We're always on the lookout for new products. Or old products done better. Or anything, really, that gets the mind spinning with DIY possibilities. The Liteblok from Cresco Concrete is one of those products that offers environmentally friendly building that's fast, easy and affordable. We know what you're thinking... so what's the catch?
We're looking. Closely.
What is Liteblok?
These large building bricks are made from concrete that has been specially treated with non-toxic foam to create millions of tiny air bubbles. No, it's not a huge marshmallow. And we don't recommend tasting it or trying to roast it over a fire (because they're also fire-resistant, which is just another plus for this product).
With the housing market and economy as they are, it's hard for most people to look for new residences when they feel they've run out of space where they currently live. Sometimes you can renovate and quadruple-task every room in your home only to discover that what you really need is just more square footage.
For us, with two babies born practically on top of each other, we quickly had to reconfigure the whole layout of our home in order to best utilize our space. While we're okay for the time being, we'll need to figure out carving out space for ourselves soon enough -- the kid creep is already overtaking most of our sacred spaces.
When an addition to your existing structure isn't a possibility, there may be a completely green solution out there for you -- a free standing, green, Modern Cabana.
A lot of design in green homes often raises the question - how much space do we really need? Architect Michael Katz and designer Janet Corne offer the L41 ("all for one") that squeezes everything you need into 220 square feet of awesomeness.
According to Treehugger, Katz didn't intend to design a space, but rather a unit which they considered to be delightful. "We started with a full kitchen and dining bar, and the rest fell into place," he said.
Intended for future home buyers that believe small is beautiful, the design also works in multiples. Katz says that this home is designed for mass production, which he says is different from prefabrication.
We're in Maui this week checking out a few green building projects that will all meet various residential needs achieved in different ways. Hawaii has always been a leader in eco-friendly building projects and protecting the environment for future generations has always been a priority here.
This week we will be sharing our insights into 3 sustainable projects.
Ke Ao Lanihuli
This is the latest project from acclaimed designer Xorin Balbes who is the founder of architecture and design firm Temple Home.
Ke Ao Lanihuli - translates to "The light from the heavens to overturn old conditions bringing enlightenment" is located in the original 100 year old building of the Fred Baldwin Memorial home. Built from California redwoods which were floated to Maui more than a century ago, Ke Ao Lanihuli has great bones and we're looking forward to seeing the start of Xorin's vision.
Bamboo Living Homes
These are the world's first and only international building code approved bamboo prefab homes. One green home in Maui led to 150 eco-friendly homes in the Hawaiian Islands, Caribbean, and the South Pacific.
