Neuton Battery Powered Lawnmower

This month's online newsletter from Garden Design Magazine features this fantastic product from a small company in Vermont; Neuton. Here is a quote from the website

"We are dedicated to making the world’s most innovative and dependable battery-powered lawn and garden equipment for people who care about the maintenance of their properties and the health of our environment. Our forward-thinking designs reduce the noise and pollution of traditional gas power equipment, making yard work more enjoyable. Consistent with these goals, a portion of our profits are donated to community organizations working to clean our air."

Forbes Magazine recently named Vermont the "Greenest" state, and Neuton is doing their part to keep that accolade going strong.

While I am generally opposed to large expanses of lawn, I do understand that in other parts of the country a large lawn doesn't have quite the environmental impact as it may in Southern California. Lets be honest, the equation of large lawn = status symbol is antiquated and absurd. But when lawn alternatives don't make the cut (pardon the pun) and a green carpet is the only option, a battery-powered lawn mower just makes way to much sense.

At around 2-3 times the cost ($349-449) of your average Home Depot special, the Neuton mower requires an initial investment. But think of the time, money, fuel, and oil you will save. Not to mention the jealous looks from your neighbors as they see you "Going Green" and looking good at the same time.

Another notable from Neuton? The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse rated Neuton the quietest rotary mower you can buy. Not to shabby...

Modern Birdhouse

The Modern Birdhouses carried by Wieler are the perfect item to introduce to your backyard to encourage the birds to visit. The hand-made birdhouses are built from sustainably harvested teak that has been certified through Rainforest Alliance’s Smartwood program. The oil-finished wood is a beautiful addition to any area, and cavity-nesting birds like chickadees, bluebirds, wrens and swallows will enjoy the suites. Stainless steel screws and sandblasted aluminum roofs complete the ensemble of simple lines and modern architecture. The floors of the houses are easily removed. The birdhouses are protected by an oil that is resistant to water, mildew and U rays, so your bird’s haven will stay in beautiful condition. Wieler

Modern Bird House from Green-Form

This modern bird house is a great place for a feathered friend to make a nest. Birds will love the cool features that come from the fibre concrete make-up – the breathable materials keep the bird box cool throughout the hot days of summer. Natural materials that make up the bird box keep the eco-smart patio-lovers at peace, knowing they are creating eco-friendly habitats for feathered ones. The small peep-hole allows small birds to nest and rest, while larger birds or squirrels cannot reach them. The earth-toned bird box will fit into your landscape whether you want it to stand out or to blend in. If you place in a tree it can be camouflaged, or it can hang from a lone branch to create art while functioning as a nesting place. Available through Green-Form.

1st Annual Cardiff Green Awareness Expo

Come visit me at the 1st Cardiff Green Awareness Expo, being put on by the Cardiff Chamber of Comerce. It should be a lot of fun and very informative. I will be speaking in the Auditorium sometime between 11:00am and 12noon.

The Margarido House

sallyTV visits the Margarido House from sally kuchar on Vimeo.

This house in the Oakland hills is slated to be the first LEED-H Platinum and GreenPoint rated home in the country.
It was completed this Spring.

Enjoy it here.

Modern Design meets Outdoor Grilling...

Meet The Fuego. Winner of the 2007 ISDA Gold IDEA catergory

Designed by former head of industrial design at Apple, Robert Brunner, the Fuego 01 and 02 are the pinnacle of modern design.

With a sleek stainless steel design, it comes in two models (the modular unit coming soon), both have many features and optional add-ons.

If you are wondering where the cooking hood is, don't worry, its retractable and tucks away behind the cooktop.

Heres a word from their website:

"An outdoor kitchen island. A campfire for modernists. A social magnet with a great sense of style. Attaching a label to Fuego is trickier than throwing a salmon – wild, rubbed with herbs and spices – on an open flame. Yes, Fuego is a grill. But it’s a grill without equal. Vibrantly designed with enough technological innovations to satisfy the most left-brained among us, Fuego is what happens when a designer plays with fire."

Cost: $1600-$3000 (varies)

Features:
Gas or infrared fuel option
Fully retractable weather lid
Slate and teak countertops with hidden storage
Modular Accessory System
Cast iron, enamel coated grill grates
Manual Controls
Sliding drawer for propane tank
Built in residue trays
Battery Ignition
Built in wheels for easy mobility

Burner Options
Stainless Steel gas burner 18,500 btu/hr.
Infrared burner 18,500 btu/hr.
Natural Gas Conversion Kit available

Architect vs. Design/Build

I stumbled across another blog this morning and found this quote:

"Whenever you see the word “Client” in something to do with building, you know there just has to be an architect involved because no one else in the building game ever refers to anyone as “clients.” It is such a strange word, isn’t it? In a shop you are a customer, on a train you are a passenger, in a hospital you are a patient, in a class you are a student, in the economy at large you’d be a consumer. But client? The only people who have clients are lawyers, architects and prostitutes, all of whom have to live with the reputation that they are simply out to screw you. Only the prostitute is honest about it.”

Being a "Designer" and a contractor (not an Architect) I found this quote amusing and somewhat offensive. We usually refer to our patrons as "Clients" because it offers them a sense of dignity and respect. The connotation of "customer" or referring to someone as a project number is somewhat degrading and takes away from the personal relationship we try to create with each client. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has dealt with an Architect, or been screwed by one. :)

Evolution of a pond...

Here is site for the pond around November of 2006. Notice the sand area next to the fire pit

Here is the pond before any plants or fish were added. Originally the pond was to be a "natural" feature, looking as if it was there all along...

After several tropical plants were added in, and outside of the pond, the water feature looked more natural and inviting. However, the owners love for their Koi, and there desire for a more streamlined look led to a further evolution of the pond.

The Pond as it is now... modern, clean, with a beautiful fire pit compliment. The "natural" look was abandoned, giving way to a concrete and glass-tile creation that allows the eye to be dazzled while not being over complicated. The plant palette was reduced and refined to be more maintenance-friendly. The play sand around the old fire pit was removed and in its place concrete pavers were installed for a more sturdy surface for chairs. This backyard has evolved in numerous ways, and continues to do so. We will post more photos in the future as more projects are realized.

Del Mar Desert Modern

This project posed an interesting challenge for us. The client wanted an updated space that combined a low-maintenance plant palette with a clean-lined modern approach to the hard-scape. We removed several trees and high-maintenance Queen palms and replaced a crumbling termite-invested retaining wall with a poured-in-place concrete retaining wall. A reflecting pool with exposed aggregate steps connects the back yard to the side yard, while Floss Silk trees and Desert Museum Palo Verde's complete the scene. Enjoy

What is Your Style?

I get asked this question more often than not, and my answer is a bit different each time.
I usually begin by stating what is NOT our style... the Neo-Tuscan fantasy that has swept the country. Tell me, why does everyone want a Tuscan Villa?
At Falling Waters Landscape Inc. (FWLI) we approach each design from the same angle....what is the style of the house or building? When was it built? Is there a view? What is the ultimate goal of the outdoor space? The landscape needs to be an extension of the home it surrounds. Thus, there is only so much modernization a 90's tract home can withstand. This being said we have several tricks to make a not-so-modern home a little more stylish.
- No more than 10-15 species of plants in the landscape.
- Repetition of plant material allows the eye to rest
- Use of color should be limited to one or two accent colors, including hard scape
- Soften hard surfaces with ornamental grasses
- Always have something edible, and try to incorporate a vegetable garden
- If the space is flat, create elevation
- Introduce a water feature
- Create an outdoor room
- Repeat spacial relationships, even if no one will notice but you
- Reduce lawn areas and use drought tolerant plants....no they do NOT need to be natives

We try to implement these ideas on each project while taking the approach that every home or building is unique and requires a thoughtful design. And in every project the goal is not only to create a beautiful space NOW, but to create a space that will grow and mature and only get better.

So whats my style? San Diego Modern, of course

Falling Waters moves to Adams ave.

So its the end of an era... We are finally upgrading to a proper office. I am especially excited since we are moving to 2911 Adams ave.
Adams avenue is known for it's restaurants, shops, and design-based businesses. We are especially fortunate to have an office in the coveted 2911building. Renovated by JL Webb Construction, the 2911 building is a unique space for designers and professionals to practice. The decor is Mid-century modern - in line with the style of the building - and the landscaping along Adams is gorgeous. We are very excited to be a part of the collaborative there and hope this will be a great new beginning.

Welcome

Welcome to San Diego Modern Landscape. I will use this forum to dicuss landscape design, outdoor decor, and all things Modern as they pertain to America's Finest City.