John Stein is into demolitions, but not in the way one might think.  The founder and president of California-based Kirei USA has a knack for finding the possibilities inherent in the unwanted.

This vision shows clearly in every Kirei product, including the newest line, Windfall.  These engineered panels are produced in partnership with Windfall Lumber, which takes Douglas & Hemlock Fir from deconstructed buildings in the Pacific Northwest and brings the reclaimed wood to fresh, new life.

“It’s great to reuse demolition material that would otherwise take up space in the landfill,” says Mr. Stein.  “Having it become beautiful wood panels is even better.  This is old-growth wood that just can’t be found any more, and we get to bring it to designers.”

Windfall is manufactured in the United States using low-VOC adhesives.  The reclaimed wood is milled into strips of differing width, which are then randomly stacked to form the panels and cut to size.  Panels are available either solid or 3-ply with a NUAF/FSC-certified core.  They may come unfinished, with a clear coat that shows off the natural grain, or stained and prefinished in Anthracite, Mocha, Ivory, and Leather colors.  The result adds to any interior.

And as Windfall gives stylish new life to reclaimed wood, so the other Kirei lines bring new purpose to certain types of agricultural waste.  Kirei Board, Kirei Coco Tiles, and Kirei Wheatboard use reclaimed agricultural fiber from plants commonly grown for food around the world.

After harvest, waste from sorghum (an edible grass), coconut, and wheat plants is usually thrown into landfills or burned.  Now much of this unused material is removed from the waste stream, reducing landfill use and air pollution while giving rural farmers a new source of revenue.  Rapidly renewable or FSC-certified wood are used as bonding strips, greatly reducing the need for newly harvested wood for building.

Manufacture can be more involved than with particle board.  For example, with Kirei Board the sorghum stalks are compressed, washed, and woven into sheets.  The latter are then stacked and heat-pressed with a formaldehyde-free adhesive to create blocks, which are cut to desired size.

Kirei offers a similar product made of Moso bamboo.  The plantations from which this fiber is taken are generally reclaimed farmland, which helps to preserve uncut habitat.  Panels are available in a wide variety of colorways, including the luscious looking new Chocolate, probably the favorite out of all the bamboo treatments that I’ve yet seen.

These four products are suitable for architectural millwork, cabinetry, flooring (though not in high traffic areas), wall displays or covering, furniture, and decorative objects – in short, any application where one would normally think of using wood.

To round out this versatility Kirei came out with their Canamo Hemp Panels.  These are made with a no-added-formaldehyde resin and reclaimed hemp hurd fiber left over from fabric & seed oil manufacture: over 70% post-industrial recycled content.  The panels are produced in 48”x96” size and are offered in a variety of thicknesses, all left unfinished so that designers may best tailor the product to individual need.  According to Kirei, the hemp panels may be used for the purposes above.  Ceiling panels are also available.

Collectively, the Kirei philosophy may yield several LEED credits for one’s project, which in itself is wonderful, but there’s much more to it that that.

The word kirei is a Japanese adjective signifying many meanings, including Clean, Pure, Beautiful, and Truthful.  Under John Stein’s direction the company strives to embody its namesake as an ideal.  His business aims to stimulate the economic activity of its source regions by providing new jobs at fair market wages.  By using recycled products and efficient, sustainable practices, Kirei works to lessen humanity’s impact on natural resources while contributing to clean, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing indoor environments… with a eye to the latter quality.

“Green has to be beautiful,” says Mr. Stein.

“If you’re going to do green for green’s sake you’re going to have a very limited market – people who have health issues or people with a conscience.  If you have beautiful materials that happen to be green, then really they’re open to everybody.  I regard it almost as a gateway drug to other green activities.”

With the visual appeal of the Kirei product, perhaps we’ll see many new converts to the sustainable ethic.  Let’s hope so.

~ Emerald

Images courtesy of Kirei USA.

It’s a piece of furniture.  It’s a work of art.  So lovely!

But do you describe it?  For that matter, how do you describe much of what Tom Raffield produces in his workshop in Cornwall, England?  The gentleman’s website modestly labels his product “steam bent lighting and furniture,” but there’s more to the story than that.

This is art.

Once upon a time the steam bending of wood was vital to the production of weapons, tools, and water vessels, among other items necessary to daily life.  As technology progressed, the ancient practice was largely abandoned.  With dedication and practice, Mr. Raffield developed his own tools and methods of using steam, which reinvented the traditional process and transformed it into something new.  He can twist and bend wood as freely as other artists draw with pencils.

But let’s talk about his works.  The lighting and furniture is crafted of locally-sourced, sustainably-managed English wood, of which the timber is left either unseasoned, green, or is air-dried (an alternative to the energy-intensive process of kiln drying).  As the main means of production steam bending uses no toxic chemicals, only water, is a low energy method of manufacturing, and produces little waste.

Mr. Raffield takes care to use local manufacturers and suppliers whenever possible, which has the added benefit of directly supporting his community.  Everything from his workshop is handcrafted and meant to last generations.

A variety of timber is utilized.  Oak, ash, sycamore, and walnut are used to varying effects, all of which take full advantage of the beauty of the wood. 

Some of the lighting designs are startling and seemingly chaotic, but then the design draws you in, and you perceive order, purpose, and beauty.

There’s whimsy to the furniture, which swoops and curves and bends in ways that are both unexpected and soothing.  It’s brilliant.

But don’t take my word for it.  Trundle over to Mr. Raffield’s site and look around for yourself.  Have fun!

~ Emerald

These are luscious floors.

How often does one get the chance to say that about something under one’s feet?   Luscious.   Yet the creations of DuChateau Floors evoke that word, and in addition serve as a reminder that an environmentally-friendly room does not necessarily preclude classical beauty and – dare we say it? – a gentle opulence.

The secret is in the polish.  While polyurethane, acrylic, and aluminum finished floors are prevalent in the United States, DeChateau offers a refreshing alternative: a floor crafted of new FSC-certified European wood that is distressed, finished with hard wax oil, smoked, and brushed to reproduce that wonderful age-old, worn, antique patina that speaks of history.

The hard wax oil is zero-VOC and preservative-free.  As you can see, it makes for a lustrous finish that brings out all the beauty of the wood… its depth, its grain, and sheen.

Shown here are examples from the company’s Riverstone collection.  I think the Seine & Thames floors particularly evoke the passage of time, while Arno seems more, well…  jazzy.

There are eight collections in all, each with their own voice and each easily spot-repaired with a minimum of bother and fuss.  (A real boon!)  Well-kept, maintained, oiled, the wood will only deepen in beauty.  Imagine using it as wall paneling or, for greater inspiration, check out the creativity of Musa Design in Seattle, WA!

To learn more about these durable, eco-friendly floors, please visit DuChateau’s website.

~ Emerald

This is the first tour for the Newport Beach Green Home.

As you can see, this project is still in the early stages of construction.

Man, have you ever seen more beautiful framing?  Seriously, this stuff is a work of art.  Almost a shame to cover it up with drywall.  Of course, if we didn’t, I sorta wouldn’t have a job, would I?

Lots of people showed up.

Here is John Steed, the builder/general contractor, telling an admiring crowd about that awesome framing.  We also had Laura Minott Sanders, the project manager from Jeff Jeanette Architects, the homeowners Wayne and Shannon, and yours truly there to explain our respective parts of the project.  We all got to answer a lot of good questions, which is always fun.

Here is my little contribution to the tour.  A table full of shiny, pretty things!  Samples are so much fun, no?

Oh, and you know how I was just going on about how fantastic the framing was?  Well, if you thought that was great, check out this TEMPORARY staircase.

Now that’s a topflight flight of stairs!

By the way, we were actually having a debate about what to cover that adjacent wall with.  Although the solution is at hand, I thought it also might be fun to see what my readers could come up with.  So here are the parameters:

The staircase will be made of steel with strand bamboo treads.  The flooring will also be strand bamboo, in a medium tone.  We are looking for a material that is durable, cleanable, sustainable (of course), and has a great visual impact – without being too busy.  There will be a lot of light coming from a window wall above.

So, get out your thinking caps, and see what you can come up with!

To find out more about this project, visit the Newport Green Home website, or follow the project on Facebook.

Ah, let the dancing commence!   This lustrous oak herringbone parquet, which might have been reclaimed from a Parisian apartment, country dwelling, or even – be still my heart – a creaky old chateau, is now available in the U.S.!

Imported by Exquisite Surfaces, this antique French oak flooring is not only beautiful and steeped in history, it is also FSC certified!

I love the juxtaposition of centuries old oak boards with sleek, modern walls.  Each element enhances the other so well, creating a harmonious whole, don’t you think?

There really is nothing like real age to give life to a wood floor.  No manner of machine work, or even hand planning is ever going to recreate the enduringly lovely texture you find in an authentic reclaimed floor.

Exquisite Surfaces takes care to ensure that all of their reclaimed floor boards are from actual floors.  No cut beams, old factory wood, or siding is used.

Happily, Exquisite Surfaces also offers an entire line of natural oils, finishes and waxes that emit low or no (zero) VOCs, so you can maintain the sustainability of your floor.

You can see more of Exquisite Surfaces wonderful FSC certified antique oak flooring here.

Thanks for visiting!

Rachel

The ancient Greek poets were said to be inspired by the Muses, nine goddesses who were the source of all art.

Visitors to the whyrHymer Store in Los Angeles may well believe that a tenth Muse is informing Brandon & Sundeep Morrison on their own creations.  The couple & their work have been featured in California Home & Design and California Homes.  The style of their lighting & furniture is solid yet elegant, evoking the philosophy of the early 20^th century Arts & Crafts movement yet speaking in its own distinct, thoroughly modern voice.

At present the couple hand-craft about forty pieces a year, which work ranges from beds, tables, cabinets, and seating – including a rocking chair that somehow embodies the spirit of a hot rod – to lighting of truly innovative design.

Creativity is essential to the heart of whyrHymer.  The Morrisons are fully involved in all aspects of their business, from conceptual design to marketing, from the ancient act of sanding wood to the employment of software and website design.  They also produce & edit films to promote their work.  Says Brandon, “I love hitting the end of a chisel as much as I love the click of my mouse.”

All furniture is made from eco-friendly hardwoods & finishes, including exotic woods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.  They also use FSC-certified sheet-goods, Kirei Board, Bamboo, and Wheat Board.  Finishes include low-voc plant based oils & varnishes.  Lampshades are variously made from recycled aluminum or glass, linen, rice paper, shoji material, hemp, silk, or from a translucent wood veneer gleaned from sustainable sources.  The furniture is built to last generations, lovingly hand-crafted with mortise & tenon, dovetail, and dowel reinforced joinery.

As they feel themselves blessed, the Morrisons strive to “give back” not only by observing a green building philosophy but also by donating a portion of each sale price to a charitable organization.  Clients are asked to match this gift.

“Being creative for us is about how much we can leave behind,” said Brandon.  “My wife and I have no formal training in furniture design or construction.  We have learned what you see by making mistakes and moving on.”

The Morrisons’ business, like their lives, is a testament to innovation and what can accomplished when life is lived with passion & gratitude.  When he first moved to Los Angeles, Brandon had little idea of what waited for him.  Yet, by being open to change and mindful of opportunity, his present life took form: a family, a business that allows the fullest expression of his creativity, and work (one could say “art”) that brings pleasure to others.  The latter has a spirit that matches its maker.

“The ‘things’ I sell are not necessities for sure,” he said.  “But what I try to bring to my work is an awareness of self that transcends my actual work and what that provides to my clients.  I hope that my awareness that has come from pursuing the non standard life will inspire someone else, or at best, have them feel that they are supporting someone who has their best interest at heart.”

ATOMIK MADNESS from Brandon Morrison on Vimeo.

The whyrHymer Store is located on 138 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90036.  (Hours Mon-Sat 10-5.)    It can be seen on their website.    Brandon & Sundeep may be reached by phone at 323-402-0250 (home/shop)  323-964-9900 (store).

Proteak

It’s always seemed strange to me that in the society where we remodel our kitchens every 10 to 20 years, we like to put in stone countertops that will last for centuries. Doesn’t it make more sense to use a material that, while long-lasting, is also biodegradable at the end of its use? Besides, wood countertops are not only better for the environment, but they have a warmth and beauty that can’t be beat.

There are plenty of sustainable options, including FSC certified wood, bamboo, and reclaimed wood. Take a look at some pretty examples and then take our poll:

Craft Art reclaimed chestnut

House & Earth Texas walnut

Plyboo Squared end grain bamboo

Old Growth Riverwood reclaimed wood

Antique Woodworks reclaimed red oak

A couple of worries I always hear expressed about putting in wood countertops have to do with staining and scratching. In truth, a wood counter would not be a good option for someone who doesn’t like the occasional imperfection. Good maintenance practices, including periodic use of a tung oil or a beeswax rub, and quick wiping up of spills will go a long way towards preventing stains. If the countertop does get stained, it is usually possible to remove it with a light sanding. The amount of scratching that may occur will depend upon the species of wood used more than anything else. The denser the wood the left scratching will occur.

On a personal note, I’m currently planning to put in wood countertops in my own kitchen.  I live in lovely house built in 1925, that was the victim of a late 80′s kitchen remodel, including golden oak cabinets and beige laminate countertops.  Ugh!  Plans for a full kitchen remodel (done right and with respect for the architectural style of the home), are on hiatus, pending, well, a lot of things.  However, painting those cabinets a soft white, and replacing the laminate with wood will be an inexpensive, environmentally friendly way to add a little charm to an otherwise charmless space in our home.  Due to budget restrictions, we will be opting for this wallet friendly countertop from Ikea…

Ikea NUMERÄR

To find out about other options, try my post on 6 Sustainable Countertop Solutions.

So, what is your kitchen countertop of choice?

I was delighted to locate this table, by Payanstudio, which not only has a base made of FSC certified Jatoba, but also sports a top made of…

composited water hyacinths.

Water hyacinths are an invasive species in much of the world, so their harvesting and use in furniture and other items is a good thing.  Plus, if this picture is any indication, they make for a really attractive composite material!

Payanstudio makes all of their furniture in Seattle. Right now, the coffee table is the only piece of furniture they are offering, but I imagine more pieces will be developed soon.  I’ll certainly be keeping my eye out for them

Oh, and so does FSC, as you can see in this wonderful video for FSC Canada done by Franke James.

Who cares about the Forest? from Franke James on Vimeo.

This handsome table was designed and crafted by British Columbia furniture maker Sticks + Stones.  Over 90% of the materials they use are sourced within 100 miles of their shop, and they focus on using wood that is either reclaimed, or FSC certified. The concrete that composes the middle section of the table contains recycled glass and fly ash.

I love the subtle depression that spans both concrete and wood, although I’m not so sure how practical that is in real life. If I had a table like this, I’d want to pour just a tiny bit of water in that depression and float a flower in it. If you have this table, how would you use that built in bowl?