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In my Seattle interior design practice, I like to share the importance and benefits of building green. I saw this article on the website of Central WA Homebuilders.

Here are 10 reasons for Green

1. More Money in the Piggy Bank. A built green home typically saves $ on operating costs due to efficient energy use, natural daylighting and upfront construction costs.
2. Less ‘New’ Odors and Better Indoor Air. Using low VOC and low toxic interior paints and finishes reduces toxins and improves indoor air quality. Paints like Benjamin Moore’s Natura and Aura are my favorite choices.
3. Saves Old Growth Forests. Rapidly remewable materials like bamboo, cork, and strawboard can be harvested in a sustainable way. Plastic lumber made from recycled plastic jugs can be used for decking.
4. Happier Salmon. Water conservation using drought resistant plants and porous pavers are both techniques. Erosion control benefits salmon habitats.
5. More Couch Potato Time. Maintenance is minimized with durable materials like decking made of plastic and materials like stone, tile or slate.
6. Reduced Breezes inside the Home. The impact of outside elements is reduced using caulking to seal windows and doorframes.
7. Healthier Yard with Homegrown Topsoil. Topsoil removed for grading can be saved and reapplied for a better soil compositoin.
8. Reduces Dependence on Fossil Fuels. Local materials reduce transportation costs and the inclusion of pedestrian access to mass transit decrease auto use.
9. Less Trash. Built Green projects recycle large amoutns of scrap materials as well as include recycled content into the building.
10. Promotes Businesses Committed to Green. The supporting member companies go the extra effort and work with one another demonstating committment to a green, healthy home.

Tags: design, green, home, indoor air quality, recycle, Seattle
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In this green design business profile, I salute Carol Sorensen-Baumgartel of American Clay. I met Carol in early 2006 in Seattle at the Home Show. Carol is the VP of Marketing/Co-founder of American Clay Enterprises, Inc. Carol studied painting and ceramics, earning a BFA in Ceramics from the University of Denver. In 1980, she entered the world of Interior Design and was President of the ASID New Mexico chapter (1991-93). Specializing in interior finishes for commercial builders, residential builders and architects, putting elements together to highlight the physical aspects of a building – and won some interior awards for model homes in the process.

The impetus to the creation of American Clay arose from the health issues which plagued her son, Croft Elsaesser (now CEO and president) as he practiced his profession of Faux Finisher. The physical illnesses –headaches, skin rashes, breathing difficulties-created by the materials he had been using to create magnificent surfaces for his customers were worrisome. Finding natural alternatives to the paints, sealers and acrylic/gypsum wall finishes became paramount to continuing in his profession.

American Clay Natural Earth Plasters bring the appealing finishes of Nature to your Home, Office, School, Business, anywhere you want to add healthful beauty to your interior walls and ceilings. Manufactured in and using materials from the United States, American Clay uses natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and vibrant natural pigments in each of three beautiful finishes.

Ecohaus in Seattle shares details about American Clay. My project, Casa Montecito, utilized American Clay entirely for the nearly 7,000 square feet.

Tags: American Clay plaster, design, green, home, natural, walls
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This morning I was happy to read commentsby John Caulfield. He cites a recent survey by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies that “aging rental stock, rising immigrant populations, and increasing demand for energy efficiency will drive a sector in transition”.

Information gathered in this survey suggests the correction in the remodeling industry is likely to be far less serious that the overall housing market. On a positive note, the opportunities for remodeling look strong but may not be big ticket projects, but projects that aim to maintain and upgrade the efficiency of a home.

There are nearly 130 million homes “that require maintenance and adjustments to meet changing preferences and lifestyles”. The survey identifies three growth segments:

• Foreign-born Households: in 2007 these households spent $23 billion on improvements. As this population segment increases so will home improvement projects.
• Rental Market: the US rental stock is 36 years with a dire need for improvements.
• Green Renovation: homes built before 1970 consume 40% of residential energy. These homes are a prime market for energy efficient upgrades.

Tags: energy efficiency, foreign-born households, green, remodeling, renovation, rentals
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