Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

Hafsa Burt recently gave Haute Design an insider's look at her Terra Glen project in San Jose, CA.

Haute Design: How did the Terra Glen renovation project come about?

Hafsa Burt: This multi-family asset was being repositioned and I knew one of the new owners. He expressed interest in allowing me to take a look to see what can be done to modernize the building. We got together with their marketing team to make sure goals were aligned with their vision and worked closely with them, every step of the way.

HD: What is the biggest challenge when approaching a project of this scale?

HB: Projects such as these are usually occupied, therefore design and construction need to be flexible to work around the occupants. Such assets are also dated for building code requirements and need to be carefully analyzed for upgrades relevant to current codes and regulations. And then of course, aesthetics are addressed.

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

HD: What are some of the ecologically-friendly practices utilized throughout the project?

HB: We used materials throughout that have a low carbon footprint and don't off-gas, creating a healthier indoor air quality. Fresh air, natural light and ventilation were also key factors in design. We specified bamboo cladding, which is a carbon-capturing material and has shown great resilience compared to tile and looks fantastic on the exterior.

HD: What were the main goals throughout the renovation? What needed the most improvement?

HB: As briefly mentioned before, assets like these, which have been around for decades, require significant building code upgrades to make sure the building is safe for occupants. There are complex layers that start with a detailed analysis of existing conditions while maintaining contingencies for unexpected surprises during construction when walls are demolished, etc.  After the initial analysis, a plan is laid out to address code issues and solutions are discussed with the clients while keeping in line with their vision and making the space aesthetically appealing and contemporary.

The post hb+a Architects’ Terra Glen Project Renovates and Keeps Design Contemporary appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Eco-Style interior design is the perfect alternative for someone who values being in nature and environmentally friendly. Walking barefoot on a wooden floor and breathing plants and flowers on your balcony is the gist behind the eco-style interior design, which has the purpose of building an earthy environment that promotes relaxation and comfort. 

At the same time this style reinforces the use of natural components, it also praises the careful use of energy and resources, such as solar panels and a smart home system, which saves gas, electricity, and water. Eco-style supports minimalism and the idea of using natural materials that can be recycled and reused. 

A way to accomplish an eco-style home is to use lots of plants. If you live in a big country house, then planting a vegetable garden, setting up greenhouses, building a pond, and including plant vases inside your house is a good method. If you live in an apartment, the idea of an eco-home can seem challenging, however, great ways to adhere to the style is to plant a vegetable garden on the windowsill, using pots and the right lighting and temperature, or using decorative touches that match the style, such as a florarium or making a plant frame for a mirror to decorate your walls. You can also arrange a green balcony, by hanging pots of plants over your head, including lots of flowers, and enjoying your weekend morning coffee in the shade of plants at a small wooden table. 

Another important element of the eco-style is a natural color palette. To bring about an atmosphere filled with light and air, it is ideal to paint the walls white or pastel colors. The spaces should have a big amount of natural light, as well as shades of yellow, blue, green, and brown. This style also uses wood for flooring and furniture, stone, cork, terracotta, ceramics, glass, and paper as decoration attributes. 

 For an eco-style design, the environmental impact of a product should be assessed through its entire life cycle, including extraction, production, transportation, and disposal. Materials that renew quickly can be a good option, such as bamboo or cork. The materials should not only be safe for the environment but also for humans. It should have a minimum content of toxic substances and zero toxic emissions of compounds that can harm your health. 

The post Eco-Style Interior Design Is The New Trend appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Energy Efficiency

Creating an energy efficient home is easier than ever before with a growing market for home additions that can both save the planet and save you money. From solar panels harnessing the power of the sun to living roofs and walls with plants that help keep out the summer heat, green construction can be involved from the top down in home construction. For the tech savvy, eco-friendly and high-tech also go hand in hand in your home. From in-wall touch screens to smartphone apps, you can control everything from light to heat to keep your home at peak efficiency. There are so many ways to save some green while embracing green additions to your home.

Locally Sourced Materials

Using local and sustainable materials in construction or renovation is yet another way to be both green and stylish. Reclaimed wood flooring and locally sourced stone countertops are just a few ways you can design a beautiful home while reducing your carbon footprint. And it doesn’t have to stop in the home. Using local plants and options like eco-friendly artificial grass can keep your property beautiful while reducing both your environmental impact and your water bill.

Energy Certification

Certifications for being green can help you know you’re doing your part for the planet and add value to your home. Certifying bodies like Energy Star and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) recognize a home’s commitment to green building and energy efficiency. With the amount of green certified homes rapidly growing, now could be the perfect time to embrace the trend towards green housing.

There are so many benefits to joining the trend of green housing. Knowing you’re doing your part for the planet is worth the price of investing in environmentally friendly designs. Making your home energy efficient can also save you money, cutting back on your energy bills. And if you’re selling or investing, your property will also see an increase in value and marketability when you add popular eco-features. Today could be the perfect day to take a step towards reducing your carbon footprint and seeing what going green can do for you and your home.

The post Mark Kravitz: Now Is The Time To Embrace Green Construction appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.