Terra Glen Apartment Complex

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

Hafsa Burt has been practicing architecture for 21 years. Her portfolio includes work at the San Francisco Airport, institutional buildings, multi-family buildings, hospitality, retail, medical office buildings, and custom single-family homes.

She also founded a development arm for the firm called Box Lab which is focused on active research and development in product and space design and zero energy/zero carbon buildings. An environmentalist, Burt adopted the 2030 challenge a decade ago and is a huge proponent of high-performance buildings. Her focus includes eliminating toxins with indoor air quality as a specialty. She actively speaks on the topic of indoor air quality as it relates to the practice of architecture and is an industry expert on “Healthy Building Practices”.

Hafsa Burt

Photo Credit: h+ba Architects

Burt recently spoke to Haute Design about concepts regarding healthy buildings and indoor air quality.

Haute Design: We are paraphrasing here, but you recently mentioned that most people place objects within an interior environment and call it 'design.' Why is it so important for clients to adopt a more holistic approach toward design?

Hafsa Burt: I do believe that oftentimes focus is more on the relationship of objects in a space and not so much on the long-term effects of the built environment on the planet or of a particular building on its occupants’ health. We’ve been preaching about healthy buildings and occupants’ health since 2009 and have done hundreds of peer advocacy talks on the topic.

Numerous studies have been done that show a direct correlation between our built environment and our health, therefore, to me, design is a well-thought-out solution that focuses on how occupants feel physically and mentally in a space and what affects the indoor environment might have on their wellbeing, including cognitive function.

HD: What are a few common efforts you are applying throughout your projects that will benefit the clients' well-being by way of air quality or other approaches you would like to highlight? 

HB: We look at the material data of all finishes and make sound choices based on their health impacts. Our focus is also on the big picture and how the space feels besides a two-dimensional aesthetic view. We also work closely with mechanical consultants to see how we can devise innovative ways to improve the air circulation  in a space and several other measures.

Box Factory House

Photo Credit: hb+a Architects

HD: Would you say designing with mental health in mind and designing with internal air quality in mind go hand in hand?

HB: I do believe that spatial design can contribute to mental health and indoor air quality affects cognitive function. Design of spaces can certainly affect mental health. A few years ago I visited a newly constructed micro-housing building and wondered if the residents could experience social isolation, depression in such a space. Access to daylight, possibly a view, well thought-out design solutions that focus on space, finishes and furnishings that are ‘safe’ all contribute to a healthy living space.

HD: Do you foresee a rise in health-conscious design as a result of the pandemic?

HB: Yes very much, we did a lot of consulting last year on how to prevent spread of disease in commercial and institutional buildings. We explored strategies that would allow touch less function and social distancing accompanied with a constant supply of fresh filtered air.

Before the pandemic, more than a decade ago we used case studies of legionnaire’s disease to advocate for healthy building strategies and with the pandemic it all became too real. More and more people are conscious of their surroundings and how it affects their health and productivity and are asking for strategies that can have a positive impact. 

Coffee and Water Lab, San Jose

Photo Credit: h+ba Architects

If you would like to learn more about Hafsa Burt's work regarding Healthy Buildings, as well as her architecture and interior design, CLICK HERE to visit the h+ba Architects website.

The post Hafsa Burt Educates Haute Design On Healthy Buildings And Indoor Air Quality appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Temporary Wallpaper

Wallpaper once was a simple feature of a home that has now turned into a key creative staple in home design. From intricate patterns, colors to visuals that tell a story, wallpaper is an essential feature in 2021 that enhances any room. Wallpaper selection creates a sense of depth, style, and visual interest.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Fashionable Healthy Kitchen Appliances

In light of the pandemic, people have turned to a wellness living lifestyle reflected in their kitchen design. Wellness kitchen appliances make healthy living easy and effortless. Going into 2021, kitchens have transformed to include storage for whole foods, prep spaces, and innovated appliances to make healthy meals... can you say 'air fryer'?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Maximalism

A few years ago, the minimalism trend hit the design market. Originating in the '60's, the idea of having a stark white room with only the bare essentials was all the rage. Now, since Covid hit and everyone has been stuck inside, they realize they actually would like more colors. Maximalism is making the comeback with people putting mismatched furniture with wacky colors all over their house.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Plants

Greenery in the house is nothing new, but it has especially started trending since quarantine. As people were stuck inside, a little greenery helped bring the outdoors in to them, and make them feel less alone. Many new plant moms and dads were born in this era, and this trend will continue throughout the year.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The Color Green

Green has made its way back to the interior design world. Whether plants or kitchen cabinets, green brings a sense of relaxation and wellness to any home. Many designers have moved from whites and neutrals to pops of color. People strive for a healthy living lifestyle, and the green pop of color is perfect because it enraptures nature, wellness, and health.

What design trends do you see being popular in 2021?

The post Top 5 Design Trends Of 2021 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

How have trends in sustainable design influenced your design style and the desires of your clients?

Sustainability has been a hot topic for a while it seems and I am happy that most of our clientele are educated as to why these trends are becoming well, trends! It seems that from the food we eat, the clothes we wear to the homes in which we dwell, paying attention to the source of things is really on point. I appreciate that what is emerging is a holistic way of living. We’re often talking to our clients about HOW they live, what compels them and motivates them. How can we create an environment that supports the individual thriving? Yes, it’s really important that your carpet isn't making you sick, and I love the bold colors in this years mix, but I think the issue is bigger. We should really be asking what kind of environment will make you well- from your lifestyle choices to your finishes. When we build a custom bedroom with FSC certified wood and that bed is carved by hand- that story leaves a lasting impression. People want to create their own stories in their homes and that’s even truer when the elements that make up that environment are made with intention and attention.

Modern Master Bedroom Remodel — Custom Case Detail, LOCZIdesign 2012 Photography by Bryan Alberstat

Another trend that I am seeing is creating indoor spaces with living walls. Especially here in the city, we find the need to surround ourselves with greenery and bring the outside in. We recently finished a new living wall in Noe Valley that’s stunning. You can see it here and read the full article on our blog.

Crooked nest begonias and ferns living wall instillation; courtesy of Crooked Nest

What new materials are you working with due to these trends?

Paperstone continues to be a personal favorite. It’s versatile and it’s a great story. It’s made from 100% post consumer paper. It’s durable, biodegrades in a landfill and its matte finish is very modern. We use it as counter-tops in kitchens and baths. We’re also using it on a fireplace surround.

Seacliff Baltroom Remodel; LOCZIdesign 2011; Photography by Bryan Alberstat

I have a massive crush on glass2. It’s 99% glass, stain-resistant and bacteria free. I love the way it looks, like folding ice. We’re using it in a custom kitchen we’re working on in Pacific heights, and the plaster walls reflect off the glass and it’s spectacular.

glass2 products; Image courtesy of glass2

My other favorite is Fireclay tile. These guys are fabulous. Their work is impeccable *which is a trend that never goes out of style, and it’s also beautiful. We just finished this great back-splash using 4 colors from their Vitrail series. It’s our take on the geometric Batik!

LOCZIdesign kitchen remodel detail; Photography courtesy of Bryan Alberstat

Lastly, we use a lot of plaster. Sometimes we use earth plaster from American Clay, like we did in this bathroom. Other times, we use a Venetian plaster.

Seacliff Bathroom Remodel; LOCZIdesign 2011; Photography by Bryan Alberstat

What aspects of a property do you consider when applying environmentally conscious design techniques?

We tend to start with the envelope itself! Windows, insulation and flooring create a comfortable space. If the house is cold or too hot, it doesn't matter how beautiful it is. We use radiant heat to control the temperature since once set, it’s easy to maintain a base in the space. There are so many sustainable flooring choices these days that you’re sure to meet your sound and aesthetic preferences. For health reasons, I tend to favor hard flooring over carpet. When we do install carpet, we stick to wool, or FLOR tiles for their versatility. We also install tank-less water heaters. Most of our remodels are in the city where square footage is at a premium. Not having to take up space heating 80 gallons of water just makes sense. Lastly, we only use non-toxic paint. It’s really easy since Ben Moore, Mythic and a number of other well-known brands carry a low or no-VOC paint. To a new or prospective homeowner, this is a big point! No one wants to move into a freshly painted house that is off-gassing.

How important is this trend to your clients and the communities in which they live?

Sometimes it’s a bit of an education to share with people that their newly purchased home needs new windows or insulation. They've likely just paid top-dollar for their stunning views and don’t realize how cold they’ll be. We show them the thermal loss and point to their likely high heating costs and that helps. Again, creating a healthy and comfortable home shouldn't be a trend- it should be the de facto standard. We as consumers have to continue to ask builders to use finishes that don’t make us sick and ask manufactures to stop making toxic elements.

What benefits have your clients realized by making sustainability a focus in their properties?

The Bay Area is filled with informed buyers. They know a solid or engineered wood over an imaged Pergo. They know cheap granite from Caesarstone or Icestone. I recently purchased a home and a few of the selling points were a solid hardwood floor, new composite roof, high efficiency water heater and drought resistant plantings. Of course I knew about these things, but so did all the other people that bid on our home.

What advice would you give to prospective clients who would like to make their homes more beautiful and eco-friendly?

Start with antiques! There are so many great places to shop in San Francisco for high-quality vintage furniture. STUFF and Harrington Brother’s on Valencia are favorites, as is the Antique Mart on Bayshore. This furniture was built to last and can live another life with a little love. I also enjoy shopping at Cisco Brothers and Lee Industries. Both make beautiful sustainable furniture. And, almost all the showrooms these days carry sustainable fabrics. Changing the color of a wall or adding wallpaper will instantly spruce up a place. I love all the patterns from Fermliving’s latest set and applied this beautiful pattern in a powder room.

Diamond Heights Home Remodel, LOCZIdesign Fall 2012; Photography by Bryan Alberstat

What projects have you worked on that are good examples of sustainable design properly applied?

We recently finished a home in Diamond Heights that has sweeping views of Glen Park Canyon. We installed new windows and insulation. We used Fireclay tiles, paperstone and ceaserstone counter tops, solid engineered poplar flooring, reclaimed wood furniture and wool rugs. Who says sustainable has to be boring or drab? I say sustainable is the new lux. It lasts and luxury never goes out of style!

Recent Sustainable LOCZIdesign Remodel, Fall 2012; Photography by Bryan Alberstat

Recent Sustainable LOCZIdesign Remodel, Fall 2012; Photography by Bryan Alberstat

To learn more about Paige Loczi, LOCZIdesign, or sustainable design solutions, check out Paige's profile here:

http://www.hautedesignnetwork.com/designer/paige-loczi/

The post Sustainable Design: Save On Energy, Save Your Health, Save The Environment with LOCZIdesign appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.