{Re}habitat

Environmentally friendly. Eco-conscious. Green. These terms have become increasingly important for the building products industry. Yet, because no standard definition exists and regulations surrounding environmental claims continue to evolve, many industry leaders find themselves blazing new ground in the green realm. In an effort to capture a moment-in-time synopsis of where the industry stands on environmental practices and products, I asked representatives from various segments of the building products industry to respond to one seemingly simple question: “What does green mean to you?” One simple question yielded diverse and complex responses.

What was once a three-story Japanese Army headquarters building from the 1930’s in the Cool Docks development on the South Bund District of Shanghai, China, has been renovated into a four-story, 19-room boutique hotel. Completed in May 2010, the Waterhouse at South Bund was designed by Neri & Hu Design and Research Office (NHDRO). Shanghai designers Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu founded NHDRO, which has received internal and domestic awards for their designs in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, England, Canada, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Self-Reliance Is a Modern Twist on New England Vernacular

Middlebury College makes sustainability a priority: "it's a hot talking point around campus," shares Solar Decathlon Team Manager Melissa Segil. Middlebury is also the first small liberal arts college and one of the few schools without a professional architecture program to compete in the Solar Decathlon. Although some might view it as a disadvantage, Segil, who studies International Politics and Economics with a minor in Environmental Studies, points out that this interdisciplinary approach brings innovative ideas to the table, resulting in "a practical home for the 21st century."

Malmö, a city in southern Sweden that is connected by bridge to nearby Copenhagen, has undergone an amazing transformation over the last 20 years. What was a place at risk of becoming a post-industrial city in crisis has instead become a thriving inspiration for Sustainable Development. Apparently at least 20,000 international guests have been attracted to the city, not to experience Malmö as tourists, but to experience Malmö’s approach to environmentally friendly architecture and urban development. Malmö is the flagship of urban sustainability for Sweden and has won numerous awards for this commitment from the United Nations, Worldwatch Institute, and others.

The Fehmarnbelt region of Europe includes parts of eastern Denmark, southern Sweden, and northern Germany. Over the past few years, discussion has increased on ways to permanently link those living in the 60,895 sq. km. (approx. 23,511.7 sq. mi.) region by the creation of a direct connection between continental Europe and Scandinavia, which would significantly reduce travel time for commuters. Construction of such a solution -- the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link -- is set to begin in 2014, but, before it can, regional planners must decide whether a cable-stayed bridge or an immersed tunnel will best meet the needs of the region.

Replacing door hardware improves curb appeal and home security. Find out how with our video tutorial.

A homeowner might want to replace old door hardware for many reasons -- security, accessibility, style, or repair. Replacing door hardware only requires a simple set of skills and tools, but new door hardware can make a big difference in the way a door looks and works. Join our host, Jeff Wilson, for a quick demonstration of how to install new door hardware.

Sustainable living in metropolitan areas tends to take the form of large, LEED-certified developments; the majority of plant and wildlife habitat conservation still takes place on public lands. Somewhere in between lies a third option: the blending of human habitation and nature conservancy on the same plot of land. Exploring this option is the Santa Lucia Preserve, located near the coast in central California and occupying acreage that was originally part of the Mexican Land Grants of the 1830s. The owners of House Ocho had been searching unsuccessfully for a home to remodel when they found their lot in the Santa Lucia Preserve.

As the green building movement begins to hit its stride, geothermal systems are quickly gaining prominence as efficient and attractive choices for projects featuring alternative energy. Although fewer subsidies for geothermal systems are available when compared to solar, the initial investment for the installation of a geothermal system can be lower. This makes a geothermal system’s return on investment (ROI) extremely favorable. It is this financial analysis that may lead to the inclusion of geothermal systems in more building projects as its awareness grows.