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.

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

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.