Finishing Details

Hello again,
The Blue2 is down to a slow dribble of finishing details- it is complete enough to occupy. The new tenants had their baby but have not moved in yet. The house-building story will end when they spend their first night in Blue2. The landscaping is yet to be finished. Nancy Stein said the landscaping is always the last thing in line to be funded and so it is often squeezed out of the equation as most of the funding has been used up for the house. As you can see in pic #5, the stage is set but the plants and irrigation are yet to be purchased or planted. I suspect if CLAM does not dig up the money for landscaping- pic #5 will be a run-a-way bed of weeds and grass in a year- is this a solicitation for help?.......yes it is.
I suspect next Friday report will be the last.
It has been more than fun and enlightening.............Terry
BTW- How about we call it the Banana House? or Mellow Yellow or Old Yeller or........?

Van Van der Maten and Colleen King volunteered to paint the Banana House.

Mixing paint.

Four chips off the new block-the executive branch of Mellow Yellow.

View from the living room. House is "baby ready" for new tenants.

Landscaping by Jim Campe and Nancy Stein. There is a wireless solar light mounted on each wood post for the path lights. They are motion activated and turn off after one minute.They are low and face down so as not to light up the "night sky" or shine in peoples faces. Rich Redimix donated all of the base rock for the parking area as well as the big chunks of rocks for landscaping and Judy Roberson of PG&E personally made and donated the beautiful mosaic tiles you can see faintly at the beginning of the path.

Bedroom. All of the wood we used for interior trim was reclaimed from construction wood donated to us by local artist Anne Francis. The two closet doors were also salvaged doors from a job I did ten years ago. The upper door on left is for access and storage to mini-attic space. the ERV service door is on right.

Modern Interior Furniture

Modern Furniture Style

 




Modern Interior Furniture

Modern interior furniture style is overwhelm with new and unusual lines, it has imported new trends in designing, for example, has started the widespread use of glass, iron and concrete structures. Modern furniture style is evident in the interior with wide, filled with air spaces, large windows and ample opportunities for fantasy.Suffice it to see the magnificent buildings of European turn of the century, where all design elements, ranging from bars and ment to reach ornaments on the walls are completed in one style. Creating modern interior furniture style, the designer is choosing a direction and began to improvise, having obeyed all on one theme.

Modern Interior Furniture

Even nowadays modern interior furniture style amazes with its flowing forms and lines striking combination of natural and abstract motifs. Modern furniture style peculiar cult of beauty, by making everything in the interior of the harmony of shapes and lines, even in small modern apartments can fill the room with amazing ease and beauty of classic modern.Modern interior furniture style is distinguished by its simple shapes and high functionality. Original furniture solutions fit easily into the interior of the contemporary home, this may be, for example, chair made from stretched over metal construction leather or fabric.





Modern Interior Furniture

But, after having evolved in different countries, he has acquired another direction and design of modern interior furniture.Modern wonderful style can be used in modern interiors. Widely used today furniture is a direct descendant of American and English design solutions for modern furniture style. Modern interior furniture also combines well with the use of various materials - a combination of metal, wood, plastic and glass - are right to be tried in the early designers of the century.

Modern Interior Furniture

Modern contemporary interior furniture style seriously enriched by new materials and textures, making it more diverse, but most importantly the establishment of modern furniture style decor is not to forget the primary trend of smooth lines and use a natural material, and harmony of all the natural reasons but also for the harmony of all the modern interior design elements to create a finished picture. Fantasy should not be restricted, but need to think only one chosen direction, then modern furniture style will meet your home with light and lightness.




Modern Interior Furniture

Modern Interior Furniture

Garden Landscape Design Ideas

Garden Landscape Designs




Garden Landscape Design

Landscape design is an activity which creates an artificial environment for human environment with increased use of natural components, relief, water and other vegetation. The term "Landscape Architecture" has appeared 100 years ago in the U.S., then there organizing the first national parks. In Europe garden landscape design has appeared much later.Landscape design incorporates concepts such as: fences, garden furniture, greenhouses, gardens, ornamental and fruit trees, flower beds, the design of balconies and terraces, entrances and windows, tools and accessories, as well as preparations and approvals.

Garden Landscape Design

This is a complex event, which implied a structured approach to the design of the garden landscape include a clear plan, a change which takes into account factors such as climate and soil.Sometimes the owners of the garden landscape design are willing to make it more interesting or beautiful. This desire can be done completely without the imposition of global change. Can turn into a garden paradise, using some techniques and elements of shape, actively used in landscape design.The principles of the art of gardening, the perception of space, ways of shaping and visual effects are the same for large and small parcels.

Garden Landscape Design

Shaping garden landscape design directly depends on the capabilities of the gardener, the location, characteristics and imaginative.In designing the garden landscape design must clearly define your desires. Does the garden landscape design look as beautiful natural place, or it will be fully functional, planted with fruit and vegetables, it will be easy and simple to maintain. Accordingly, should develop a specific plan, which will take into account physical features, climate and soil conditions.

Contemporary Bathroom Furniture

Bathroom Furniture

 

Bathroom Design

The bathroom has become a mandatory element of home not so long ago - about 100 years ago. But today we can not imagine the house without it. The bathroom has a corner in which we can relax, as in the spa resort and not just a place for hygienic procedures. That should take care of the interior of the bathroom design to make even more enjoyable time spent there.Successful interior design of the bathroom should be comfortable, practical and, of course, enjoy the eye. It is therefore important to bear in mind the dimensions of your bathroom, and those of your wallet.

 Bathroom Interior

The first thing to do is determine the color. When choosing to rely on your own taste, but there are some requirements. It is desirable that the color of the bathroom interior to look harmonious color to your home as a whole. Experts advise to use pastel colors: beige, light blue, pink.In this case, it is all well and shaping the interior of the bathroom should always be subject to the current classic. Thin lines, fine gold detail - all this will create a truly royal atmosphere.

Modern Bathtub

Now the most important thing in the bathroom - tub. The choice of this component depends only on your taste. Modern shops offering almost everything which is capable of human imagination: whirlpool modern bathtubs, across a length, angle. The colors make us think - from classic white to black provocative avant-garde. Remember that wadding should be combined with the color of the sink.If the size of the bath allow you place the bathtub and shower. Divide these two equally useful procedures: quick rinse and lazy-gracefully rest in the bathroom.

 

Bathroom Furniture

Make the most functional space. Various shelves and cabinets will give a unique look of your modern bathroom. The modern bathroom furniture can select set or as ready to form your own.Material they produced bathroom furniture depends only on your desires. This can be a heavy marble, reminiscent of Roman baths, light wood (especially well treated and moisture resistant), and practical plastic, easy and convenient.

Modern Bathroom Mirror

 

Undoubtedly light rear end and interior accessories of the bathroom. Light is the beginning of everything. You must be well see in the bathroom mirror, so unless the ceiling light, plug lighting over the sink or bathroom mirror.The modern mirror will help you to look from all sides, so do not limit yourself with just one. One usually above the sink and one with an increasing effect - shaving or make-up.

Bathroom Accessories

Small accessories will give your bathroom finished and will deliver the long search for a towel, soap, toothbrush. We now need to add something only you - a vase on the wall with hanging flowers, aromatic candles, and running water and relax in a world of peace and joy.

Contemporary Bedroom Furniture

Contemporary Bedrooms

Contemporary Bedroom Furniture

Modern Bedroom Interior Design
Modern Contemporary Bedroom Furniture 

Tranquil sleep is necessary for health, and all other spheres of life activity. Properly furnished contemporary bedroom and a good mattress - it is necessary for good rest.The contemporary bedroom should be as far from the front door. In this case we will not be disturbed side sounds, and feel safe. In modern homes the owners often plan bedroom furniture in an isolated area, closed to visitors.The bedroom should be a corridor to move from room to room. A bedroom furniture is often combine with wardrobe rooms.To give the freedom and ease the contemporary bedroom ceiling should be neither too high nor too low.

Contemporary Bedroom Furniture

Modern Bedroom Interior Design
Modern Contemporary Bedroom Furniture 

Bedroom for adults must be calm pastel colors, a child's bedroom - in bright. If the bedroom is also the cabinet, or has some other additional feature is desirable area to sleep and work are separated.Lighting should be nice and not very strong.  Contemporary bedroom furniture can be made of solid wood panels, MDF, wrought iron, glass, decorative plastic, fabric, knitted rattans.But in no case shall be saved out of bed.  The contemporary bed should be not only strong but also comfortable and beautiful. Not the volatile metal bedroom furniture with metal spring.

Contemporary Bedroom Furniture

Modern Bedroom Interior Design
Modern Contemporary Bedroom Furniture 

According to Feng Shui the most favorable place for contemporary bedroom furniture is diagonally across from the door, a tray on the bed should not touch the wall.The bed should not be near windows, not to suffer from the effects of flow and direct sunlight. In any case, if you sleep poorly or not you can relax, move the bed and your condition will improve soon.

Contemporary Bedroom Furniture

Modern Bedroom Interior Design
Modern Contemporary Bedroom Furniture 

The price of the contemporary bedroom furniture depend on the following factors: by the manufacturer (imported modern bedroom furniture are usually more expensive) of materials (natural wood bedroom furniture or specific breeds are more expensive) solutions from design (standard models are cheaper than specially designed just for you), of modes of production (bedroom furniture, handmade in part are expensive).Many people prefer to buy contemporary furniture for the bedroom alone, and to complete the discretion. In this case it is possible to save.

Minimalist Living Room Design

Minimalist Living Room


Minimalist Living Room

If you are living room and working and relaxing, it looks too gaudy, try to graduate with a minimum amount of furniture, sofas and select sections with a simple minimalist design.When no space for office or library, be sure to reasonably combine the functions of the living room. For example, the library is better positioned in the minimalist living room because it is intended for general use, and this is detrimental to have books where children sleep. o look harmonious one multifunctional minimalist living room, use the unifying methods. For example, upholstered chairs with the same fabric as the minimalist living furniture.Use sliding doors, partitions, screens, curtains to separate work from leisure area.



Minimalist Living Room

Minimalist Living Room

Minimalist Living Room

Minimalist Living Room

Modern Outdoor Barbecue Design

Outdoor Barbecue Design

Outdoor Barbecue Design

Modern Outdoor Barbecue Design

If it is true the allegation that the kitchen is the heart of the house, do not know what we could say about outdoor barbecue. It is definitely not the heart of the garden because the garden looking for a man other aesthetic pleasures, but is also fair to say that any contemporary garden does not pass without a outdoor barbecue. A patio is not complete without the ability to prepare modern outdoor barbecue. Even the idea of organizing garden starts with the thought of a outdoor barbecue place. Therefore, the subject of outdoor barbecue is so important when discussing the modern design of the courtyard. The mere presence of a modern outdoor barbecue in the garden is loaded with the romanticism of a wonderful time with friends and family.




Outdoor Barbecue Design

Modern Outdoor Barbecue Design

Even the most ordinary garden party does not pass without to show mastery in the preparation of the outdoor barbecue food. When considering options for a modern outdoor barbecue in your garden, you should decide what type of grill you want to install: gas with PB with wood. It is desirable style outdoor barbecue also be consistent with the style of the surrounding garden furniture to achieve the necessary impression of comfort and elegance. Announces the amount of outdoor barbecue is in line with the proportions of the courtyard and the selected outdoor barbecue design solution for the furniture - round, rectangular.




Outdoor Barbecue Design

Modern Outdoor Barbecue Design

Nowadays the market offers ready-brick structures built in BBQs, outdoor kitchen facilities, along with refrigerators and sinks and modern outdoor barbecue design. Each of these types has its value and aesthetic techniques. The proud owner of outdoor barbecue must decide which investment is worth it.Last hit in contemporary garden furniture and spots around the world of outdoor kitchen furniture . More and more people are infected by the desire to create very cozy place to spend a pleasant family and friends during the warm summer months.





Outdoor Barbecue Design

Modern Outdoor Barbecue Design

Fireplace or modern outdoor barbecue emits soft heat in the cool evenings, and the game attracts the eyes of fire and predisposes to long intimate conversations. Our advice is to select this outdoor barbecue design, which is best corresponding on your personality, but is consistent with your ability. If in your garden is no place for outdoor barbecue stone, do not despair - the market is even portable barbecues. More importantly the idea and wish guests to be surprised with skillfully prepared food.

Modern Outdoor Lounge Chairs

Outdoor Lounge Chairs




Outdoor Lounge Chair

Your summer garden is a wonderful place for recreation and entertainment. An essential and indispensable component of its outdoor furniture are lounge chairs. If you want to create a real place for relaxation and pleasant entertainment, just located one of outdoor lounge chairs so comfortable beds and stylish outdoor garden to your favorite place - and the miracle happened - your garden has become the most elegant place to rest. Nowadays the market is offering different material types and design  outdoor lounge chairs. Buying right for your outdoor lounge chairs depends on the space you have and you want to become a place for relaxation, comfort and style by which seeks to create a garden with furniture of your preference, and of course, by means their disposal.

Outdoor Lounge Chair

Folding outdoor lounge chairs, originally arose as chairs for outdoor relaxation, stretching decks of passenger ships. Today, these comfortable and easy to maintain multiple outdoor lounge chairs have expanded its scope and can be seen all places, the beach, the balcony, around the pool, including the garden. Outdoor lounge chairs are an integral part of modern hotel furniture and except as intended - for relaxing outdoors, as they pursue other goals - style design interior and exterior. As the outdoor lounge chairs were originally intended to be used on ships, they were produced by very strong, durable materials that can withstand moisture, wind and other adverse conditions.

Outdoor Lounge Chair

Modern outdoor lounge chair can be made as of teak and other wood, also of metal and plastic rattan. What distinguishes today's outdoor lounge chairs from their predecessors is the pursuit of comfort that is achieved with soft pads, a variety of color and sound pillows, lounge design solution, which makes an impressive accessory accent in the garden. Folding sunbed model is easy to transport and storage, which is extremely useful when space is limited. Older models usually have a position for tilting so far in the back. Modern outdoor lounge chairs are often adjustable, and may include additional elements such as rungs that make them especially comfortable.

Outdoor Lounge Chair

 

Outdoor Lounge Chair

If you add to that outdoor lounge chairs are in the market plenty of cushions and benches, you've reached that comfort that you are dreaming. Nowadays, sunbeds are used everywhere in our life - at home, the balcony, the porch, the garden - scattered on the lawn, but because of the ease is very easy to be moved where we see fit. Outdoor lounge chairs are suitable for use and during hiking or camping trips, so that people are comfortable seating position.

Outdoor Lounge Chair

We suggest buying a set of modern outdoor lounge chair can be tailored to their future location, whether it will put them in the shade or sun, if you only use them in the garden or around the pool. Where will be stored under adverse conditions. Wooden outdoor lounge chairs, with or without armrests-style "executive chair" are quite popular. Some models are available from any wood and the seats of other models may be of canvas or nylon material. Some chairs can be set to different positions, ensuring your comfort.Outdoor lounge chairs are made from exotic hardwoods or oak as to ensure the sustainability of lounges, exposed to rain.

Modern Aquarium Design

Aquarium Design




Aquarium Design

You have a new home, you want to bring beauty of nature? Or just need a unique solution to refresh your home? If you just love it and aquatic creatures, then we have the perfect offer for you, add aquarium . This aquarium design small water playground will bring unique and stylish atmosphere around you.Everyone can afford to create a little paradise -aquarium - water provided to comply with a few basic things. The first and most important is to select the appropriate location. In this case you should comply with the light in the room.

Aquarium Design

Not good if you modern aquarium is placed under direct sunlight (near windows), because the later addition of plants that light can cause rapid growth of algae and also nervousness among fish.Also, it is inappropriate and dark corner. Sunlight must fall in moderation during the day but at night its absence is compensated by fluorescent lamps.After selecting the ideal time to comply with the size and shape of the aquarium design. These important parameters depend primarily on the size and number of fish that you want to grow.

Aquarium Design
Best advice on this option you can get on site by consultants in the pet shop as a variety of fish and aquariums is immense. Also, there is appropriate to select and sand or stones to use as a decorative surface with aesthetics and for places to hide a fish. A number of very different aquarium shape and color substrates.For arranging a beautiful modern aquarium design and caressing eyes with its natural state, it is better to first comply with their height. Most appropriate to select two or three bright and higher plants to put in the background. Modern aquariums can be stuffed with more roots in the substrate, giving the illusion of a slight hill.

Modern Aquarium Design




Modern Aquarium Design

Modern Aquarium Design

visit also:

Office Furniture Design
Contemporary Dining Room
Modern Lighting Fixtures
Modern Bathroom Toilets
Living Room Lamps
Bedroom Furniture Ideas
Laundry Rooms Design
Modern Bookshelves Design
Stainless Steel Kitchens
Wardrobes Ideas

Finishing Blue2

Hi again,
Last Monday, July 12, one would never believe our goal was to finish on Friday. The place was torn up and busy all week but it all came together by Thursday at at 4:00. These reports are near an end. It has been a kind and wonderful past five months or so. Our team effort has been mind boggling and Blue2 is about to stand on its own. The next time I see Blue2 [after a week away] it will be occupied.
Thank You cannot express the depth of honor it has been for me birthing this new house into Point Reyes. I never knew I could have such joy going to work every day..........Terry

Dwayne Hope, on left, taking the first bite of the old driveway/parking area. Actually almost half the north side of the property was open to parking. With the new plan, half of that will be paths and garden area.

This is what retirement looks like to someone who is passionate about community service. Jim has been a sentinel of the finishing stages of Blue2.

Dwayne Hope tamping the newly defined parking area.

Barry Linder and Jorge clear-coated the cabinet door fronts.

The Finishing Committee.

Laying out the path to the back of the Blue House.

The final plumbing for hot water. Hot water production (washing/cleaning) consumes at least 15% of a typical household's energy use. We expect this system with the roof panels will supply around 90% of that demand. Space heating typically requires about 30-40% of energy use. This system should provide about 90% of the heat required for the house.

In typical (old school) building practices many claims are made as to the performance and results of a product or an assembly of products. But in the end there is no accurate accountability for the performance of the building. In Passive House methodology, there is an energy modeling done of all of the components of the house before it is built, they are then tracked for performance after they are built. Blue2 will be monitored as time goes by to see just how much and how it uses its energy. The goals for the Passive House in Europe are around a 80%-90% reduction in energy usage and so far they have been meeting and often exceeding that goal.

Marshall Livingston, myself, Nancy Stein, Sam Grant, Toni Littlejohn and Jim Campe were sucked into the vortex the grand finale of Blue2.

Bill Logan's last day.

Joel Langdon's last day.

Rudy and Dan's (of Sebastopol Heat and Cool) last day. They are fine tuning the air supply ducts of the HRV.

This is Tom Tiller, the Marin County Building Inspector signing off the final inspection of the Blue2. Yes it's over!!!! Tom has been a big fan of this project. You can tell by his smile he is happy to be the one to launch Blue2 into community service.

Bill Kelley on left, the head of the Marin County Building Department, came with Tom on Thursday. He is interested in our project and the goals of a super energy efficient house. He and James Bill had a deep and lengthy conversation on how to integrate the principles of a Passive House into the Marin County building codes. Toni Littlejohn, not seen on left, has been filming the entire building process, since dirt day one and will eventually edit a final film to be released in your local living rooms of West Marin and beyond.