There is a wealth of evidence that Biophilic Design can improve wellbeing when incorporated into the built environment. Biophilic Design applies the principles that humans have an innate attraction to nature and that increasing our connection with natural elements through the spaces in which we inhabit, work or relax, can improve our physiological and psychological health. Imagine what benefits it …
Icelandic Shelter – A Healthy Winter Home
For me every project is an opportunity to explore and investigate how design can improve our lives – be that for our health and wellbeing or perhaps purely aesthetic, but ideally a little of both. When Hillarys approached, me asking how their blinds and window coverings could make our homes and lives a little better- I felt it was an …
Temporary Structures – eco design appreciation by getting closer to nature
So much has changed in the camp site since the heady days of Barbara Windsor’s shenanigans in Carry On Camping and at this time of year its always exciting to see what’s new in the way of temporary structures and tents – anything that can get us out of our homes and into nature but protected from the the Great …
Upcycled Homes – the Norwegian way
Last September I was asked by Norway’s TV 2 to take part in their prime time interiors show Tid For Hjim (Time For Home)- it’s a popular makeover show where designers are asked to refurbish the interiors of viewers homes. Nice and simple – just good design, a good build . . . no jeopardy. The show was recently aired …
Eco Homes need new ways to dry clothes – new research shows
New research by the Mackintosh School of Architecture showed that 75% of the homes visited had moisture levels that would promote dust mite growth and the risk of breathing difficulties. This was largely caused by home owners drying their washing indoors in the winter months. In fact one washing load being laid out across a home to dry may introduce 2 litres …
Bored Of Cotton? Here Are Some Brilliant New and Unique Sustainable Fabrics For The Home
It has has been said that the battle for greater sustainability in the home will be fought on a material front. I for one am always appalled at the hidden damage many conventional materials that we use create and am similarly thrilled to find new materials that tackle the same functional issues but without impacting unnecessarily onto the environment. …
Up-cycling Industry: Does It Conform To All The Guidelines?
Fire is one of those things that has always fascinated me. In fact i became a trained fire breather when i was just 14 and was always mesmerised by its destructive beauty. This picture was taken of me breathing fire on the sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara desert – (some years ago i might say!). Ive since retired as …
Eco Washing Machines: Cleaner Clothes, Brighter Future
A study released by Cambridge University, titled ‘Well Dressed?‘, demonstrates that a shocking 60% of the greenhouse gases generated over the life of a T-shirt come from washing and drying machines. All of the energy and carbon emissions used to grow, manufacture, ship and sell clothes doesn’t even come close to the energy and emissions needed to clean them. …
Sofa, So Green
Choosing eco home furnishings can be really tricky. Particularly for items that are a little more complex in their manufacture and don’t necessarily have a daily energy use. Subsequently, the provenance of manufacture and materials, embodied energy and durability of these pieces really comes into question. Sofas are a prime example of a high-ticket, key item of furniture that …
Never Felt Better: The Many Uses Of Pressed Wool for eco homes
Felt is one of those under-used but “designers’ favourite” materials. And as one of the earliest fabrics created, it has been for a very long time. Natural felt is made using wool in a wet or dry process and utilises the wool fibre scales and kinks to bond or matt the fabric together. For me, it’s the density of …
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