DesignApplause » Value

C3 prefab project. Chicago.

PRand — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:10:17 +0000

click on photos to enlarge

The C3 Prefab project, is a prototypical example a prefabricated sustainable residence (Chicago’s first) constructed in an urban environment.

C3 sets a high standard for energy efficiency by surpassing the current energy code by 54%, and becoming the first model for sustainable, affordable housing in Chicago. Reducing the upfront cost of housing is only part of the equation. The compounded savings by reducing energy usage gives homeowners an additional $282,000 at 10% over a 30-year period.

The C3 was designed to meet the LEED Platinum and Energy Star standards with low-tech, common sense solutions in lieu of expensive gadgetry. Many materials used were sustainably harvested as well as sourced through local vendors to encourage economic growth within the region. To date, this project has received Energy Star.

Relative to this project, the word ʻprefabʼ means that portions of the home were constructed off-site and shipped to the project location once the foundation and utilities were prepared. There are many prefab benefits. There’s a higher level of quality control within a factory setting. No “bad weather” means year-round, simultaneous construction for speedier delivery and timelines are more predictable. And an economy of labor and material Reducing labor and through the use of repetitive assembly lines and volume purchasing.

[ sustainable materials | benefits ]
• Uses 54% less energy and produces 64% less emissions then a comparable home. • Energy savings of over 70% in water heating costs due to solar thermal panels and on-demand water heating.
• Recycled content, low-maintenance exterior siding (galvalume corrugated and fiber cement board), and reclaimed barnwood siding.
• Low-VOC water based sealants and finishes; cabinetry and woodwork that contain no formaldehyde or toxic binders.
• Water-conserving plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient appliances and lighting; at least 80% of lighting is either compact fluorescent or LED.
• Recycled/sustainably harvested flooring (hickory and cork).
• Efficient floor plan with high ceilings and substantial natural light and ventilation reduce lighting and heating/cooling loads.
• Ductless, high-efficiency heating & air conditioning system provides quiet operation and controlled zoning for higher level of interior comfort.
• Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) provides continuous outdoor air circulation without energy loss.
• Natural native landscaping provides minimal maintenance and utilizes reclaimed storm water for irrigation.
• Roof is designed for future roof deck, vegetated green space, and photovoltaic (electricity producing) solar panels.
• All wood framing is FSC certified.

[ project data ]
designer: architect square root architecture + design jeffrey sommers
location: chicago usa
project size: single-family | 2039 sqft
hers rating: 46

[ resources ]
manufacturer: Hi-Tech Housing
general contractor: Helios Design + Build
energy consultant: The Sylvan Company
green rater/energy rater: Energy Diagnostics
interior furnishings: Post 27
landscape architect: KMS Gardens and Design
solar panel design & installation: Solar Service, Inc
mechanical consultant and installation: Ardmore Fresh Air
window consultant: Murphys Windows

[ materials and products ]
hvac system: Fujitsu Ductless
windows & doors: THV Compozit
kitchen & bath cabinetry: EcoUrban Collection
lighting consultant: Lightology
low-vov paint: Color Eco Paint Boutique
corrugated galvalume siding: Firestone UnaClad
cement board lap siding: James Hardie
floor & wall tile: Dal-Tile
erv: RenewAire
tankless water heater: Noritz

information/contact: architect square root architecture + design jeffrey sommers

Classics go on sale friday. Knoll space.

PRand — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:59:31 +0000

1952 harry bertoia side chair / 1956 warren platner dining table

Beginning Friday, those in the market for a designer original can get 15% off the Knoll Space collection. More than 100 midcentury designs will be on sale, including furniture by Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen. The sale runs through 23 September – October 3. You can check for Knoll retailers at [ knoll space ]

Design well within reach.

PRand — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 19:07:45 +0000

If design is a gauge of cultural mood, then how will it reflect this period of economic collapse and anxious recovery?
via nytimes [RK]

Objectified. The movie

PRand — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:06:54 +0000

time to start your gift list.

here’s a gift suggestion for under $25.00 US. the creator-director, gary hustwit hopes Objectified will get non-designers curious about why objects take a particular shape. it’s an informative and educational movie shot in documentary style. also the kind that gets played over and over again if you have a jones for product design / designers. google it—many reviews out there.

Running time: 75 minutes. Extra footage: 60 minutes.

more objectified information here

Artist: gary hustwit
Producer: swiss dots

Trek wine karafe.

PRand — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:17:58 +0000

Value item: A great gift for an “active” wine lover. Stainless steel carafe.

Advertised as perfect for taking “to the office, to town, or on a hike,” the Wine Karafe holds a 750ml bottle of wine and is made of lightweight stainless steel that promises to leave the contents “clean and fresh tasting,” with no added chemical or residue flavors. Under $25 USD.

Producer: Trek
Retailer: Tribal Life

Paul Smith. Pencil set.

PRand — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:36:22 +0000

Value item: Stocking stuffer under $25.

For the pencil sharpener crowd a set of 12 multi-stripe pencils with rubber tops in a matching presentation box.

100% wood, 100% graphite, 100% rigid cardboard box. $12.00US

Designer: Paul Smith (UK)

Utilo lemon squeezer.

PRand — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:12:17 +0000

Value item: Here is an innovative, quirkly little product that may make a big (lemon) splash. The UTILO, Lemon Squeezer designed by Nicole Schaffert. Just insert spout into your lemon and squeeze for quick and easy seed-free juice. Made of stainless steel.

Producer: Blomus was established in 2001 to innovatively manufacture stainless steel items utilizing modern design. Blomus offers a great selection of kitchen accessories, fireplace accessories, bathroom accessories, office accessories and waste bins. Inspired by premiere European designers and created by German craftsmen, each and every Blomus product, whether a contemporary stainless steel mirror, kitchen accessories, bathroom hardware, bar and wine tools or a modern styled set of candle holders, Blomus offers only the finest quality of stainless steel kitchen accessories today.

Seen at allmodern.com

World’s cheapest car.

PRand — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:02:27 +0000

Value item: Tata Nano. A car christened “the peoples car” debuted in 2007 amid a lot of controversy. Its an unremarkable car if you don’t take into account that it’s sticker price is $2,500 USD. The negative is it is manufactured in India as an easy-entry into owning an automobile. Many feel that India’s densely populated cities, and streets, are ill-equipped to handle the additional emissions.

The car will have a 624-cc petrol engine generating 33 bhp of power. It will sport a 30-litre fuel tank and 4-speed manual gearshift. The car will come with air conditioning, but will have no power steering. It will have front disk and rear drum brakes. The company claims mileage of 23 km per litre.

The car’s dashboard features just a speedometer, fuel gauge, and oil light. The car does not have reclining seats or radio. The shock absorbers are basic.

The Nano car is expected to be commercially launched in the second half of 2008. News reports say that Tata Motors hopes to sell 500,000 units.

Let’s give Tata Motors a little time to come up with a green solution to their car. After all, Toyota recently revealed that it’s 2007 top seller is its full-size pickup Tundra, not the green Prius.