What do you do when your species unsettles the balance of nature? Create artificial nature to make up the difference, of course. Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Mitsubishi Corp. and Tokki Corp. have developed a prototype solar cell module that realistically takes on the look of a common houseplant. The organic thin-film solar cells are protected by a layer of plastic, allowing the technology to be used in the future for constructs including walls and windows, clothing materials, leisure goods, outdoor products and toys. Hopefully, if we run out of trees in 50 years, these technological wonders will offer reasonably comforting substitutes.
Green Homes: New Ideas for Sustainable Living
6 May 2008 Author: zenon In: Architecture, Book & Magazines
It’s nice to see contemporary green homes that look like, contemporary homes. It means that the materials have evolved, clients are cluing in and architects have embraced sustainability as simply another way of designing and specifying a house - without creative limits. Do green cars have to look like a Prius? Do houses have to look green? Not any more it appears. The book features 23 good looking projects including some we’ve mentioned here before; Kieran Timberlake’s Loblolly House, Michelle Kaufmann’s Glidehouse, Chicago’s Factor 10 House. You’ll find the usual photographs, floor plans and detailed drawings that illustrate sustainable features, but you’ll also find topics that include climate regulation, drainage systems, and regional planning. Hardcover, 192 pages, well illustrated, $23.10 at Amazon.
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- Tags: Amazon, Architecture, Book, Contemporary, Environment, Green House, Living, Sustainable
