High Design With Solar Panels

Living off the grid might not be as simple as slapping a few solar panels on a roof or side of a structure, but it definitely helps decrease those electricity bills. But if a person decides to add solar panels to a home, the way to do it? Though the panels have slimmed down in size and are making strides towards looking less solar-panel-like, most homeowners don’t want to listen to them. And incorporating them into an existing house requires some consideration and ability. What follows are a few examples of various ways solar panels are being incorporated into house design.

As soon as it’s a common practice to put solar panels on the roof, this multi-family project by Pb Elemental utilizes them overlooking the garden. In this instance it is important to coordinate with the panels together with the adjacent landscaping, therefore the latter does not block sunlight; differently the panels may be better suited to the roof.

What I like a lot about this program is that they way the solar panels do triple duty: They produce energy but they also color the inside space and discard water away in the operable garage-type doorway. Thanks to this canopy, the massive opening combines indoors and out even when it rains.

Sam Crawford Architects

The perfect orientation for solar panels would be southerly (in the northern hemisphere) and in an angle that takes advantage of the sun’s arc across the sky during the entire year. Thus the specific orientation and angle varies, but a scenario such as this photo predominates, because flat (flat roof) and vertical (wall socket ) programs don’t absorb enough of the sun’s rays to make them viable energy producers.

ZeroEnergy Design

In an effort to learn more about the design of busy (solar panels, photovoltaics) and passive (direct solar heating) solar design, a Solar Decathlon is held each summer, inviting architecture schools to design and build a prototype home in a competition for the most”energy-efficient houses powered exclusively by sunlight.” Previously found in the National Mall in the nation’s capital — this year the competition will be held in nearby West Potomac Park — examples similar to this 2005 entrance from Cornell University illustrate what occurs when solar energy drives a design.

ZeroEnergy Design

The east-west orientation of the National Restaurant signifies homes gesture towards the south to soak up the sun’s rays. In this case it is the roof that does the job in terms of active solar design. Photovoltaic panels can be found on the sides, but at the center is something different: a solar thermal system that uses sunlight to warm water circulated through pipes and tubes. This water is then utilized to heat water in a boiler, reducing the need for external energy to perform the same. One common application of this system is to assist heat pools.

ZeroEnergy Design

In terms of passive solar design, the south-facing elevation has quite small glass: a couple small openings along with a folding glass wall. The latter lets sunlight into the living area and opens the space to the patio. The mainly wood cladding minimizes direct sunlight in the remainder of the home, thereby reducing the need for cooling the home in warm weather. Horizontal shades at the of each opening cut on direct summer sunshine.

Back in 2006 Workshop/apd won a competition for GREEN.O.LA, a competition co-sponsored by Brad Pitt as a part of his efforts for rebuilding New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina. Their design comes with a shed roof outfitted with solar panels clipped to a standing-seam metal roof. Such as the Solar Decathlon home prior, this home lets sunlight create a part of its form.

David Vandervort Architects

Inside this project in Seattle, Wash., the solar panels are restricted to a small pop-up section of the home. It’s like the walls and roof are reaching towards sunlight and the sky, grabbing sunlight for electricity use. This part is angled from a portion of the home below to reap maximum advantage from the sun’s rays.

Feldman Architecture, Inc..

This last example departs from all the last designs, in the solar panels have been employed to flat skylights. House Ocho from Feldman Architecture has plenty of windows, yet this skylight assists daylight reach the profound center of the strategy.

Feldman Architecture, Inc..

The integration of photovoltaics into House Ocho’s glass skylight allows to get a filtering of the sunlight entering the spaces. This perspective also shows the way the grid of the PV panels are just like a microcosm of this bigger grids made by the wood and steel beams; aesthetics is still an issue in this simple application.

Fulcrum Structural Engineering

Last is an opinion of House Ocho’s skylights from out. Surrounding them is a green roofing. This illustrates that active solar design is typically 1 aspect of a larger embrace of sustainability, extending to factors of vegetation, water, biodiversity, etc.

More:
Save Tree: Construct Your Deck Around It
Bathe at the Light of Clerestory Windows
Modern and Contemporary: What’s the Difference?
The situation for Interior Courtyards

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Guest Picks: The Best of the Greatest Little Web Shops Around

If you’ve ever wondered where shield mag design and editors bloggers go to find the upcoming big (small ) thing, look no further then this roundup of well-edited web stores which are”off the beaten path.”

From handmade heirlooms, vintage wit and the creations of global artisans, I have chosen a few of my favourite selections from each store. It’s the substance stylists’ dreams are made from.
–Jenn from Department of the Interior

Haus Interior

Clear Glass Edison Light Lamp – $195

I discovered Haus Interior while switching a few of my shield mags, and noticed they are all sourcing from here. I adore Haus Interior and navigate it anytime I think my flat is in need of an infusion of NYC cool. Case in point, this ultra cool edison lightbulb hurricane.

Haus Interior

Blue Collection Painting – $175

Grouped together or separately, these little blue paintings really are a great, nondescript accent for any sort of house, but it’s the little details that get mein this situation, the little weather report in the base of each painting.

canvas

Dauville Gold-Brushed Nesting Bowls

You might remember visiting the Shelter Island residence of Canvas owners Harriet Maxwell Macdonald and Andrew Corrie in some magazines, which Scandinavia–cum–shore house feel translates to the easy, airy aesthetic of the store’s wares. I’m always a sucker for an easy white bowl, however, the gold-brushed inner liner of those bowls elevates them into show-stopping status.

canvas

Pilmlico Bedroom Chair – $1,890

Another basic of Canvas’s line-up are traditional furniture shapes made fresh with muted handwoven linens. The Pimlico Chair pictured this is a personal favourite.

canvas

Basics Candles – $28

I’m of the belief that you can never have a lot of white scented candles stocked in your cabinets. I adore the delicate scents of Canvas’s fundamental cocktail, and also the packaging guarantees a winning hostess present.

Brook Farm General Store

Cotton Blanket

Brooklyn-based Brook Farm General Store is the number one source for nicely made, no-fuss fundamentals. I remember curling up under a cotton blanket substantially enjoy this one for the majority of my youth, and that I could think of several things more comfortable and nostalgic for me. Speaking of nostalgic, the published phrase senovinis on the trimming means”immemorial” or even”conservative” in Lithuania, where the blankets are created.

Paris Hotel Boutique

Decorative Artwork of Victoria’s Era ~ 1st Ed. – $75

I have yet to find a better source for vintage books than Lynn Goldfinger’s Paris Hotel Boutique (assuming you judge a book by its cover — and styling potential, of course!)

Actually, I managed to evaluate a 1950s edition of Jane Eyre I had been hunting for months only yesterday. Because I’m a very nice woman, I have left this first edition in stock only for you, although it would seem mighty nice on my coffee table…

Sue Fisher King

Astier de Villatte Sobre Big Paris Vase – $212

There once was a time when just a trip to Paris could place you in possession of Astier de Villatte’s decadently milky ceramics. Fortunately for state-side collectors, these days are long gone. Sue Fisher King has the best online choice by much, and the remainder of her high end offers are perfectly beautiful as well — think D. Porthault bedding, John Derian decoupage and Christopher Spitzmiller lamps.

Pod

Fog Linen Kitchen Cloth – $16

While Pod’s store is small, I really like their choice of Fog Linen and other handmade items for your kitchen. If you like food photography, Pod has an abundance of little details which make the care that you put into your cooking come through on film.

Haus Interior

Petite Wire Mesh Pot – $9

These wire planters retain all of the attention on the blossoms they hold, and that is why I love them.

Haus Interior

Sailor Stripe Pillow – $56

Haus also offers a fantastic choice of accent pillows. This sailor stripe one is posh enough to adorn a sofa in the city, shore or nation.

The Loaded Trunk

Granada Oval Trays – $65

Loaded Trunk owner Roni Jaco trots the world looking for truly unique artisan-made products: think authentic suzanis, Mexican bedspreads and those aluminum trays from Granada.

The Loaded Trunk

Hand Woven Iringa Basket – $59

Hand-woven baskets such as these are catching on everywhere, but there’s nothing like the real thing. The Loaded Trunk’s baskets are woven in Tanzania and at $59 are reasonably priced. I really like the shot of hot pink in this .

L-atitude

Beach Towel – $45

L-Atitude is another wanderlust purveyor that crossed my radar when ultimate style blogger Garance DorĂ© composed about them. L-Atitude’s offerings are primarily fashion at the moment, but there’s a small home segment sourced directly from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Hammam towels are most definitely on trend, and that I really like the fact that this beach towel can double as a sarong.

HORNE

Family Chairs Style 3 & 4 Set – $630

Horne is another perennial editor fave, and no wonder — they always deliver clean contemporary design and home accessories in a respectable price point (read: not completely through the roof, but not cheap either). This pair of stick back seats from Design House Stockholm are ideal illustrations.

HORNE

Cowhide Rug – Caramel Yerra – $452

Cowhide is not for everyone, but if you are a fan, this authentic hide from Horne is a fantastic value.

Etsy

Handmade Pendleton Wool Pillow Cover by Little Byrd Vintage – $38

I couldn’t finish this list without mentioning some of my favourite Etsy stores. Small Byrd Vintage in Portland has an amazing choice of western/country vintage, like this pillow made from a vintage Pendleton throw.

Etsy

Vintage Cast Iron Horse Dual Wall Hook by High Street Market – $28

High Street Market is another brilliant source for vintage on Etsy having an infinite supply of quirky brass knicknacks, refurbished lamps and more. It’s like rummaging through a fantastic estate sale from the comfort of your property.

wakerobinshop.com

Vintage Louis XVI Chair – $1,895

Inspired by the eponymous book by the naturalist John Burroughs, Wake Robin is still another source for artisan-sourced merchandise. I fell in love with the comparison between the elaborate shape of the Louis XVI chair along with the simplicity of the cotton canvas upholstery.

Calypso St. Barth

Pig Bank – $195

Resort-wear store Calypso St. Barth is another unexpected source for home decor, but they possess a secret choice of gorgeous rugs, cushions, books and much more — including this kooky trendy semi bank. Every home requires some wit and also this Harry Allen designed gilded piggy manages to be cute, smart and, well, sort of weird all at once. So of course I love it.

Next: More guest blogger product selections

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Layout Dilemmas: 5 Questions for Design Stars

Houzzers, are you up to this question of solving this week’s query roundup? Please share your information about that pesky space above the kitchen cabinets and creating the perfect cozy vacation cottage — or assist user jdevine decide whether or not to make a deal on a house. Read on, then click away to discuss your design information that is savvy.

Post your design issue here!

Houzz Design Dilemmas

1. How do I enhance the landscape because of my terraced front lawn?
“We only bought this house and have been renovating indoors. It needs some serious work for curb appeal. It had completely overgrown junipers and we took them out, but we do not know what to do . I’m debating painting the door but I’m scared. Please assist!” Click here to answer.

Houzz Design Dilemmas

2. How do I add personality to a suburban tract house?
“My husband and I are thinking about placing an offer on the house. If it weren’t for the awesome neighborhood and large backyard I likely wouldn’t look at this house double. It has no curb appeal at all.

My issue is, what do we do to make this house look pretty? I’m thinking French, with large black urns filled with blossoms. Any other thoughts? What about in the winter when there aren’t any flowers? The house is stucco. Thank you!” Click here to answer.

Houzz Design Dilemmas

3. How should I decorate above my kitchen cabinets?
“I’ve floating cabinets in my kitchen and want to add decoration to the top. I’m not into imitation plants, plates or roosters. Any hints?” Click here to answer.

Houzz Design Dilemmas

4. How do we provide our home the expression of a Northeast cabin?
“We are renovating a cabin with four households and are working on choosing colors for the living/kitchen location. We finally have a totally empty space, but have selected organic hickory kitchen cabinets, pine for the cathedral ceiling and a moderate pine for the floor.

Any hints for colours for walls, counters, backsplash? We are trying to get that”upnorth cabin” feel. Thanks.” Click here to answer.

Houzz Design Dilemmas

5. What colours match dark cherry floors and black appliances?
“I’ve recently purchased dark cherry laminate floors with black weave throughout and have black appliances. What color cabinet wood would be complementary, and what color paint and granite countertop and backsplash? Our kitchen is 26 x 10 ft. Any help, please? We are compromised! Attached picture is of the older kitchen.” Click here to answer.

Post your design problem!

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