Interior Design Sense

Crafted with outmost elegance by German architects Confused-Direction, Schwimmhaus is a compact modern houseboat that keeps in tune with the tranquil environment that it ventures into. Built with eco-friendliness in mind, the houseboat sports a green roof and is being fabricated out of salvaged wood from an old farm house in addition to other sustainable building materials. Set for completion this spring, an inflatable model of Schwimmhaus threads the waters of Hunte River for now. The interiors of this green houseboat are also crafted to match the simple yet ergonomic style of the boat and the sustainable design the project aims to achieve. – via Inhabitat

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Schwimmhaus, a Compact Modern Houseboat

The old Union Hall of San Diego’s Textile Manufacturing Business got a new lease of life thanks to the innovative design of architect and developer Jonathan Segal. The architect decided to revamp and reuse the old structure in tatters, instead of demolishing and building a new one, which not only saved time, but also building material. His sustainable design now includes a total of 13 new residential lofts. Some of these are available at the market rate while others are affordable despite the array of ergonomic features they incorporate. The innovative homes are powered by solar power for 50% of their energy needs and also are lit up by great natural ventilation. – via JetsonGreen

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The Union: Old Wreck Renovated into Modern Solar-powered Lofts

Image courtesy of Paul Villecourt – http://paul.villecourt.com/photos

Last week I reported direct from Schumacher College in Devon, where I was attending a course entitled Biomimicry: New Directions in Sustainable Design. The first part of the programme discussed natural forms using examples such as the Eden P…

Norwegian designer Elisabeth Nossen based her Topi Footstool upon a Salvation Army thrift shop purchase. Nossen’s stool is a “50′s style” reclaimed from a thrift store and redecorated by the designer with wool roses. Nossen is considered one of Norway’s up and coming young furniture designers. The Topi Footstool was displayed as part of the 100% Norway exhibition, which had recycling and sustainable design as a theme.

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This week I am reporting daily from Schumacher College in south west England. Here, I am taking part in a course called Biomimicry: New Directions in Sustainable Design lead by the architect Michael Pawlyn, he of the incredible Sahara Forest Project. This is my introduction to Biomimicry and in the excitement of learning something radically new I thought I should share the experience …