Hot House Trends
Written By Shireen Qudosi
Topics of Interest adaptable design, eco architecture, eco home, eco-heating, energy efficient, energy-efficient heating, glass homes, heater, Michelle Kaufman, Philip Johnson, The Glass House
Long before the mod designs of today’s sustainable homes, there the “Glass House”. Built in New Canaan, Connecticut in 1949 by Philip Johnson for his personal use. It was a ground breaking project in its time and still continues to astonish those of use today who cannot fathom living in a see-through house.
Regardless of whether or not you’d choose to live in a glass house, you loves of aesthetic and design are instantly drawn to the minimalism and proportion of Johnson’s creation.
A balanced sense of proportion and a design that connects with the environment around it is what ultimately has paved the way for days modular and prefab. Even though most of us don’t have floor to ceiling glass homes, many cleverly designed modern homes (prefab or not) have a larger percentage of windows. Though increased window space is always a scenic plus, it’s usually not conducive a warm toasty home – a much needed transition during the approaching winter months.
The fact is, depending on the structure and reinforcements, glass can be counter-conducive to green culture, doing very little to insulate your home. Switching on the heater to high is not the best idea of you want to go earth-friendly and not be out of house and home after paying your heating bill. Rather than shoveling buckets of change into the bottomless pit known as ‘utility bills’, try investing in a space heater and keep that heater in the area you use most – like your bedroom, office or living room.
While most people love the concept of a glass house, they have one major problem with it - privacy. But there’s a simple solution – curtains. Lightweight curtains would provide both shade during summer months as well as privacy, without compromising the structure’s aesthetic appeal. But what a lot of people also don’t realize is that eco home aren’t cookie cutter houses. On the contrary, they can be built with a lot more forethought and personalized design than traditional real estate. Just ask Michelle Kaufman of MK Designs.
When Michelle Kaufman and her husband moved to California, they decided to fill the market for clean green homes after their own difficulty in finding one. Clients can design their own custom home and choose the features that work for them. According to Michelle, “the real challenge, and the critical area for a successful project is the implementation and the production.” Fortunately, through many years of being in the business, Michelle and her team have been able to iron out this wrinkle.
Whether you go with glass, prefab or other sustainable elements, your eco-friendly home will need to be tweaked to adjust your lifestyle just like any other home. And whether it’s energy-efficient heating or adaptable design, your home can still be your castle.
Eco-heating is brought to you by Shireen Qudosi.
Images: Philip Johnson’s ‘Glass House’
Seriously, I think that glass houses are beautiful. But I agree with the privacy thing. Getting curtains just ruins the whole purpose, though!