MADE represents the work of emerging Canadian designers, architects and craftspeople and artists. Their showroom focus is to show original works of modern design made from high grade materials with an emphasis on hand made works and small batch production pieces. They also work with clients to customise pieces or design tailored solutions to meet specific needs.
There is no question that today, much of our home furnishings are manufactured abroad and travel a great distance, consuming a lot of resources in the process. Many now shop at farmers markets and make a conscious decision to purchase locally whenever possible. The support of local design presents a similar opportunity to invest in a positive future.
Working with CMHC on both the Sustainable Condo and canühome, MADE has enjoyed the opportunity to present to us some great Canadian designs by independent makers who have developed their work on sound sustainable principles. The pieces on display were not built for replacement or disposal but were rather beautifully made so that they could continue to be enjoyed for a lifetime through their use. This view combined with the idea of "100 mile design" presents a more sustainable style of luxury which is gaining momentum. Through the works of Canadians, there is a more global zeitgeist being described.
The Brothers Dressler create a mighty impact using the minimum of materials. They have produced rockers and loungers each from a single sheet ply. They also work with reclaimed woods and other materials to craft furniture that is both modern and timeless. They further strive to create desirable goods from the leftovers off cuts of those designs, developing goods such as wooden bangles and children's toys. Others such as Propellor Design, work with eco resins, renewable bamboo sources and reclaimed woods in their range of sustainable lighting designs. Both these companies, 608 Design, molo, and others represented by MADE, pursue values to which they are committed.
The MADE mandate is to create broader attention for Canadian design by introducing new makers and their works through their showroom and through their series of annual themed design exhibitions named Radiant Dark. It is their mission to showcase and make available, inspired, functional objects with a compelling selection of current Canadian design. (MADE is Julie Nicholson and Shaun Moore)
They relish and invite discussion through articles and collaborations such as this. For more information, visit www.madedesign.ca.
kraft paper softseating by molo
Cubert Love by 608 Design (on display in Sustainable Condo)
Cubert Armchair by 608 Design also has underseat storage ideal for small
spaces.
World's Largest Solar Heating and Cooling Installation
Ontario-based EnerWorks Inc. has confirmed its status as one of North America's leading solar thermal technology providers, with the announcement that its technology will power the largest solar thermal heating and cooling installation in the world.
"This entry into solar cooling demonstrates the possibilities of our proprietary technology for cooling," says Dr. Phil Whiting, EnerWorks President and CEO. "Solar cooling will be an area of significant growth for our company."
The site of the installation is the Fletcher Business Park in Fletcher, North Carolina, where a total of 640 rack-mounted EnerWorks solar thermal collectors will provide 4.4 MMBTU/H of thermal energy to heat and cool the park's businesses. The groundbreaking project is the result of an exclusive partnership between EnerWorks and Vanir Energy, LLC, which owns and operates the system.
"EnerWorks' collectors are the highest energy producing collectors available," says Steve Hunter, Vanir's Chief Operating Officer.
In part because of the green upgrades, Fletcher Business Park has begun attracting a number of new tenants. As little as two years ago, the park was almost completely vacant. Today, more than 50 per cent of the 900,000 sq. ft. facility is leased. More businesses are expected to move in once construction on a new green subdivision, currently being built within walking distance of the park for qualified workers to live in, is complete.
With its proven, patented technology and certified systems, EnerWorks Inc. offers high quality, reliable and cost-effective renewable energy solutions to the North American market. The Fletcher Park installation represents just one application of EnerWorks' innovative technology.
To find out more about EnerWorks or its Fletcher Park and Drake Landing installations, visit www.enerworks.com.
Barricade Insulated Basement System, an eco-friendly solution
According to a recent survey by Angus Reid, nearly two-thirds of Canadians will undertake a home renovation project in 2009. For DIY home renovators (and contractors) OvrX Manufacturing Inc. has developed a helpful and eco-friendly solution: the Barricade Insulated Basement System.
In creating - and more recently - redesigning its Barricade Insulated Basement System, OvrX has gone the extra mile to secure materials that are both reusable and renewable. In addition, the company has developed a manufacturing process that reduces the company's ecological footprint.
Made in the Northern Ontario town of New Liskeard, the Barricade Insulated Basement System is a green technology that is helping to ensure a sustainable future. This one-step solution combines the insulating quality of Dow Styrofoam with the convenience and stability of high-performance oriented strand board, which is made from sustainable, fast-growing trees.
"We have developed a system that is very easy to install for the do-it-yourselfer or professional contractor," says Clinton Johanson, President of OvrX.
The Barricade Insulated Barricade System consists of insulated floor tiles and wall panels. The former fits together with a tongue-and-groove connection. The latter is fastened to the wall with concrete fastening screws.
The Barricade Insulated Basement System is effective in cold and damp areas of the home, and in insulating basements and cottages. The system provides an air-tight barrier that protects against unwanted air and temperature intrusion. Also, by reducing condensation, the system eliminates the potential problem of mould and mildew growth.
The increased insulation in the Barricade Insulated Basement System provides greater energy efficiency and contributes to longer-lasting building performance. What's more, the system reduces manufacturing waste by more than 60 per cent. Finally, in addition to lowering utility bills, the Barricade Insulated Basement System is eligible for thousands of dollars in energy savings rebates from the Canadian government.
