My New Favorite Outdoor Kitchen

I bookmarked this picture a while ago and I think today might be a good day to share it. The tree-house concept is reminiscent of childhood dreams and playtime, fairy stories of enchantment and imagination .

The Architectural component embodies a simple oval form wrapped ‘organically’ around the redwood tree trunk and structurally tied at top and bottom. The tree-house restaurant was designed by Pacific Environments Architects, a New Zealand firm focused on holistic environmentally sustainable design.

The ramp leading from the meadow up into the tree allows access for people in wheelchairs or who would otherwise not be able to climb a ladder. Even though this is a Yellowpages promotion, it’s a noteworthy project.

News Video Construction Video Diary

April 11, 2009

Linear Glass Mosaic Tiles

Interstyle Ceramic & Glass, one of North America’s leading glass tile manufacturers, has a new collection of linear mosaic tile with recycled content.

Icestix comes in 1/2″ x 2″ and 1/2″ x 4″ tiles in straight, running bond and random stagger sheets. The collection is available in 12 textured color blends.

Linear tile will be a hot trend in 2009. You can install it vertically as an accent at a range or cut up the sheets to mix it with large field tile.

April 9, 2009

Detergent Smuggling

I read a recent article about residents in Washington State going to Idaho to purchase detergents after a ban was placed on detergents containing phosphates.

Phosphates are a concern in consumer products because when they end up in streams, lakes and rivers (they aren’t easily removed in waste water treatment plants), they promote the growth of algae, which sucks up oxygen, stealing it from other animals and organisms in the water.

Phosphates in detergents tie up water hardness minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium) so the minerals won’t interfere with cleaning or deposits on surfaces. Phosphates also help keep food soil particles in suspension after removal from the soiled surfaces and prevent their redeposition.

Residents say that the greener alternatives – Seventh Generation, Ecover, Palmolive Eco+ and Trader Joe’s, – just don’t clean as well.

The Washington Lake Protection Association thinks part of the problem may be the hard water and is encouraging consumers to install water softeners.

Here’s a few highly rated phosphate-free detergents that may do the job.

Bi-o-Kleen Automatic Dish Soap
“A phosphate-free alternative with natural corrosion fighters that requires no pre-washing of dishes.”

Method “SmartyDish” Dishwasher Cubes
No toxic chemicals, no bleach, no phosphates just naturally derived biodegradable ingredients in pre-measured tabs.

March 29, 2009

Bassino from Kaldewei

For 2009 Kaldewi brings luxury and elegance to bathing suitable for any modern bathroom interior.

The new Bassino tub is pure in design with clean-cut interior lines that create generous proportions allowing you to lie back and relax in the water. Being able to stretch out and float in the tub brings relief to persistent and also chronic tension by reducing the strain on spine, muscles and joints. Another positive effect floating has on the body is the improvement in the powers of concentration, creativity and productivity.

The shallow depth of the bath makes it easy to climb in and out.

The level base of the Bassino means it can also be used as a spacious and luxurious shower.

The bath has been designed by the internationally renowned Phoenix Design. The firm embraces a philosophy that is as natural as it is intuitive: form follows emotion.

I don’t know who designed the house in the photograph above but I absolutely love it. It is the perfect bathing oasis.