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THmag.com4 November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo

24

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 O O 8

[ C O N T E N T S ]

22

26

14

I N S I D E S T Y L EBIG14 Green Home Standards

GreenPoint Rated and LEED for Homes at a Glance.By Nate Traylor

16 A Healthier HomeBuilding Green makes your home healthy.By Tracy Fox

18 Old World CraftsmanshipCustom-made furniture makes a unique difference.By Lisa Winer

NARI32 Remodeling Green

How to find a Green-certified NARI contractor.By Debbie Mackey, NARI

22 Colonial GreenA cutting-edge Green renovation project.By Gabrielle Saveri

24 Re-Creating the KitchenThe latest trends in Green kitchen products.

26 Sustainable StyleDesigner furniture … sleek, comfortable and Green.By Beth Hughes

28 Eco-Friendly LightingHigh fashion bathrooms can be energy efficient.By Tracy Fox

http://www.THmag.com

thmRESOURCE.com San Francisco/San Mateo THM November/December 2008 5

32

10 Motorized Peace of MindEliminate the hassle—and dangers—of corded manual shadeswith the latest motorized technology.By Billie London

12 Two Services Under One RoofDesign/build approach saves time and money.By Jean Saylor Doppenberb

30 Cabinetry QuandariesAn East Bay company solves the mystery of cabinet selection.By Fiona Gow

NGA32 Houseplants Clean the Air

Live plants are more than decoration.By Kathy Bond Borie

CCIDC34 Go “Green” Without Turning Blue

Lighting options to minimize your environmental impact.By Lynda Gould, IDS, CID, ALA

10

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[ F R O M T H E E D I T O R ]

Discover the possibilities of Green Living.

Volume 6, Issue 6 • November/December 2008

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Jeff Curry

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Douglas

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Charles Robins • Kendra T. Stack

FEATURE WRITERS

Nate TraylorTracy FoxLisa Winer

Debbie MackeyGabrielle Saveri

Beth HughesJean Saylor Doppenberb

Billie LondonFiona Gow

Kathy Bond BorieLynda Gould

ART DIRECTOR

Jeff Clinton

WEBMASTER

Chris Ryce

ACCOUNTING

Diane Nasadiuk

The Bay Area’s best resourcefor your lifestyle at home.

THE “LIVING GREEN” revolution continues to growand has arrived on Main Street. Green Living beginsat home. Most of the energy-derived pollution we

produce comes as a direct result of the homes we live in—how we heat them, how we cool them, how we keep themlit and full of things that make us comfortable. This directlygives each one of us the opportunity to create change.

The term Building Green encompasses many productsand manufacturer techniques. It’s not just about one singlething, but many pieces combined in such a way they createa better environment—both inside and outside the home.One of the best and easiest ways to limit your carbonfootprint is to remember the 3R’s—reduce, reuse and recycle.It’s not high tech or glamorous, but it’s very important.

In this issue, we explore many ways that you can contribute to a healthier home,work, and play environments.

Energy efficiency is a buzz-term that is here to stay. In the feature, BuildingGreen Primer, power-saving products speak to your conscience and your wallet.In Remodeling Green, using Green principles can safeguard your home by usingnontoxic materials, using recycled building materials and natural lighting.

We also cover two important rooms in your homes—kitchens and bathrooms.In Feel Good Kitchens, it touches on key areas of the kitchen and the Greenresources to help you with your remodel. In the bathroom, Eco-Friendly Bathroomstalks about lighting and fixtures for energy efficiency with style.

In this issue, some of the top industry associations have contributed articlesregarding Living Green. Build It Green; they help us understand the differentrating systems for Green. The National Gardening Association (NGA) talks abouthow houseplants clean the air inside your home and the California Council ofInterior Design Certification (CCIDC) covers energy efficient lighting options.

Our goal with this special Green issue and our future commitment to our“Living Green” section in our magazines, our online editions and our new onlineResource Guide is to become your best source for all kinds of Living Green ideas,products and services.

We hope you enjoy this issue and join us to be a part of the Green-living movementand discover the many energy and sustainable living possibilities for your home.

Jeff Curry, Publisher/[email protected]

Jeff Curry, Publisher/Editor

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

[email protected]

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

(925) 274-1140, [email protected]

NATIONAL INQUIRIES

[email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES

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is copyrighted and remains the sole property of Today’s Home. All rights reserved.Reproduction or reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.

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Account Executiveswith 2 years of advertising and marketing experience.

We offer a dynamic environment, excellent growth opportunities, competitiveearnings, and a benefits package. Full- and part-time positions available.

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OCTOBER WAS NATIONAL WINDOW COVERING SAFETY MONTH—a reminder that the latest battery-operated motorized window coveringsoffer improved child and pet protection (sadly, dangling cords on

window coverings can cause accidental strangulation).Nearly every kind of manual window fashion, from horizontal blinds

to pleated and cellular shades, can be retrofitted for added safety throughthe use of cord cleats and tensioned cords, but there are plenty of cordless,motorized entry level window covering options to make your living spaceas chic as it is secure.

Platinum Technology motorized systems from Hunter Douglas offer safety,convenience, accessibility and energy-efficiency—and installation is as simpleas manual systems. Powered by a remote control, it’s as easy as a touch ofa button to raise, lower or tilt your window covering open or closed for alllevels of privacy and light control. A proprietary battery-powered lifting systemcombines both line-of-sight (using infrared technology) and out-of-sight control(using radio frequency technology).

Not only are the PowerRise motorized shades like Duette Honeycombshades and Silhouette sheer window shadings convenient and beautiful,they can also be tied into home automation or Smart Home systems.PowerRise shades are perfect for the whole home, they offer effortlesscontrol of multiple or individual shadings and the absence of cords meansenhanced child and pet safety. Motorized shades are very popular forMedia rooms, children’s rooms, or those high or hard to reach windows.

The aforementioned products are recommended by the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC).Visit www.hunterdouglas.com for additional information. THM

MotorizedPeace

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BY JEAN SAYLOR DOPPENBERB

WHEN CONSIDERING A REMODELING PROJECT,a homeowner will look for a professional firm thatcan complete the job to his or her high standards.

But the homeowner also wants to save time and money. Theconcept of design/build, as practiced by S.E.A. Constructionfor more than 20 years, is an innovative approach that blendsthe designing and building of the project by a single teamof architects and craftsmen. With designers and buildersworking together, many of the traditional redundanciesare eliminated, at a cost savings to the client.

“Hiring a design firm first, then finding a trustedcontractor to build the project, takes extra time and isoften expensive because of many duplicated efforts,”explains Steven Albert, president and founder of S.E.A.“It requires two contracts instead of one—a type ofarrangement that is often unnecessary, and to our way ofthinking feels increasingly dated. So, beginning with ourinitial conversations, we educate potential clients aboutour combined design/build process.”

At the first meeting with Steven and one of his designers,the client’s wishes are discussed and an inspection of theproperty’s structure and systems is conducted. Within weeks,a design solution and a detailed cost estimate of the projectare presented to the client, who then has the opportunity togive it the green light.

“We are responsible for building what we design, and thiskeeps our design team budget-sensitive,” says Steven. “Ourpricing is competitive and fine-tuned.”


TwoServices

UnderOne Roof Design/build approach

saves time and money.


Steven says he insists on employing only the highest caliber architectsand designers, all of them also Green-certified. S.E.A.’s has been rankedby Qualified Remodeling magazine as one of the Top 200 residentialconstruction firms nationwide for more than ten years. Steven wasalso the recipient of the Big 50 award, which recognizes excellence inremodeling. Likewise, S.E.A.’s project and site managers are all mastercarpenters with many years of leadership experience.

“We maintain a seamless relationship between our designers andbuilders on every project we take on, with the designer and the buildercollaborating in the same office,” adds Steven. “Our integrated processof design/build ensures that a client’s plans are buildable and affordablebefore construction begins.”

Sometimes there are loose ends that need to be addressed at theconstruction site to keep the project on target and on time. With thedesign/build approach, these elements are scrutinized and solved withmore finesse than by a typical contractor who is left to figure it outalone. Being involved with the work crews on a day-to-day basis, the

designer quickly resolves potential costlydelays and glitches, eliminating expensivedown time at the site. With the designerand the builder working as a team, thechance for miscommunication andmisunderstandings is eliminated.

S.E.A.’s subcontractors also participatein the planning stages so they can bestincorporate their skills into the designs.When their work goes more smoothly,it requires less time, and the cost savingsare passed on to the client.

Customer satisfaction is foremost,which is why S.E.A. guarantees its workwith a two-year warranty from the dateof final inspection. But Steven will tellyou that S.E.A. considers its relationshipwith past clients to be a lifetimecommitment, and referrals that comefrom them are as precious as gold.

With an eye on the old cliché “timeis money,” the design/build team atS.E.A. uses its time and expertiseefficiently, resulting in money saved.

To save time and money on your remodelingproject, call S.E.A. Construction in San Mateo(650) 287-4202 or visit their showroom at 1941O’Farrell Street, Suite 101, or visit the company’sWeb site at www.seaconstruction.com. THM

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QUICK, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GREENPOINTRated and LEED for Homes?Give up?

Unless you’re in the building orenergy industry, you might assumeboth programs are interchangeable,and on that assumption, youwouldn’t be entirely wrong. Notonly do both programs carry similarmissions, and collaborate together,it’s also possible for a home toearn a rating from both.

For example, it is anticipated that all LEED certifiable homes willalso qualify as GreenPoint Rated, just as a subset of GreenPoint Ratedwill also be LEED for Homes rated.

BOTH PROGRAMS:• Require performance across different categories, as verified by

a third-party rating process• Encourage builders to aim for increasingly higher levels of

performance as they gain experience with Green building• Serve the full range of residential new construction in California

However, there are distinct differences to be noted. GreenPoint Ratedis a California grown and community-based program that rates homesperforming above standard state practices (by at least 15 percent).Build It Green, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Greenbuilding in California, manages it.

LEED for Homes, on the other hand, is a national program targetedto the top 25 percent of Green home builders. The U.S. Green BuildingCouncil developed LEED for Homes as a national consensus standard.

GreenPoint Rated offers a more accessible point of entry and greaterflexibility for builders, whereas LEED for Homes has more requirementsfor participation and offers differentiation among top-performing builders.

Though they each have their own standards by which to measureGreen building practices, both have the same goal of reducing the impactconstruction has on our planet and creating healthier homes to live in.

Together, they provide a local support infrastructure with nationalrecognition while bolstering builder participation and the adoption ofGreen building practices.

For more information on either of these programs visit www.builditgreen.org andwww.usgbc.org/LEED/homes. THM

Green Home StandardsGreenPoint Rated and LEED for Homes at a Glance

BY NATE TRAYLOR


[ L I V I N G G R E E N : B U I L D I T G R E E N ]



2008 Award WinnerBest of the Best Qualified Remodeler & Professional Remodeling Magazine

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[ L I V I N G G R E E N ]

ENERGY EFFICIENCY. It’s a buzz term notlikely to go out of style anytime soon.Phrases like climate change, greenhouse

gases, and environmentally friendly are also hereto stay. If you’ve heard any of these expressions,you already know something about the impetusbehind Green building or, as many folks refer toit, sustainable design.

Power-saving products speak to your walletand conscience because they decrease energyuse and lighten the demand for fossil fuels.Cutting costs is only part of the equation, though.After some of the more obvious reasons—healthylifestyle, air and water quality, and energysources—what drives you to build Green?

Before getting started, ask yourself one or allof these questions:

• Is this product made from a renewableresource?

• Does it have a long and useful life cycle?• Will it make me or my family sick?• If I pay more up-front costs to buy this

product, will it lower utility bills?• Does it give my home an improved resale

position?

You may suffer from allergies or asthma andrequire high-quality indoor air. Perhaps you have apassion for nature and want to preserve old-growth

A Healthier HomeBY TRACY FOX

Amber Acorn byLithonia Lighting(lightahome.com).

16 November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo THmag.com

Building Greenmakes yourhome healthy.


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HardwoodsSoftwoodsMill Products

Jackel Enterprises manufactures real wood Box Beams. A Box Beam is a hollow timber produced to architecturalspecifications. Jackel primarily fabricates these beamsfrom a character-grade Douglas Fir, but they can be madefrom any wood specie, including FSC material. Onceinstalled, a Box Beam looks like a beautiful solid timber. 1-800-711-WOOD

Jackel’s Box Beams are available in a variety of texturesand finishes. Jackel manufactures Box Beams as long as50 feet and as large as 30”x 30”. Box Beams are suitablefor residential, corporate, or commercial applications.Whether you are an architect, designer, developer, builder,or homeowner, a Jackel Box Beam can be the perfect solution for your timber requirements.

Real Wood Box Beams


forests. Maybe you find less-expensive recycled productsappealing. Whatever reason maybe at the top of your list, theseare some of the many causesinfluencing people to build Green.

Living Green is about makingincremental choices when theopportunity presents itself. Forexample, during a bathroom remodel,you might buy recycled glass tilesbut decide certified wood (harvestedfrom sustainably managed forests)is not within budget.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient HomesIn the Bay Area, there are several

developers building Energy Starhomes (energystar.gov) to meethigher environmental standards. Although developers may not necessarily userenewable resources or nontoxic products to build the homes, the structuresare part of the Green building continuum because they cost less to operate,which means less greenhouse gas emissions.

Ninety percent of all energy consumed in this country is produced byburning fossil fuels—a limited and nonrenewable resource. This creates airpollution, acid rain, and global climate change. Air leakage accounts for

between 25 and 40 percent ofthe energy used for heating andcooling in a typical residence.Tight construction or reducedair infiltration is one of the mostimportant factors in loweringutility bills.

Energy-efficient heatingand cooling equipment, high-performance windows, andimproved insulation are featuresto look for in a new home or toconsider when remodeling anolder home. When buying anew home, ask the builder whatspecific steps the companytook to reduce air leakage.

Windows typically comprise alarge percent of a home’s exterior

wall area. Request copies of the window’s rating label (which should be anEnergy Star or National Fenestration Rating Council [NFRC] label) to ensureyou’re getting the best technology. Think about it—if you buy a home withlow-performing products and materials, you’ll be left holding the bag, ormore aptly, draining the money bag because of increased energy costs.

Green homes don’t sacrifice beauty or comfort. On the contrary, they aremore comfortable, cost-effective, and healthier places to live. THM

Components of Energy Star-Qualified New Homes

Efficient Insulation

High-Performance Windows

Tight Construction and Ducts

Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment

Components of Energy Star–Qualified New Homes

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ENJOY MAKING YOUR HOME AS ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE SOthat you can truly enjoy being there? You might want to consideradding a piece of custom furniture. Not only is custom furniture

beautiful from an aesthetic point of view, it’s practical—a well-madepiece will greatly outlast any furniture purchased from a furniture store.

Bruce Bell of Double Dragon Woodworks is an expert furniture makerwith a wide woodworking background and a particular interest in outdoorfurniture. His outdoor projects have included arbors, frameworks thatsupport climbing plants; pergolas, which also support plants but arefreestanding and offer shade; and a mahogany outdoor gate to matcha front door.

His indoor projects include a Limbert bookcase and a Greene &Greene desk, both in the Arts & Crafts style. The furniture is all madeof solid wood with custom-made joinery that generally doesn’t includemetal fasteners. “Look at antique furniture,” says Bruce. It lasts becauseit was made by a craftsman who knew what he was doing and tookpride in his work.”

This contrasts with the typical imported particleboardfurniture bought from a big-box store that comes in a box forhome assembly. Particleboard is not very strong, says Bruce,and tends to chip away over time. The bolt holes in a piece

like a desk that receives a lot of weight wear out until they are too big forthe bolt, necessitating the purchase of a new piece of furniture.

Bruce has been tackling woodworking projects since he was 7 yearsold. He’s been in business for 8 years, spurred on by those who sawhis projects and asked, “Where’d you get that?” He is a member ofthe California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) and frequentlynetworks with other woodworkers, who Bruce says are fairly freewith information.

An important aspect of Bruce’s work is that he uses “Green” productsand practices. He does his best to buy wood that comes from forests thatare certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This means the forest iscultivated in a sustainable way, grown like a crop and where more treesare planted than are cut, says Bruce. Builders are encouraged to usewoods that are not scarce.

The products in Bruce’s shop, even the tools he uses, are boughtwith an eye toward environmental protection. He tries to steer clear ofmetal fasteners because the production of metal “uses a lot of natural

resources and is a dirty business, using a lot of toxic acids,” saysBruce. He tries to make sure his finishes, glues, and adhesivesare as nontoxic as possible and does his best to buy fromcompanies with a similar philosophy.

OLD WORLDCRAFTSMANSHIP

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Bruce prides himself on his attentive customer service and affordabilityas well as well as his quality woodworking. He pays close attention to hiscustomer’s specifications to provide that customer precisely what he orshe desires. The customer will also save money in the long run by buyinga piece that will last. Your destination for a quality piece of furniture atan affordable price is Double Dragon Woodworks.

Contact Bruce at Double Dragon Wood Works by calling (415) 971-4724 or by going tohis Web site at www.DoubleDragonWoodWorks.com. THM

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20 November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo THmag.com

HEARING THE TERM GREEN MEANS SOMETHING DIFFERENT to just about everyone.Some of us think of recycling cans, while others believe it’s a comprehensive approachto being environmentally responsible, including energy efficiency and conservation,

efficient use of resources, recycling of demolition material, and using renewable energy sources.Considering these factors when beginning a remodeling project can also pay off in health benefits

and economic savings over time for you and your family.Using Green principles when remodeling has a variety of benefits. You can safeguard your

home by utilizing nontoxic materials to help maintain indoor air quality, reducing allergy andasthma triggers. Using recycled-content building materials helps preserve natural resourcesmore efficiently. Other Green principles encourage taking advantage of natural lighting tosave energy and boost positive moods, and recycling construction and demolition waste.

Once you’ve made the decision to do a Green project in your home—whether it’ssimply making the best use of natural light, ensuring that your cabinets are reused bysomeone who needs them, or using every Green principle and material known to man—how do you go about selecting a trustworthy remodeling professional to help you derive

the greatest Green benefit?Several organizations focus on training and educating industry professionals about

Green building, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).NARI offers a 12-week Green remodeling course (24 class hours) to its members, followed

by a very thorough and difficult certification examination. NARI’s Certified Green RemodelingProfessional training looks at the house as a complete system and how each area works together;for example, learning how indoor air quality is impacted by material selection, incorporatingenergy conservation and use, and selecting sustainable and renewable products. The coursealso incorporates general building science principles in designing ways to derive the most Greenbenefit for the comfort and health of families, as well as the preservation and regeneration ofthe environment.

Consumers can locate a NARI Certified Green Remodeling Professional contractor by going to www.narisj.org orcalling (408) 559-4996. Anytime you have a remodeling project, use a qualified professional who is a member of NARI.Consumers can also call the NARI national hotline at (800) 611-NARI or visit the Web site at www.nari.org and requesta free copy of NARI’s How to Select a Remodeling Professional brochure. NARI is a professional association whosemembers voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics and have passed a stringent screening process. THM

How to find aGreen-certifiedNARI contractor.

Remodeling Green

BY DEBBIE MACKEY, NARI



San Rafael530 W. Francisco Blvd.415.455.5363

San Francisco228 Bayshore Blvd.415.550.8848

Foster City1031 E. Hillsdale Blvd.650.286.0433

Mountain View2039 W. El Camino Real

650.691.6850

Burlingame217 California Drive650.340.2890

Quality and Value Never Go Out of StyleGilman Screens & Kitchens provides the

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Swanstone enhances any project with vanitytops, shower/bath surrounds, shower floors

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materials, is better at resisting stains,scratches, heavy impact and extreme heat,

and costs less than other solidsurface materials.

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bathroomsSensational SurfacesWe all want to relax and rejuvenate amidspa-like luxury that delights the eye, butthose beautiful bathroom surfaces must bedurable and easy to clean, too.www.thmresource.com/swanstone

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IF YOU’VE EVER VISITED SAN MATEO, you probably haven’t noticedthat in a quaint neo-colonial home, on a quiet, suburban street calledHarvard Road, there’s a mini-Green revolution going on.

Thanks to a progressively minded family from the East Coast,architects Mark Tetrault and Marc Lindsell, of San Francisco-based2M Architecture recently had the opportunity to give a cutting-edge,sustainable facelift to a not-so-energy-efficient traditional home.

“The clients approached us about two years ago because their familyhad outgrown their house—their kids needed to have their own bedroom,”says the UC Berkeley and Harvard-trained Tetrault, who has been abusiness partner with Lindsell at 2M Architecture for more than threeyears. “They had a strong commitment to themselves to go Green asmuch as possible because they really thought it was the right thing todo,” he explains. “They were all very concerned about interior air quality,as their son has asthma.”

The plan was to expand the New England-style home by adding amaster suite on the second floor—and to do so in a way that would notadd to their son’s lung problems while at the same time, helping theenvironment. They wanted low VOC-paints and adhesives, and to conservematerials and use recycled content as much as possible, explains Tetrault.

Tetrault and Lindsell worked closely with their clients to conduct amodest expansion to make the house as large as it needed to be, andno larger—and to specify structural materials that used recycled content.

After extensive planning, work began on the house and numerousGreen innovations were introduced, including: insulation materials withno formaldehyde—Tetrault and Lindsell chose Ultra Touch 100%, aninsulation product made of scraps of denim instead of fiberglass, low orzero-VOC paints from Benjamin Moore’s Aura series, lighting fixtures withlow energy usage, FSC-certified yellow birch for the master bedroom floor,and engineered truss and floor joists reducing the amount of new harvestlumber needed and diverting industrial waste from landfill.

A cutting-edge Greenrenovation project.


COLONIAL GREENBY GABRIELLE SAVERI


• New construction and renovation

• Residential and commercial

• Interior Design

• LEED or GreenPoint certified

View our portfolio at www.2MArchitecture.comBuilder: S. E. A. Construction Photo: Ken Gutmaker

formerly Marc Lindsell Architecture

501 Cortland AvenueSan Francisco

415.826.5459

Creating ecologically responsive designthrough modern architecture.


On the decorative side of the renovation, sustainable specs called for theinstallation of dual pane windows from Pella Windows with low UV coatings,recycled glass countertops from IceStone LLC, dual-flush Toto toilets, andshower-surrounds made of industrial waste from tile cuttings and bondedtogether with a natural resin material.

The clients also decided to install solar power throughout the house.“They were committed to adding photo-voltaic solar panels because they hada good western exposure”, says Tetrault. My client said, “I want the PG&Emeter running backward.” 2M Architecture helped their clients figure out howsolar might fit within the scope of the project, and after a significant financialcommitment, the family bought BP (British Petroleum) solar panels. BoastsTetrault, “the house now is virtually completely energy independent.”

The clients are now working with the City of San Mateo to get Green-pointcertification on the house.

Tetrault and Lindsell have enjoyed the experience immensely, and theirclients are more thrilled with the sustainability of their new home. “Our clientis very happy with the result”, says Tetrault. “They say that it feels like it’salways been this way, and that it doesn’t even have a new home smell!”

What’s more, says Tetrault, is that the renovation is an encouragingreminder to homeowners that a house doesn’t have to look like a Green houseto be Green. “There’s a tendency to think that if the house is Green, you haveto see bamboo, or that kind of product, but it’s not a requirement”, he says.“You don’t have to go into reclaimed woods, or have it be a sod house, orbuild fresh. It’s a very green decision just to take what you have and reuseit as much as you can.”

Thinking about renovating or building with the latest Green techniques? Call 2M Architecture,(415) 826-5459. You can view their portfolio online at www.2MArchitecture.com. THM

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http://www.2marchitecture.com/



THmag.com


STATE-OF-THE-ART CONVENIENCES, high-end cabinetry,sleek and sexy countertops, cooktops with designer tilebacksplashes, and well-conceived lighting—this may

sound like a must-have list for a gourmet kitchen, but witha few more considerations, any kitchen can be Green, too.

Materials and finishes low in VOCs, energy-efficientappliances, plenty of natural light, and, essential to any goodkitchen design, planning around your lifestyle all work togetherto create a Green kitchen.

Great Green kitchen products are fast becoming thedesign trends everyone is talking about. When comparing Greenalternatives for countertops, consider IceStone (www.icestone.biz)recycled glass and concrete terrazzo surfaces. Made from100 percent recycled glass, IceStone slabs are installed andmaintained like quarried stone, and you’ll have the same choicein edge treatments just like quarried stone as well. Choose from24 standard colors or create a custom look.The panels can be cut into large-format tilesand are ideal for kitchen counters, tabletops,

floor coverings, and evenoutdoor uses.

Stonelace Designs(www.stonelacedesigns.com)in Berkeley offers decorativecustom wall finishes,including finishes madewith exclusive materials andmetallic glazes. The naturaloil and wax treatments,clay paints, lime finishes,Japanese and Venetianplasters, and milk paintsadd rich color and textureto walls. The company is committed to usinglow-VOC (or no-VOC) materials and willwork with you in the Berkeley studio to createcustom colors and patterns to coordinate withyour home’s interior.

Custom mouldings are a must-have intoday’s kitchens. Stockton-based TimbronInternational (www.timbron.com) ismanufacturing decorative wood-alternativemouldings. Comprising 90 percent recycled

plastic, the mouldings are of course termiteproof, durable, waterproof, and don’t needto be painted if you want to leave themwhite. Timbron’s mouldings have receivedcertification from Scientific CertificationSystems (SCS) as an EnvironmentallyPreferable Product.

Cabinetry and woodwork take aninteresting twist with new Green paneloptions. Kirei Board (www.kireiusa.com)is an engineered panel manufacturedfrom the stalks of the sorghum plant—a rapidly renewable resource—after harvest.

The stalks are then heat pressed to form a lightweight, durableboard that is at once exotic and artistic and ideal for cabinetry,The adhesives used to bind the product are low in VOCs, but thepanels can be finished and sealed like wood, so homeowners willneed to select any aftermarket products used on Kirei Board.

When an Oregon State University researcher developedglue patterned after the way mussels cling to rocky coastlines,it was a reminder of how the very thing we are trying tosafeguard in Green building is often the inspiration behindthe process. PureBond Plywood by Columbia Forest Products

IceStone solid surfaces are installed and maintained like natural stone.

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Kirei Board can be used forcabinetry and other woodworkthroughout the home.

24 November/December 2008 THM San Francisco/San Mateo

Re-Creating the KitchenThe latest trends in Green kitchen products.



more about…

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Design is anExtraordinary AdventureJeanese Rowell, with her ever-increasingdepth of experience, her embrace ofinvention, and her extraordinary andunrelenting curiosity, defines her visionas much more than a designer.www.thmresource.com/jrowell

(www.columbiaforestproducts.com) is a line of formaldehyde-free decorativeveneer panels used for high-end cabinetry and architectural millwork.Developing this mussel-mimicking adhesive is a win-win situation toimprove IAQ in the home and reduce harmful manufacturing emissions.Homeowners can check with their architects and cabinetmakers on howto incorporate these kinds of materials into your construction project.

As the heart of the home, kitchens should embody a healthful andinviting atmosphere. Combining energy-efficient appliances, beautifulGreen building materials and finishes, and a space-saving layout is agreat way to create the ideal kitchen. THM

This Marin kitchen’s backsplash was created with Stonelace’s Fresco finish, made from Italian lime andhand-tinted in the Stonelace studio in Berkeley.

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http://www.sincerehardware.com



THmag.com


AT K&D FURNITURE, THE TRUE COLOR OF THE MODERN,forward-looking design is Green.

While you can’t ignore the elegant contrasts of white againstrich browns or black, or the rainbow of colors available in accentor custom pieces, everything is created to comply with the exactingstandards for sustainability and indoor emissions set by theEuropean Union.

That’s because Europe, as well as Asia, is a big market for K&D,which entered the U.S. market only this year. “Everything’s as Greenas possible,” says Benson Chow, the owner.

“We use sustainably farmed woods,” said Chow. “When we can, weuse veneers instead of hardwoods. We select low emission finishes andpaints. All our furniture is built to minimize the environmental impact.”

Right down to the last detail. For example, where glue is used,it has a very low phenol-formaldehyde content. “We do not use anyvolatile organic compounds (VOC) or urea-based formaldehyde glues,”he said.

Nor does K&D use bromiated flame-retardants in their bedding orupholstered items. You may have heard of these as PBDEs. They’rethought to be some of the most dangerous chemicals, indoors andoutside, and the EU standards K&D has adopted prohibit their use.

Kitchen faucets are low-flow. Chow, a kitchen design fanatic,offers counters of PaperStone, a tough-as-nails, very durable materialwhich is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper andrecycled plastic resin.

Even the packingmaterials can berecycled, and if Chowhad his way, more ofhis customers fromthroughout the BayArea would use publictransportation to visitthe store near AT&TPark. After all, there’sno need to worry about transporting big purchases home:K&D delivers.

The location makes it easy for customers to compare K&D’sthree lines—the original K&D, Kinetic and Senso—with the moreexpensive offerings of internationally known manufacturers whichhave showrooms nearby. Chow keeps hearing from customers thatit’s a comparison that makes them select his furniture. Customersrange from recent graduates furnishing a first apartment to a coupledownsizing from the empty-nest of a large home to a more energy-efficient, city-center condo.

While all three lines feature items that pay homage to classicsof modern design, Senso went a step farther. In 2003, K&D askedtop European designers Ton Haas and Jochem Galama, and thedesign studio KSPD to create furniture. The results combine equalparts of sound environmental practices, comfort and a sleek stylethat elsewhere suggests a fat price.

For the newest line, Kinetic, K&D tapped Italian, Dutch andGerman designers known for their minimalist work, then set themloose. They looked outside the traditional ideas and materials usedin furniture, so you’ll find industrial elements, such as big, smooth-moving wheels, re-thought for use with tables. The fabrics might befamiliar from clothing, yet, when transformed by use in a chair ora sofa, they seem entirely new.

In all three lines, durability is designed in and the hallmark isadaptability. Display cases can serve as room dividers when placedout into a room rather than against a wall. Sofas can be customizedto create corner unit that includes a chaise legs-up lounging.

Sustainable StyleDesigner furniture…sleek, comfortable and Green.

BY BETH HUGHES




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[ R E L A X I N G B E D S & B A T H S ]

THE IDEAL BEDROOM OFFERS A TRANQUIL RESPITEfrom day-to-day life by making the most of designerelements that complement and accentuate the

homeowner’s personal style. Creating a bedroom that hasthe perfect balance of style and comfort can come simplyby updating the centerpiece of the room—the bed.

If you’ve been thinking of changing your bedroom furniture,but can’t quite commit to spending thousands of dollars ona new set, Craig Kohler, owner of Artesanías in San Francisco,has an idea for you. “Using your existing dressers andnightstands and swapping your old wood bed for an upholsteredone can really give you a fresh, new look at a fraction of thecost of a new bedroom. An upholstered bed can also createan uplifting atmosphere in a room that is dominated byheavy wood furniture.”

Whether your tastes are contemporary or traditional,upholstered beds work with any existing décor. “It’s notjust a contemporary look or a traditional look,” Craig explains.“You can decide the look your room will have by the fabric

ATranquil Retreat

you choose.” White creates a clean, contemporary look, asdo ethereal shades of blue, which are currently very popularwith designers. Another way to infuse the room with style isto use layers of different texture and color, contrasting heavierfabrics on the headboard with silky bedding or using patternedfabrics to create accents that reflect your favorite designstyles. “An upholstered bed brings style options you just don’tget with wood,” adds Craig.

There are hundreds of fabrics to choose from, and if youstill don’t find what you’re looking for, you can

bring in your own fabric and the

company will use it. Being able to personally choose the fabrics thatwill be used on your upholstered bed is what gives it a one-of-a-kindstyle. Artesanías offers upholstered beds in 10 different styles, all ofwhich can be customized to the client’s specifications.

The mission at Artesanías is to bring designer-level products to theeveryday consumer, and more important, at a price level most peoplecan afford. Along with its custom line of upholstered beds, the storealso features custom sofas, accent chairs, and dining chairs all madein the United States to exacting standards. “You don’t necessarilyneed an interior designer if you come into my store,” says Craig.“If you have an idea, we’ll help you make it happen.” The staff atArtesanías is very knowledgeable and always available to sit down withcustomers to help achieve a polished look in any room of their home.

To see Artesanías’ beautiful selection of upholstered beds and furniture, visit themain showroom at 1747 Church Street, San Francisco. For more information,call (415) 643-6309 or explore the Web site at www.artesf.com. THM

BY HEIDI HILL

“Using your existing dressers and nightstandsand swapping your old wood bed for an upholsteredone can really give you a fresh, new look at afraction of the cost of a new bedroom.”

CRAIG KOHLER, OWNER OF ARTESANÍAS.

AN UPHOLSTEREDBED GIVES YOURROOM A FRESH,DESIGNER LOOK

AT A COST-CONSCIOUS PRICE.

thmthm

printemaillink to web sitelink tophoto gallery

link tomanufacturer

web site link to additional information

There is a seemingly endless array of options for coveringsand finishes that ensure your furniture will be as unique as you.A detailed, full-color catalog showcases offerings available but notin the shop. (Yes, it’s printed on recycled paper and will soon beavailable for download so you can print only the pages you want).

If this seems a bit daunting—you know what you like but will itall work together?—on-site designers can help you select everythingneeded for a re-doing a room to furnishing a new home. And you cantake comfort in knowing there is substance with all this style: “Qualityfurniture will last,” says Chow. “There’s no need to keep replacingjust because it breaks. That’s good for the environment, too.”

K&D is located on 700 2nd Street, San Francisco. Hours are Monday throughSaturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more informationcall (415) 371-0200 or visit the Web site www.k-dusa.com. THM



WAKING UP TO A DIMLY LIT OR outdated bathroomis nothing to smile about, but this doesn’t have tobe the way you start each day. New energy-efficient

windows will let in natural, uplifting light and keep out thecold and heat. Each year, Remodeling magazine publishesa report identifying which remodeling projects create thegreatest return on investment, and each year kitchens andbathrooms come out on top. It’s no surprise. They are twoof the most-used rooms in the home and receive the mostscrutiny from potential buyers.

The Light of DayThe quality of light in a bathroom is important. Daylight

will reduce the need for electric lighting but is often achallenge in a room where you need the most privacy.Clerestory windows are a great solution if you don’t havesecond-story neighbors who can peek in from above. Becausethese windows are narrow and often placed near the ceilingline, they are typically not covered. Consider adding a windowbefore installing a skylight because light is less controllablefrom above, and it penetrates the roof, an area with thegreatest potential for heat loss and gain. Federal tax credits

for energy efficiency are available for homeimprovements, including replacingwindows and adding insulation.

Energy-Saving FixturesUpdating the fixtures in your bathroom

is an excellent opportunity to save money whileincorporating earth-friendly features to your

home. Remember, the initial price you pay to buya product that uses electricity is half the equation.

The other half is the cost to operate it over time.Energy-efficient, high-fashion vanity fixtures are

available in numerous stylesand finishes from weatherediron with dusted alabasterglass to brushed nickel with

satin white glass.Look for fixtures with the

Energy Star label for the mostsavings. The EnvironmentalProtection Agency and the

Department of Energy createdthe Energy Star label to help consumers easilyidentify energy-efficient products in more than40 categories. According to the Energy Star Website, in 2005, Americans who chose EnergyStar–labeled products saved enough energy toavoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent tothose from 23 million cars—all while saving$12 billion on their utility bills.

Keep in mind the difference between anEnergy Star fixture and an Energy Star lightbulb.The fixtures use a pin-based lightbulb that shouldlast seven years. The lightbulbs are CFL (compactfluorescent lights) and should be purchased accordingto lumens, not wattage. You can also use them with mostincandescent fixtures already in your home. Look forlumens 800 and higher. Either way, your bulb is designedto use less energy than traditional bulbs and will last upto 10 times longer.

If you install just one compact fluorescent lightbulbanywhere in your home, you will have prevented 500 poundsof greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere!Now that’s something to smile about.

For more on the Energy Star designation, visit energystar.gov. THM

BY TRACY FOX

CFL energy-efficientLightbulb by Energy Star.Energystar.com.

Cirkel, Urban Collection by Lithonia Lighting. Lightahome.com.

Acron, UrbanCollection energy-saving light in Amberby Lithonia Lighting.Lightahome.com.

High fashionbathrooms can be

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DECIDING ON THE RIGHT CABINETRY FOR A KITCHEN ORbathroom can leave many homeowners feeling lost. What aresome of the basic questions to consider? There are of course

aesthetics. Do you like cherry or oak wood? What style of door andhandles appeal to you? Usage is another aspect. Is the cabinet forheavy pots, or will it showcase the family china? What accessorieswould you like? A lazy Susan? A spice rack? Sliding drawers toprevent back pain? And there’s usually a budget to consider. Areyou looking for prefabricated cabinets, or are you willing to payfor custom-made products?

A good place to start looking for answers to these questionsis Armkea Cabinetry. “I’d say 80 percent of people who come indon’t know what they want and 20 percent come in with plans fora kitchen or bathroom remodel,” says Janet Mak, a project managerfor Armkea. “Sometimes they have ideas of what they want, butdon’t know how to make it happen.

Armkea is all about helping customers figure out how toindividualize their home, especially when it comes to custom-madeproducts. Janet Mak, project manager for Armkea Cabinetry, recallsone customer who wanted an entertainment center built onto thetop of a bench. “I’d never seen anything like that, but that’s what

the customer wanted so that’s what we created,“ Janet says. Or,customers sometimes have catalogue photos of woodwork that capturestheir hearts and Armkea’s cabinetmakers craft perfect replicas.

For clients preferring prefab cabinetry Armkea has 11 linesof modular cabinets. Janet recommends Toffee Nut, whose warmcolor and fine detail is particularly appealing. Customers canchoose from a variety of natural wood finishes and stains, andmore than 20 door styles to match the style of their home.

Armkea also offers space-saving and functional accessories likedeep drawers for pots and pans, blind corner optimizers, and pantryorganizers. “We can also optimize and upgrade hardware, and addsliding doors or glass doors. It can all be done,” says Janet. It takesabout 7 to 10 working days from the time of the order to installation.

Customers give Armkea high marks. “Clients frequently remarkthat our staff is very hardworking and performs quality craftsmanship,”says Janet. So don’t be afraid to ask all those questions. Armkea’sthere to help make you bring the best out of your home.

Armkea Cabinetry has two showrooms in the East Bay. The Oakland showroom islocated at 851 81st Avenue, Suite A, Oakland, (510) 383-8919. The Berkeleyshowroom is located at 1701 University Avenue, Berkeley, and (510) 848-3181. THM

BY FIONA GOW

An East Bay company solves the mystery of cabinet selection.

Cabinetry Quandaries



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THmag.com

[ N G A ]

WHETHER IN NATURE OR IN BUILT SPACES, plants improve ourquality of life. The color green by itself has a calming, stress-relieving effect. Japanese garden design focuses on contemplative

green spaces. Green office décor has been found to reduce absenteeismcaused by illness. But live plants go a step further: they actually improvethe air we breathe. They remove carbon dioxide (which we expel) andrelease oxygen (which we breathe in). They suppress mold spores. Theyeven have the capacity to remove some indoor pollutants from the air.

Certain houseplants have an ability to absorb toxins such asformaldehyde, which is contained in many building materials and householdcleaning products. Benzene and trichloroethylene are other toxic chemicalsfound in indoor air that can be absorbed by houseplants through theirleaves and roots. The pollutants are eventually broken down in the soilby microbes surrounding the roots.

Some of the best houseplants for improving indoor air are easy tofind at greenhouses and garden centers:

• Many palms, such as areca, lady, and bamboo• Rubber plant• Dracaenas such as ‘Janet Craig’ and Dracaena marginata• English ivy• Boston fern• Corn plant• Spathiphyllum• Golden pothos• Weeping fig• Schlefflera

Kathy Bond Borie is a horticulturaleditor at the National GardeningAssociation. For over 30 years, theNational Gardening Association hasworked to strengthen the essentialconnection between people, plants,and our environment. The NGA providesinformation, inspiration, and fundingto educators, community organizations,and gardeners of all ages throughpersonal outreach and its information-packed Web site: www.garden.org. THM

Houseplant Tips• The more airtight your home or

office, the more indoor pollutantscan build up in the air, and themore benefit houseplants canprovide.

• Place two or three full-sized plantsper a 100-square-foot space.

• If you don't have enough room forthat many large plants, focus onplacing plants where you spendthe most time, such as near yourbed and desk.

Houseplants Clean the AirLive plants are more than decoration.

BY KATHY BOND BORIE



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THmag.com

[ C C I D C ]

HOW CAN YOU GO “GREEN” WITHOUT TURNING BLUE?Everyday, we are bombarded with ever growing messagesabout how to save the planet, but where do we begin?

One of the easiest, top-of-mind ideas is to switch out theincandescent light bulbs in our homes with compact fluorescentlight bulbs (CFLs). However, there are special features offluorescents that are important to consider before making theswitch. There are also environmentally friendly non-fluorescentoptions to consider.

The quality of CFLs has vastly improved these last fewyears. No longer the glaring, blue-colored light of years past,these bulbs are now available with a light output that is veryclose to natural sunlight. Critics of the movement to replaceregular bulbs with fluorescents cite concerns about the bulb'sdisposal due to the mercury inherent in its construction. Whilethe amount of mercury in a fluorescent bulb is minimal, theissue still needs to be addressed. When the bulbs requirereplacement, disposal should be in a sealed container ordouble plastic bag. Care should be given to avoid breakage.The CFLs may also be transported to an approved collectioncenter and recycled.

Other options exist for a homeowner wanting to make a“Green” lighting choice. A great example is National Geographic’snew Solar Hybrid L.E.D. Outdoor Light. The patent pendingdesign combines the technology of solar power with L.E.D.s

and CFLs to make a suped-up energy efficient light. The solarpanel on the top powers four long-lasting (up to 50,000 hours)L.E.D. lights. A light sensor automatically switches the L.E.D.son at dusk for continuous operation until dawn. This is an idealno-fuss outdoor lighting solution. In addition, a compactfluorescent bulb can be turned on if more light is needed.

A quality dimmer switch added to a lighting circuit will reduceenergy use. As the light is dimmed the energy consumption is alsolowered. In addition, a dimmer set at 50% of its range canincrease the life of the lightbulb by up to 20 times!

The use of an occupancy sensor switch will also reduceenergy. These smart switches turn off the lights in a room aftera predetermined period of time when the room has beenunoccupied. This type of switch allows for an energy efficientuse of incandescent-powered fixtures and is ideal for bathrooms,bedrooms and laundry rooms.

As the Green movement has progressed so has the lightingindustry to meet the objectives of homeowners who want toreduce their carbon footprint. You can find plenty of energy-efficient options that offer style and self-expression in additionto minimized environmental impact.

Lynda Gould IDS CID ALA, is an Interior Designer for Lamps Plus www.lampsplus.com.For a list of Certified Interior Designers in your area or to view the CID Pages(a visual directory of CID’s), visit www.ccidc.org/cidpages. THM

BY LYNDA GOULD, IDS, CID, ALA

Lighting options tominimize your

environmental impact

Go “Green” WithoutTurning Blue



4 California ShowroomsBay Area Showroom41565 Albrae Street, Fremont, CA 94538

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F O R M O R E R E A S O N S G O T O W W W . V A L E T O R G A N I Z E R S . C O M

V I S I T U S N O W A T T H E F O L L O W I N G S H O W R O O M L O C A T I O N S :

C A M P B E L L 1 1 9 0 - J D E L L A V E N U E 4 0 8 . 3 7 0 . 1 0 4 1

L O S A L T O S 3 5 9 S T A T E S T R E E T 6 5 0 . 9 4 1 . 7 7 6 1

B U R L I N G A M E 2 4 7 C A L I F O R N I A D R I V E 6 5 0 . 3 4 4 . 0 7 2 9

D A N V I L L E 6 0 2 S Y C A M O R E V A L L E Y R O A D , W E S T 9 2 5 . 3 6 2 . 8 8 3 8

D E S I G N S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E E N T I R E H O M E

H O M E O F F I C E S • W A L L B E D S • M E D I A C E N T E R S • C L O S E T S • G A R A G E S

C U S T O M F U R N I T U R E

S I N C E 1 9 7 3 • L I C E N S E # 7 8 2 2 1 7

R E A S O N 6 T O V I S I T V A L E T O R G A N I Z E R S :

B AY A R E A ’ S M O S T C O M P R E H E N S I V E S H O W R O O M S

C O M E G A T H E R I D E A S A N D S E E O U R P R O D U C T Q U A L I T Y

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sf november 2008 web

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