http://www.inhabitat.com Future-forward design for the world you inhabit Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:30:39 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Happy Fourth of July! We know that you must already be celebrating in green style -- with biodegradable plates,  composting bins and maybe even some eco-friendly fireworks.  But if you are having an itch that you still could do something to green your holiday weekend, here are a few super ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/04/green-your-fourth-of-july-last-minute-party-solutions/ What's not to love about fireworks? Bright bursts of color, awe-inspiring flashes of light... asthma??!!! More and more people have been voicing their concerns about the health risks (from particle-filled smoke and lung-clogging antimony to heart-toxic Barium and body-contaminating perchlorates) associated with our favorite nighttime spectacles, especially since we'll be ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/03/eco-friendly-fireworks-for-4th-of-july/ It's a widely known fact that leggy moviestar Cameron Diaz is a proponent of the green living, fashion, and transportation, but did you know that she is also a fan of sustainable design? We were delighted to see that the top pick on her Green List in pal Gwyneth Paltrow's ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/03/cameron-diaz-endorses-inhabitat/ Building a home in the desert is certainly a test of green building innovation -- because in a climate where resources are limited, how do you build to ensure comfort and longevity? Architect Lloyd Russell offers a beautiful solution with his Austin Residence near Palm Springs, California. Besides its construction ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/03/california-desert-home-uses-passive-ventilation-techniques/ The fabulous Dwell on Design Show in LA last weekend showcased some amazing new products and home designs, like the organic 'Solar Ivy', and the Mormal Radziner Skyline Prefab Series. Even more exciting though was the little prefab that could by Reclaimed Space, which sold on Ebay for $75,000, with ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/03/reclaimed-space-prefab-sold-on-ebay-for-75k/ Dutch designer Marieke Staps has figured out a way to grow time, instead of killing it. Her soil-powered bio-clock (is that like a biological clock?), showcased at Dutch Design Week in 2008 and most recently at Dwell on Design's Kitchen Ecology Show last week, keeps time by plugging into mud! [gallery] The ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/03/time-and-thyme-again-with-marieke-staps-soil-clock/ The United Kingdom’s Hanham Hall Development is the largest eco-village aspiration to date. Designed by HTA and funded by Barratt Developments and the Homes & Communities Agency, there are a rumored 188-195 zero carbon homes in the overall housing scheme. The development will include an onsite biomass CHP plant, ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/02/largest-eco-village-in-the-uk-will-boast-zero-carbon-homes/ Woolly Pockets is bringing the Garden of Eden indoors with their incredible planters for your walls and floors. These breathable little pockets of green are composed of 60% recycled plastic bottles and are made entirely in the USA. With containers costing anywhere from $29 for the Wee Woolly all ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/02/woolley-pockets-build-your-own-garden-of-eden/ Bububluooopppp! That's the sound a pool noodle makes when it sinks in the water, and it's also what these zany seating arrangements constructed out of oodles of the buoyant toys on a Chelsea rooftop spell out when viewed from above. We guess LA-based firm INABA really, really likes words with ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/02/inabas-pool-noodle-rooftop-opens-to-the-public-for-the-summer/ Maybe you simply didn't have enough time this year to think about it. Or maybe you've already gotten so many biodegradable plates, composting bins and other eco-hookups for your Fourth of July shindig that you feel you can't possibly get any greener. Wait! Here are a few super simple and ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/02/5-cheap-and-easy-last-minute-ways-to-green-your-fourth-of-july/ Good things really do come in small packages -- as is the case with these mini modernist Bauhaus Models crafted by Auckland based painter and sculptor Gidon Bing and styled by Katie Lockhart. The diminutive Bauhaus dwellings were created as a promotional showcase for New Zealand paint company, Renese, to ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/02/miniature-modernist-bauhaus-architectural-models/ Pre-built homemakers extraordinaire, Marmol Radziner Prefab were in the news this week once again introducing their newest custom prefab home. High up in the hills above Los Angeles sits the new Hollywood Hybrid, a 2576 sq. ft. sustainable, modern prefab home with killer views and a minimal carbon footprint. ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/02/marmol-radziner-prefabs-hollywood-hybrid-takes-shape-in-the-hills/ Solar Ivy (or SMIT Grow) is a spectacular system of thin, fluttering solar panels that generate energy by sparkling in the sunlight. The wind and solar power generating photovoltaic leaves can be easily integrated on the side of a building to produce energy. The concept, designed by Brooklyn based SMIT ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/02/solar-ivy-photovoltaic-leaves-climb-to-new-heights/ Today all that nomadic telecommuters need is internet access, a phone, and some strong coffee. Waskman Design Studio's stunning mobile home, designed for Vodafone, has all of those things (except the caffeine). The solar powered trailer was created for Vodafone to show off its fixed phone and wireless internet service, ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/01/vodafones-mobile-blogger-home/ We've seen designers recycle airplane parts to create desks, tropical eco-hotels and a hostel, and now we can add couches and beds to the lofty collection! MotoArt is a team of designers who transform airplane parts into sleek, highly polished modern pieces of furniture. Based in Los Angeles, the 6 ... http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/01/motoart-recycles-airplane-parts-into-high-flyin-furniture/