The increased interest in green home design is spurring a revival of modernism in the design of new homes in our area. Modernism has evolved from being viewed as boring and featureless, to being embraced for its simplicity and adaptability to being environmentally friendly.

Today’s modern homes are making more use of sustainable construction materials such as glass, concrete and steel that can provide the additional benefit of energy conservation. Instead of the overly ornate and imposing McMansions that overtook the landscape for almost two decades, today’s modern-styled home designers seek to lessen their impact on the environment.

Green home design works hand-in-hand with modern design that allows these structures to blend in with their natural surroundings with minimal stress to the environment. Some designers choose to mimic their natural surroundings in their exterior designs. The use of bold color in mid-century modern interiors allows for a playfulness that makes this style one that can be adapted to almost anyone tastes, and still providing the functionality of green design.

For the latest trends in green and modern design, contact the team at Trilogy Partners.

Source: Trilogy Partners

Despite outdated preconceptions, green homes built using modern materials with modern methods are as good or better than their conventional counterparts. In fact, their reduced costs are one of the main reasons that green building is popular.

Here are the benefits of choosing green home design:

• Green materials provide a number of benefits, ranging from long-lasting usefulness to reduced cost and reduced consumption of scarce resources. In fact, some green materials emit less pollutants, making for a healthier living space.
• Efficient fixtures and appliances consume less resources while still providing optimal function. For homeowners, this is important because less consumption means a reduced bill each month.
• Based on similar logic, automated amenities can also help homeowners save. For example, a programmable thermostat can turn down the heat during the day and then turn it back up when rush hour is approaching.
• Choosing an urban rather than rural location is better for the environment because it provides convenient access to amenities while encouraging positive habits. For example, being close to a supermarket means that homeowners and their families can walk rather than drive, thus saving on gas.

People interested in green home design can contact us at Trilogy Partners for skilled and experienced assistance with their needs.

Source: Trilogy Partners

No door is permanent, but some doors last longer than others. In general, longer-lasting doors are made of better materials, while also fitting into their surroundings in a harmonious manner. When choosing the perfect door for your home, consider the following:

• Instead of focusing on short-term savings, homeowners should prioritize long-term consequences. As a result, it’s better to install doors made of better and longer-lasting materials because the costs for multiple replacements add up over time. Furthermore, for homeowners interested in helping the environment, a longer-lasting door is much friendlier than one in constant need of repair or replacement.
• Consider the dimensions of the door because failing to do so can result in expensive and time-consuming modifications to accommodate the room’s needs. For example, if a room is going to be carpeted, then the door might need to be shortened to accommodate the carpet.
• Similarly, doors will affect the space around them. Double half-doors make convenient installations in cramped spaces such as hallways where opening a single full-sized door might open up into the walkway. Pocket doors and sliding barn doors can also help conserve space.

For more information about green home design, please contact Trilogy Partners.

Green buildings refer to buildings built to reduce their impact on the environment. Common examples include buildings with superior insulation, buildings built using sustainable building materials, and buildings filled with efficient features.

Source: Freedigitalphotos.net

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, 4.3 million Americans either live or work in a building that has received its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. At present, an impressive 44 percent of commercial and institutional buildings under construction in the United States have received the same, which is predicted to rise to about 50 percent by 2016.

The U.S. Green Building Council believes that this increase is happening because more and more people are realizing that green building practices help them save on costs. Furthermore, as interest continues to grow, the government is beginning to recognize the benefits to the national economy. As a result, the trend is predicted to strengthen in the near future as government support increases.

Prospective homeowners and other Colorado residents interested in learning more about green home design should contact Trilogy Builds to speak to one of our representatives.

Suspended beds are quite popular in interior design. They give the impression that they’re floating on air, so that you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.

Suspension in design is not limited to beds, though. Suspended fireplaces are fast becoming a trend in homes as well, given how sophisticated and unique they can look when done right.

But aside from aesthetic appeal, suspended fireplaces offer function, too. They take up less area because instead of using horizontal space, they use vertical space, a part of the room that’s not usually maximized. They can be mounted on the wall, leaving the area beneath them free. They are a good choice for people who want sleek and modern fireplaces.

Suspended fireplaces can also serve as a room divider when placed between the living and dining room. But because they’re floating, they still work well in open spaces.

Lastly, suspended fireplaces offer a fantastic 360-degree view. Thus, you can install one in your home and treat it like a focal centerpiece. Because you are not hindered by a wall, you can go with any shape and any design you want. So instead of the usual rectangular fireplace, experiment with round and oval ones for a change!

For more information be sure to contact us at Trilogy Partners today!

Trilogy Partners is always busy continuing to learn more about new developments in green home design. Our continued efforts benefit our customers with new ideas that can be incorporated into the energy saving design of their new home.

Recent lessons we have learned lessons from the three finalists of the From the Ground Up green home competition in Syracuse. These affordable green homes have taught us much about incorporating some exciting features that will drastically increase energy efficiency from the ground up during the building process.

By adhering to principles of Passive House as the From the Ground Up finalists did, we realize the importance of incorporating passive energy savings elements. These features include south facing windows and increased air tightness through higher R-values in insulation and framing design. Being these features were subjected to the harsh winters in Syracuse, this makes them extremely suited for green house design in our Colorado Mountain area.

There are always more lessons to learn when it comes to saving energy through design and Trilogy will continue to study the latest innovations for the benefit of their clients.

There are few rooms in your home that are as important as your bathrooms. A beautiful bathroom is high on the must-have list for most homeowners and home buyers. A bathroom remodeling project may be the best way to increase the beauty, your enjoyment, as well as the value of your home.

A bathroom remodel should pay attention to today’s trends. And today’s trends tend to be eco-friendly. Before you complete the tile work in your new bathroom, you may want to consider these environmentally friendly tile options:

• Recycled glass. Trend USA offers the Feel line of recycled glass tiles. Glass tiles are made from up to 78% of interior and post-consumer recycled glass. Crush offers a Fireclay Tile that is completely made from 100% recycled glass.
• Salvaged clay. If your tastes run a little less traditional, Koi from Anne Sacks might be for you. Their Koi line sculptural tile is made from 52% recycled material, most of which is salvaged clay from mining operations.
• Recycled metal. The Metal Tile from Eco Friendly Flooring Inc., is made from 100% recycled aluminum and looks stunning in a modern bathroom.

For more information about eco-friendly tile options for your home be sure and contact us at Trilogy Partners today!

Smart home buyers are recognizing the advantages of incorporating materials made of recycled plastics into their newly built Trilogy Homes. Keeping with the trend for green home design, the amount of products that are available is now larger than ever before and the possibilities are endless because of the versatility of the material.

Recycled plastics can be used to produce eco-friendly building materials made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), such as decking, exterior trim and flooring. You will enjoy the advantages of having a sturdy, well-made product that is naturally resistant to rot and mold growth unlike other materials.

Textiles for the home that are created from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics, such as those used for water bottles are now available in different forms. Fibers created from PET are similar to nylon in their durability and offer protection from moisture and stains, while resisting fading. This makes this material a good choice for carpeting and upholstery for your furniture that will continue to last.

Less energy and pollution are involved in the production of recycled products, which is good for the environment. This latest trend in green home design offers several benefits, in addition to reducing landfill waste.

When you are considering having a deck built as a part of a home remodeling project, you have a choice between using wood or plastic decking. Both surfaces provide some advantages and disadvantages.

Example of a plastic deck

Wood is one of the most common materials to use when building a deck. It’s durable,, can be sustainable harvested,  and it is easy to work with. In hotter climates, wood is one of the best materials to work with, since it naturally absorbs the heat and dissipates it.

Plastics and composites are another choice when it comes to building decks.  They do tend to absorb heat, and can start sagging when they are used in areas that have very hot summers. Plastics and composites are more susceptible to mold and mildew, especially the lighter colored composite decking. This can easily be removed with some bleach and water and a scrub brush. Plastics and composite decking materials do tend to require a little bit more maintenance than your average wooden deck, since they require being treated 1-2 times a year in order to maintain their appearance.

Example of a wood deck

Both products can be produced in a sustainable, ecologically friendly manner. They make a valuable part of any home remodeling project.

Photo Source: Houzz

Colorado’s outdoor beauty is the perfect setting for patio entertaining and relaxing. And because we are ecologically diligent, we always look for ways to incorporate a sustainable design into an aesthetically pleasing setting. Eco-friendly materials include porous (pervious) concrete, stones and permeable pavers for better water movement in your yard. Landscaping with low-maintenance native plants and installing a “smart” irrigation system is another way to conserve water. Solar lighting is a great choice. Also, using LED outdoor lighting uses less electricity and may lower your electric bill, too.

• As you prepare to build or renovate your patio area, Better Homes & Gardens offers design suggestions to consider:
• Instead of an attached patio, utilize a spot that offers the most scenic vista or stage an area near a large tree.
• Water gardens bring beauty and serenity to your yard.
• Build your own fire pit! You can decide the size, and it can be a patio focal point.
• Instead of traditional lines, think curves. Gentle, circular arrangements with your patio stones and plants create a striking visual in your yard.

Not only will your patio provide a charming venue for relaxation and entertaining, it will increase your Colorado home’s value.

image via Houzz