Sweden's Stockholm Archipelago Home Architecture

A wrap up Sauna facilities and the needs of this modern seaside cottage homes. A comfortable, cozy home style suited to socialize in groups and just relax. The main house is open to the sea, while the bedrooms and more private bathroom, overlooking a remote page set by the old oak tree and rock. Located in Sweden Stockholm Archipelago, Island House by WRB Architects is a cool beach house designed to complement the settings of the beautiful waterfront. A sheltered timber deck allows for all weather outdoor entertaining, while also inviting natural home in the extensive use of natural wood to finish the floors, walls and ceilings. Holidays in this simple house offers a different design cottage style is marked by a panoramic sea life from outer space and the same glass-covered interior.

The house mimetic, Green Architecture Concept

this unique summer cottage built mainly of concrete and glass that blends with the vegetation of the maritime forest where it is located. When carrying out the project, the architects had to solve the problem of lack of light there and meet two primary requirements: to conform to the low budget available and that its maintenance was nil.

The house to be used for much of the year, only two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one en suite, with the peculiarity that the social area should be generously sized and offer the possibility to adapt to different uses, as it was supposed to be frequently receive friends as occasional guests. The kitchen should be integrated into the social area and all rooms have large expansions were outdoors.

The place where you should build the house is an area of 20 x 30 m, filled with majestic pines and a very high compared the level of the street. This situation made it difficult to access while offering the advantage of being very little exposed to the stares from the street while providing views of the landscape over the neighboring buildings.

The integration of all these factors make housing design as a "half-covered" by that gave extensive glass walls that ensure the maximum number of hours of daylight and full integration with the environment, causing him to lose presence in front of the landscape. The need to accelerate time to implementation of the work and avoid maintenance were decisive factors in choosing to build concrete saw. In short, an envelope of only two materials - concrete and glass - that solves the integration with the landscape and responds to formal issues, structural, functional, finishing and maintenance.

On the other hand, the shadow ruling allowing the use of exposed concrete as a building material since it provides sufficient thermal protection from spring to late autumn. Preparation for winter was not too important (although of course was expected) given its status as a summer house. The insulation waterproof concrete was resolved with high compactness and a study of the shape of the envelope so that the rain water drainage be performed very quickly. In addition, the color and texture of concrete formwork made of wooden boards was a forceful presence and mimetic at a time, allowing the work to be expressed in harmony with the landscape.

Elements of Japanese Gardens

Which garden style you choose, and what it contains, will depend on many things. You'll need to look at the size of the area you have to plant, the climate and conditions in the place you live, and the purpose of the garden. Do you want a retreat from the world, or an open space to enjoy the sun with your family? Do you like to work in the garden, keeping edges trimmed and beds tidy, or would you rather put your plants in and let them grow as they will? The elements of Japanese gardens can be incorporated and adapted to suit whatever style you prefer.

Every Japanese garden relies on the same set of basic features: rocks, water, and plants; buildings, bridges, and walls; lighting and shade; and landscape, whether in miniature or in the land surrounding the garden. In some cases, as in the Zen rock gardens, some of these features are replaced by others. For example, raked sand representing rippling water. In others, certain features are highlighted by the fact of their absence: the inward-facing tea garden makes you aware of the world beyond the garden by ensuring that the outside landscape is entirely hidden.

But the feature that is most important, and is common to all of the garden types, is what makes the difference between an authentic Japanese garden and one that merely uses some of its symbols - the sense that the garden is perfectly suited to where it is and what it contains. As we mentioned before, the rules of design are so deeply buried in tradition that often unless you know exactly what to look for, it's hard to see that a Japanese garden has been "designed" because it may look completely natural. On the other hand, just putting a stone lantern in the middle of your petunia patch won't turn it into a tea garden.

Architecture Design with Environmentally Friendly

There once was a day where one someone was speaking about the word green, it was obvious they were referring to a color formed by mixing yellow and blue. That assumption is no longer true; with our society leaning toward a healthier environment and ways we can help save the earth, the term green now takes on a whole new meaning. One way to support an environmentally conscious lifestyle is with green architecture.

'Green Architecture' is a form of environmentally sensitive design and construction. Energy-saving, sustainable development and natural materials are all hallmarks of this form of construction. Green Architecture is also sensitive to the impact of the construction on the environment in the years and decades after the construction is complete. It explores a relationship between architecture and ecology.

One of the key points to green architecture is to create synchrony with the surrounding environment. Everything about a green building should easily transition from the natural landscape, including the building materials. The best material to use for green construction is materials that have been recycled or come from easily restored resources.

Advantages of Green Architecture:

1. Optimizes the use of resources, especially energy and water. At the design and construction stage, it incorporates resource recycling during construction, and later when the building is being used.
2. It causes minimal impact on the environment during the entire building life cycle of siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.
3. Where possible, the natural topography is used to optimize energy usage.
4. It leads to reduced operating costs by optimizing resource usage. Green Architecture focuses on recycling resources - especially water. Wherever possible, it focuses on using building materials from the building site itself. Well-insulated doors, windows and walls reduce energy usage and loss.
5. Green Architecture promotes improved health of the occupants of the building, due to better natural air circulation and use of natural light.
6. Provides onsite facilities for recycling, thereby minimizing waste being sent to landfills.

Materials Commonly Used in Green Architecture

1. Recycled materials such as wood, tiles and bricks that are available at the building site or in/near the surrounding area.

2. Where new materials are used, the focus is on material that can be rapidly replenished, such as bamboo, which can be harvested for commercial use in just 6 years.

3. Insulation made from low volatile organic compounds that use materials such as recycled denim as opposed to fiberglass insulation - which has long-term adverse effects. Insulation may be treated with boric acid to retard insect damage. Organic or milk-based paints also afford protection.

4. Solar energy is an abundant resource that is used through passive solar, active solar and photovoltaic techniques.

5. Packed gravel in parking lots and driveways instead of concrete reduces rainwater run-off and replenishes ground water resources.

Many countries have developed their own standards of Green Architecture for energy-efficient and sustainable building. Given below are some common standards:

1. Code for Sustainable Homes - United Kingdom

2. EnerGuide for New Houses - Canada

3. House Energy Rating - Australia

4. Green Globes - USA, Canada and UK

Practitioners of Green Architecture and sustainable development seek to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between structures and their surrounding natural environments.

The Future of Real Estate - Green Architecture

As we continue to find ourselves in a situation where natural resources are getting depleted at rapid rates, it becomes imperative that we consider as many options to bring ourselves closer to the environment, and to the use of eco-friendly, non-depleting resources as possible.

Take the case of fossil fuels; they are both depleting as well as non-eco-friendly, with harmful emissions being a resultant of their consumption. In such a scenario, the use of solar energy as well as wind energy can be excellent alternatives.

While the usage of alternative energy sources like the aforementioned is being explored in diverse situations, real estate is one such area where the same can actually be used effectively. In addition to the obvious benefits to the environment, long term cost savings are also multifarious. In this article, we look at some of the ways in which you could incorporate green architecture initiatives into your construction.

Usage of LEDs and CFL Lamps

LEDs and CFL lamps are an excellent way of conserving energy; their intuitive, inherent technology allows significantly reduced electricity consumption for their usage. This not only results in more efficient usage of electrical resources, it also paves the way for major energy savings. Therefore, make sure you consider the option of using light emitting devices like the aforementioned, for your construction.

Usage of Solar Panels

Solar energy is one major energy source that is not going away anywhere, anytime soon (or so it seems!). Thus maximizing the usage of solar energy in real estate constructions makes ample sense. The relatively high initial costs of solar panels is what keeps a majority of realtors away from considering the usage of solar panels as indeed the overall implementation of solar energy in buildings. Yet, one should look at the long term implications that such an initiative would have, particularly the huge cost savings.

Waste Management

Waste management is one area where green initiatives can be applied effectively. Segregation of waste at the initial stage can save a lot of effort later, for waste disposal entities. Additionally, when applied effectively, you can actually recycle a lot of the waste that you generate, yourself, and use it for your own purpose. Already, numerous home owners across the country are using the biodegradable waste that they generate, as fertilizer for their own gardens.

Thus, as you can clearly see, the green initiatives that can be taken in real estate are numerous. Ultimately, common sense coupled with a drive from within to implement such initiatives and make a difference to the environment would be the key factors in ensuring that these steps see the light of day.

Common Myths About Green Architecture

Waste management is a waste of time.
Most waste-management practices used on job sites can help reduce tipping fees for landfilling waste. A lot of contractors have proved that construction waste management helps generate profit through recycling and saves a lot of money. Green building is a fad.

Environment-friendly materials are difficult to find.
A lot of manufacturers have learned that green products can easily capture lost profits because they can mitigate potential liabilities. Some products like linoleum, gypsum board and acoustic ceiling panels have a recyclability capacity for years. It is believed that the demand for sustainable construction products will increase as raw materials become more costly and depleted.

Homeowners are not really concerned about green architecture or green building.
In the May 2002 issue of the Environmental Building News, it was claimed that to date, there are 32 green construction initiatives being planned. A lot of universities, schools and even corporate owners continue to adopt sustainable construction following the LEED rating criteria.

Green construction is easy.
Green building consists of a holistic process which revolves the philosophy of "doing more with less."

Conclusion
Be mindful about green architecture myths and facts -and then your dream green home is just around the corner.

About Japanese Gardens

Japanese Gardens are one of the wonders of nature and a true personification of spirituality. A perfect Japanese garden is the epitome of beauty and appearance. Types of Japanese Gardens
There are five different styles of these gardens, mentioned below:

• Tea Gardens
• Flat Gardens
• Natural Gardens
• Strolling Gardens
• Sand and Stone Gardens

Japanese Gardens Basics - The Required Items
Like any garden, these gardens require some elements for it to flourish. The most important one is common to all gardens, namely water. Water is reflected upon as a symbol of purity in Japanese gardens. Other common elements include stone, trees, and plants that essentially give the garden its true look. Some people take a step further and add a beautiful waterfall to their garden. It makes the garden look more appealing and breathtaking.
Bridges in particular create a scenic look for a garden. Another good idea is to use lanterns to keep the garden illuminated at night.

Garden Landscape Architecture - East vs. West
If you are looking for a garden that is truly unique in every way, then Japanese gardens would be an excellent choice to pick. I find Japanese gardens fascinating, I have visited Japan twice once in 1998 and again in 2002. Japanese gardens are simple yet amazing, I particularly like the small Japanese gardens and this is what I am going to be writing about here.

Japanese gardens are very much about nature and a natural looking garden is considered to be the 'ideal' garden. So don't add one to your small Japanese garden. You should never create or add something to your garden that nature its self cannot.
Rocks are one of the most common things used in Japanese gardens especially the smaller ones. I love how the Japanese feel that they have to separate there small garden from the outside world. There are basically 5 types of components that should be included in small Japanese gardens.

Rock or Ishi - As I said above rocks are the foundations of Japanese gardens. Water or Mizu - Water is calming and is a great way to make the garden look natural. Plants or Shokobutsu - Plants do play a secondary role to rocks and water in Japanese gardens unlike gardens from other cultures. Like water plants are said to have a meaning in Japanese gardens which is to remind us of each and every season passing away.

Ornaments or Tenkebutsu - lanterns are often used in Japanese gardens particularly smaller Japanese gardens. These ornaments add an added interest to traditional Japanese gardens.
Borrowed or Shakkei - This is usually something from outside the garden. If you have a small garden which is in a sunny location I highly recommend that you look into making a Japanese garden.

Tea Gardens

Flat Gardens

Natural Gardens

Japanese Architecture - House with Wood Exteriors and Interiors

apanese firm a.un architects are behind this simple yet modern wood exterior / interior house design in Mie, Japan. From the outside in, this unusual innovative house plan is clad in wood and features a down-to-earth look that works wonderfully with its surroundings. Every room offers vistas of sea and sky by virtue of the home’s 30-degree curved design, which is elevated 1.8 meters from street level. Inside this compact yet functional plan, a great upper loft design idea offers an added living space to enjoy with an open-to below view of the main floor. No matter where you are or where you’re looking, the timber gives the house its characteristic organic warmth and a welcoming aesthetic that’s ideal for the family.

Green Architecture - Top Five Tips

No doubt about it, going "green" is all the rage and it's no wonder. The benefits of being environmentally conscience transcends saving the planet in unexpected ways. By being "green" we often see instant benefits by the money we save. Using "green architecture" when building and remodeling is no exception. Here are 5 tips that are helping us be more earth friendly when building and remodeling:

1. Recycled materials

There are no limits to the recycled materials that can be used in green architecture designs. Reclaimed wood can be used for flooring, trim and exposed wood ceilings. Recycled rubber tire chips can be used in landscaping. Even broken glass fragments are being used inside walls for insulation.

2. Solar panels

Solar panels have been around for ages now, but thanks to advances in technology they are now more accessible to the general public. Their new attractive designs makes them more "green architecture" friendly. Solar panels are most often used to heat swimming pools and to power the whole house.

3. Water collection systems

Collecting rain water is not a new concept. Most hardware stores carry large barrels that are used for the sole purpose of collecting rain water. This water can be used to water plants as well as a other uses limited only by ones imagination.

4. Wind turbines

An excellent way to apply green architecture to your property, wind turbines are highly effective in producing energy for your home by using wind as its power source. When considering the installation of these check first with your city to see if code allows them.

5. Green roofing

Green grass roofs are popping up everywhere. Both cost efficient and attractive, one can now apply green roofing systems to their entire roof or just a portion. The extra insulation helps keep energy consumption down.

Both Beautiful and Smart | Green Architecture

An interesting title appeared recently in a reputable newspaper. The title was 'Beautiful and Smart," an intriguing and confusing title choice considering the article appeared in the real estate section of the newspaper. The article described a green architectural house that was both aesthetically beautiful and eco 'smart.'

Although the two concepts used to exist in paradox, over the past ten years there has been a strong movement towards intertwining the two. Most people assume that they must make a choice between building either beautiful or green. This is no longer the case. As the construction and components of green architecture become more sophisticated and advanced, home builders will no longer have to decide between their sense of civic responsibility to be green and the fantasy picture of their home.

While eco friendly architecture used to be too complicated and expensive for the masses, recent developments have occurred that are paving the way for its conversion to mainstream. Construction stores now have sections dedicated to eco-friendly products. Tools and materials used in green architecture now have labels detailing if they are environmentally friendly.

Home and Garden Television hosts segments dedicated exclusively to green architecture and shows their hosts using green products in other segments. There are also a plethora of websites now offering tips and ideas on how to incorporate green house plans at a minimum cost including offering free home plans and coupons for green products.

It is also important to understand that green architecture is not just an approach to the structure of any individual house. Green architecture also refers to the relationship a how shares with its given environment and the topography of the land surrounding it.

For example, if a house is built in a hot and humid city, an architect will likely try to minimize the amount of windows in the house to avoid the wasted energy resulting from air conditioning. Solar panels are integrated into houses where sun shines the majority of the year.

Organic Architecture | Green Architecture

What is Organic Architecture?

The term "Organic Architecture" was invented by the great architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959). An architecture idea which promotes harmony between man-made structure and the nature around, through design approach so well integrated that the buildings and surroundings become part of a unified & interrelated composition

Objectives

Organic architecture not only addresses environmental concerns but also expresses individuality. As each building is related to the variables like man, site & time so every resulting structure is unique & unrepeatable.

Origin & Inspiration

Primitive vernacular architecture was innately organic, based on natural forms, structures and simple, local materials. The rectilinear, perpendicular form of architecture that came to dominate the 20th century was the reflection of an industrially driven age. However In the new millennium the designers are awakening to a new world inspired by the creative forces of nature and biological organisms.

It was in the USA that organic architecture began its great modern journey when Architect Louis Sullivan described his famous proverb that form follows function--a key concept for organic design. Frank Lloyd Wright would often choose sites close to woods, rock formations, or even waterfalls and his buildings would become part of nature. For Antoni Gaudí, Spanish architect the straight line belonged to men and the curved line to God.

Characteristics

- The design approach is inspired by nature & the built form grows out of the site, emerging like an organism from the seed of the nature.
- It is visually poetic, radical in design, multifaceted & surprising, distinctive but flexible & environmentally conscious.
- Organic architecture is said to be the mother of all architecture- sustainable or bio architecture, alternative architecture or any other.
Some examples of this movement are: Kaufman Residence 'Falling Water' (Pennsylvania), Sydney Opera House (Sydney), Casa Mila (Barcelona), Lotus Temple (New Delhi).

Approach

- A respect for natural materials (wood should look like wood)
- Blend into the surroundings (a house should look part of the hill, not perched on it)
- An honest expression of the function of the building (don't make a bank look like a Greek temple).

Exploring Organic Architecture

New age, architects have taken the concept of organic design to new heights by employing newer materials & technology in the application of natural shapes, rhythm & composition to their buildings. The re-emergence of organic design represents a new freedom of thought. This is affecting most fields of design- products, furniture, lighting, textile design, architecture, landscape and interior design. More liberated and imaginative forms, unacceptable to major corporate clients a few years ago, are now being encouraged & accepted.

Inference

Rectilinear buildings are not ideal "green" buildings if they work against the dynamics of fluids, heat, light, sound, and force. The buildings need to work with nature and allow optimum shapes and forms to be developed that are more efficient, economic, and appropriate to local climate and environmental conditions. With continuous expansion of cities, there is a growing lack of interaction between, man & nature. Organic structures with free flowing & curvilinear organic forms inspired by nature can fill in this void enhancing the city spaces aesthetically, spiritually & with the spirit of pursuit & marvel.

Concerns

Organic or sustainable architecture is evolving fast, but there is a risk of it becoming a superficial statement engrossed in high-tech science and technology & organic forms being superimposed from the outside rather than evolving like life from within. We need to learn to use natural forms & materials from observing living forms & creatures which are the very forms of life and growth that inspires organic architecture.

Green Architecture - Will Really Impact Construction

What is Green Architecture? It is the concept of designing buildings with a view of reducing negative impact of construction on environment and the people. Green Architecture encompasses the entire gamut of factors associated with structural designs ranging from conservation and efficient use of natural resources, use of indigenous material, concepts of recycling to optimizing the finances. It is literally an approach to get "Much More with Much Less". Did you ever wonder why those mud-caked, thatched roofed old houses remained so cool during summers? The answer lies in the advantageous use of local produce and the environment by the indigenous people in building those houses. Modern Green Architecture aims at identifying such indigenous practices and incorporating them into contemporary architectural designs. Green Architecture makes favorable use of natural sunlight and wind flow patterns. Green Architectural designs use energy saving devices such as fluorescent lights and solar heaters to make them more energy efficient. Structural designs incorporate concepts such as on site energy generation of wind, biomass and water.

A holistic Green designed building looks at all aspects of living like a self-sustaining ecosystem. For example, wastewater can be recycled to water the garden and organic waste generated by the occupants can be converted into manure in compost pits, which can be used for the garden. Reduction in the use of synthetic materials is one of the initiatives of Green Architecture. Toxic fumes generated by aging synthetic paints are a health hazard. Some synthetic building insulation material contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which has affected the health of countless citizens. Green Architecture reduces the use of such material so as to create healthier environment. Green initiatives require concerted national and international effort.

The Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) is a US initiative that sets standards for design and construction practices more in tune with nature having the least negative effect on the surrounding environment and the people. The LEED standard gives different weights to factors such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources and indoor environmental quality. Based on the weights, certification points are calculated which are graded as Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Platinum is the most environment friendly and healthy LEED certification. The US LEED standards are being used by Canada, India and Israel for some of their Green Architecture projects. Other countries too have adopted their own versions of Green Architecural practices. Some of the countries adopting own standards for Green Architecture are Australia, France, Germany, Japan , Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand and UK.

The serious environmental conditions facing the world requires a sustained effort by the building industry to make a difference. Such an effort can be initiated through Green Architecture as the standard approach for all construction.

Green buildings are not only be designed for a present use,

House is an architectural beauty | World Architecture

This house is an architectural beauty with its graphic design carved, and the edges of the house at the edge of Madrid, offering a look and feel of weightlessness at the building. The dark vertical stone failure main entrance is in contrast with the shiny facade. Large windows allow enough light in the house. The first floor has a bathroom, kitchen and service. Rooms and recreation rooms are downstairs. This 1000 m² The house is in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature and its elements. Designed to highlight the approach of A-cero architecture.

Verace Submission | Green Architecture

Bouler Architecture recently submitted the Verace project as an entry in the AIA's restaurant competition. As part of the submission, James to put together a comprehensive overview of the green features in the project.

1. First and foremost, the re-use and re-commission of an older and abandoned existing building. The planning department of the local building department was very keen on keep the old building intact. It has been many uses: an office, a mixed use (retail and apartment) and a gift shop. The exterior facade was repaired as necessary, with very little changing on the exterior.2. The wood floors and stairs are reclaimed wood.
2. Rather that powder coat the pizza and bread oven, we used light gauge steel and let it rust. It eliminated the need to toxic kynar powder coated finish over aluminum, which would need to be repainted every so often.
3. The wine is from a Eco-Keg. It holds 25 bottles of wine and keeps it fresh. It eliminates the need for all of the glass bottles and wine waste.
4. The water filtration system and re-usable carbonated glass container eliminated the use of many, many bottles of water.
5. The kitchen is part of the atmosphere with an open design. The heat that is normally wasted from the ovens, and cooking is keep in the building.
6. The exhaust fans are variable speed and can be controlled to keep as much heat in as possible in the winter and eliminate the heat in the summer. The HVAC system was designed to take this into account, so less energy is used to heat the restaurant in the winter.
7. The bricks used on the exterior patios are reclaimed brick.
8. The mahogany windows, Unilux, uses sustainable forests, or FSC certified mahogany on their windows.
9. The windows are super insulated and are some the best performing for heat loss of gain in the industry.
10. The existing building envelope was super-insulated for optimum performance.
11. With the open kitchen plan we were able to have smaller footprint of the same number of seat of a larger restaurant. Smaller footprint, less energy used.
12. Verace is not using table linens, eliminating the energy and water need to washing and drying.