Design may be considered successful if people find it visually appealing.  But to design something that serves to alleviate stress, promote a redeveloping culture, and protect from an especially harsh climate?  Now that’s a design worth talking about.

After the devastation and housing crisis of Hurricane Katrina, the Make It Right Foundation went to work building homes that transformed New Orleans’ 9th Ward and brought new life to those most affected by the tragedy.  Thom Mayne from Morphosis Architects jumped on board the project and designed the FLOAT house, a prototype that could protect from future loss and destruction. (more…)

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Tax credits, refunds, rebates…this one’s still in the works. President Obama’s been pitching his idea of rewarding green efforts on the home front, and last week in Savannah, Georgia, he appealed to Congress with the $6 billion Home Star program. Packaging it as part of a plan that will also increase jobs by the thousands, the incentives would be offered to homeowners who make eco-friendly decisions about home improvements, such as insulation projects (the reason for the “Cash for Caulkers” moniker) and retrofitting.

The Home Star program would include incentives for simple changes like using energy-efficient light bulbs, and switching out old appliances and windows. Credits of several thousand dollars may be available for selecting at least two projects from an approved list that would be supplied, not to mention regular savings of perhaps $500 on annual utility bills. (more…)

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This beauty by Case Architects is part of the Columbia City Green project. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it’s also kind to the environment. The yellow-blue-green façade is created with low-toxicity paints and finishes, as well as recyclable materials. It is said to provide energy and water savings of up to 30 percent by utilizing:

• Green roofs consisting of a membrane, drainage mat, soil, and drought-tolerant plants
• An 800-gallon cistern
• Insulated concrete formwork foundation and walls
• Rainwater harvesting
• Radiant floor heat (more…)

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