jan 13, 2012 Author: Carrie Moore
EMD Chemicals’ new corporate office in Philadelphia, PA, designed by L2Partridge architecture and interiors, is seeking LEED Gold certification. The space features a number of sustainable finishes, including Durat solid surface, Meld Micro concrete, and TorZo Tiikeri panels. Durat color 540, a warm gray, was used in a café and was fabricated by Giffin Interior & Fixture. Meld Micro Natural #70 was used for tops in the main lobby and was fabricated by BC Stone. And, Torzo Tiikeri Onyx was used for both pocket doors to the main conference rooms off the lobby and prominent cabinetry and was also fabricated by Giffin. These progressive materials were selected for their strong sustainability profiles, contribution to LEED, durability, and modern aesthetic. Our Philadelphia rep, Ethos Sustainable Finishes, worked closely with the architect and contractors on the space and shared these pictures with us.
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Nov 21, 2011 Author: Carrie Moore
This palette soothes the senses with its cool aqueous tones and restful grays.
It combines materials that could be used for flooring, casework, and countertops.
Materials from back to front:
-EcoTimber EcoBamboo Woven flooring, Silver Lining
-Meld Micro recycled glass and concrete countertops, Concrete
-TorZo Tiikeri recycled sorghum straw sheets for casework or flooring, Emerald
-Bio-Glass 100% recycled glass sheets for horizontal or vertical surfaces, Oriental Jade
-Durat recycled solid surface for horizontal or vertical surfaces, color 202
For more information on these materials, contact us.
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