Found in the paper

I love digital media and a good amount of the societal changes brought with it. Additionally, I'm not a fan of useless using (overpackaging, spam paper mail, paper bills). So is it may seem funny that I would find something interesting in a paper. There is, however, something to be said about a Sunday morning with someone you love, a cup of coffee and a paper. The picture above, obviously, only represents one of these.



Accoutrements and general interior color choice aside, this residence is amazing. Imagine having this big piece of earth in the middle of your house like that. I'm still trying to wrap my head around what the rock does for temperature regulation. Either way, the house is made of straw and the rock, IMHO, is a gorgeous addition.


More sites here if you're interested. Sustainable features include:

High-performance window glazing, unobstructed south-facing windows, light shelves to reflect natural light to upper floors, vantage lighting systems, high-performance HVACs, high-efficiency lighting with daylight sensor controls, tankless water heaters, Energy Star appliances, waterless urinals, low-flow showerheads, sensor-activated lavatories, recycled metal for the roof, young-growth lumber, renewable materials like bamboo, kirei, rubber, Marmoleum, re-claimed wood benches, recycled airplane tire door grates, no-VOC and low-VOC paints, low-VOC adhesives and sealants, CRI Green Label carpets, site impact minimization like replanting all existing palms to a new site, light-colored concrete, drought resistant trees, 70% shade cover, demolished building recycling, recycled content steel framing, 30 kW photovoltaic system, Thermosyphon water heater, cross ventilation & thermal chimney with operable windows, dual glaze, low-E windows, low flush toilet, thermal control water taps, drought tolerant native landscaping, beams and all structural supports made from compressed recycled materials, Energy Star cool roof coating, recycled structural steel, engineered lumber, Trex decking, recycled aluminum window frames nontoxic materials, salvageable lumber donated for housing in Mexico, high efficiency refrigeration system, motion sensor lighting throughout, low open-plan dividers and interior windows provide natural light in interior spaces...

That's the list from, like, 3 of the 17 sites. Pretty cool huh? I can't wait to build my own.