Skyscrapers as living organisms

This fresh, new, and fascinating approach to sustainability and human population growth is truly awe inspiring.

Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut has redefined the conventional skyscraper. His 132 story complex for the south edge of Roosevelt Island addresses the pressing need for environmental and ecological sustainability. This conceptual design focuses on creating a completely self-sustaining organism that not only utilizes solar, wind, and water energies, but also addresses the pending food shortage problem.

More here on archdaily.

how can I make prefabricated building sections sound interesting?

eh….i probably can’t.

here’s a try.

a new client, kama-EEBS, develops Energy Efficient Building Systems out of light guage steel and EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE. guess which component is the exciting one. yes, the expanded poly….and this is why.

1- SUPER light. a couple of construction workers can put up an average size house in a few HOURS.

2- GREEN! so green that its been accepted as a cradle-to-cradle tech nutrient by mcdonough and braungart

3- it can be fabricated to ANY shape…ARCHES, CURVED WALLS!

4- doesn’t support a flame, is 100% recyclable, does not rust or warp, resistant to mold….

I could go on and on. It’s a VERY big deal in the green building world and we’re so excited to help them get the word out about their product.

Safeway ~ Walking the Talk

I have a new found respect for Safeway. From their Waste Diversion Rate reaching 85%, building a LEED store in Santa Cruz, and adding solar arrays to their buildings, their corporate social responsibility is admirable.

Now if they would only ban the plastic bags.

Full story here at GreenBiz.

DIY Solar Panels

Plug and play solar panels from Armageddon Energy.

We’re looking into these for our new super green studio location. Article here.

Moof Bike

New Moof Bike. Solar lights on front and back, too. Props to Bike To Work Day today.

Wrap Rage by Amazon

Offices of Selgas Cano Architects

more

Compostable Packaging

Nice to see that large consumer food companies are starting to think about compostable packaging. I hope they remember to tell the customer that this only works in a COMPOST system. If items that are compostable are put into the regular garbage they do not decompose. Conditions are not ideal in landfills for biodegradation. Some food does degrade, but at a very slow rate or about 50 percent every 20 years, according to the Garbage Project. The remainder of the refuse in landfills seems to have retained its original weight volume, and form even after 25 years. here’s more from fisher too.

Greensburg Kansas Update – 2 years after the tornado

Remodeling Green

“BRINGING SUSTAINABLE, STYLISH LIVING TO A 19TH-CENTURY CLASSIC, JEFF KING & CO.’S SAN FRANCISCO REMODEL IS INFUSED WITH DAYLIGHT, ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS, AND LOW-MAINTENANCE UPGRADES.”

Our client, Jeff King & Company, was featured in Ecohome Mag. Here’s the full article.