Jun 01, 2010 Author: Carrie Moore
The News and Observer recently covered the renovation of a mid-century modern home in Chapel Hill, which used CaraGreen finishes. The renovation involved a three-story addition, which was needed to accommodate a growing family. Louis Cherry of Cherry Huffman Architects came up with the new design, which complemented the existing mid-century structure. The master bedroom was moved to the ground floor of the addition with a studio and wine cellar going on the lower level and a rooftop dining area on top. The space connects beautifully with the surrounding woods with expansive windows that let in natural light and show the outdoors, a deck off the master bedroom, and the rooftop terrace.
Sustainable and natural materials were used in the renovation, many of which CaraGreen provided. Rapidly renewable Plyboo Foundation Brown bamboo flooring was used throughout the home. Eco-Cem panels, made with recycled wood fibers, were used for wall panels in the master bathroom (Coal Grey) and for flooring on the rooftop terrace (Natural Grey). And, Eco-Gres recycled porcelain mosaic tile (Dover White) was used for flooring in the master bathroom.
Read the full story, complete with a gallery of images, here.
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Apr 26, 2010 Author: Carrie Moore
CaraGreen founder, David Spuria, recently installed Meld ecoX countertops in his personal residence. David selected Meld for its modern and natural aesthetic and sustainability profile. Meld ecoX has up to 70% recycled content. And, the color he used, Natural with Tri-blend Glass, uses completely post-consumer recycled glass in shades of green, brown, and clear. To pick up on the brilliant green colored glass, a nearby wall was painted in the same hue. Other eco-friendly elements of David's home include energy star appliances, reflective plywood and foam insulation in the attic and exterior walls, a metal roof, cotton insulation in the interior walls, and 100% recycled 3-form polymer countertops in his laundry room.
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Feb 12, 2010 Author: Carrie Moore
My husband and I recently took a trip to Beyu Caffe which just opened in the heart of downtown Durham in the historic art deco Snow Building on Main Street. The space was designed by Raleigh architect and interior design firm Hager Smith along with Beyu owner Dorian Bolden. The evening we ventured out was a cold, rainy February night and when we got to Beyu it was a relief to be in a space that was warm, cozy, and inviting.
The art deco style of the building has been carried through the interior with rich paint and fabric colors, bold and curvy shapes in furniture and lighting, and exotic finishes. The centerpiece of the cafe is the bar, which is made of Plyboo Neopolitan architectural plywood (available through CaraGreen). Neopolitan is made from 100% rapidly renewable bamboo, making it a sustainable choice, and it is available in Plyboo Pure (no added formaldehyde). Another green design feature at Beyu is the vintage furniture used in the space amongst new pieces; keeping furniture in use keeps it out of the landfill and reduces the need for new furniture, which saves valuable raw materials and energy that go into manufacturing. Beyu also focuses on supporting the local community. Artwork in the shop is from LabourLove Gallery, and depicts various scenes from the Bull City. And, much of their food is locally sourced.
Beyu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with an extensive drink and dessert menu and live jazz music. For more info, visit Beyu's website. Pics from our evening at Beyu are below:
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Feb 08, 2010 Author: Lisa Feldman
It’s finally starting to happen. As LEED becomes more and more a part of construction projects across the country, the International Code Council, or ICC, has announced it is putting the finishing touches on the first International Green Construction Code. With its scheduled release in March of this year, this code will be an integrated green code for traditional and high- performance commercial buildings. The ICC pulled together multiple groups, such as the AIA, ASTM, and USGBC, just to name a few, to draft this code, which is designed to fully integrate with the existing ICC codes already in place in all 50 states. Although it will be 2012 before it’s gone through all of the reviews and public comment sessions and can be incorporated into the ICC Family of Codes, this is the first step towards making green building something we have to do, and not just want to do. California has started the trend with its recent adoption of CALGREEN, the first statewide green building code, which will go into effect January 1, 2011. With the IGCC’s release, it is only a matter of time before all states have adopted some sort of green building code. While this may add some responsibilit to the code inspector’s job, it will ultimately be a positive development and something that will benefit the building owner’s, tenants, and the employees who work in these buildings. Energy savings, water savings, and clean indoor air are always a good thing!
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