Project by: Moss Design
Location: Lakeview, Chicago

Matt shares the story behind Moss Design's work on this project: We gave this home a natural-light focused overhaul, which not only makes the space more beautiful, but creates the opportunity for reduced electrical lighting - which is kinder to the planet. We echo this theme in our choice of flooring, where we laid down reclaimed shipping crates to create a unique and eye-catching floor and staircase.

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British inventor, James Dyson, has done it again. Embracing his trademark "there ought to be a better way" approach that spurred his most well-known high-end vacuum cleaners and blade-less fans, he has now revolutionized, or at the very least streamlined, the way we wash and dry our hands. We were lucky to get a recent sneak peek here in NYC of his latest creation, the Airblade Tap. More

When it comes to green buildings, most people think of either sleek, super modern architecture, or weird, organic forms. For the past three years I worked on a LEED Platinum home that was specifically designed to blend into its surroundings. Located in an older north suburb of Chicago, the house was surrounded by hundred-year old buildings, and this project, while using modern technology and building techniques, fits right in. More

There are so many countertop options — the classics such as formica, stainless steel and granite — but over the last few years many recycled countertops have been emerging on the market. While each has their own advantages, recycled content countertops have many benefits in addition to being eco-friendly. I was recently given a presentation about recycled content countertops — here are some of the things I learned. More

Having a yard is great, but a lot of us don't have the luxury of extra space in front or behind our buildings. So, imagine all the untapped real estate that could be used to grow flowers, vegetables and even trees — on our roofs. Here's why it's a good idea: More

LivingHomes recently launched its latest prefabrication called the C6: a 1,200 square foot home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Designed as part of a new partnership with Make It Right, a nonprofit founded by Brad Pitt and Cradle to Cradle's William McDonough, the C6 is available in most states for $179,000 ($145/sf); it can be fully constructed in less than two months and installed on-site in one day. More

Prefab homes are often associated with cookie-cutter design and cheap construction. Bensonwood Homes, however, is a shining example of how prefab, factory made homes can be both original and sustainable. Check it out! More

We have a thing for tree houses here at Apartment Therapy, and when I came across this project by Tezuka Architects, I knew I had to share. Built around a Zelkova tree, this annex is adjacent to an elementary school in Tokyo. Inside there are two main levels, each with a classroom where language classes are taught, and the building also serves as a play area when the kids are waiting for their buses after school. More

It's that time of year where one of the few everyday comforts is sitting by a warm, roaring fireplace. While fireplaces were originally incorporated into homes as a primary source of heat, in recent years they've gotten a bad reputation for being heat suckers and only good for decoration. There are actually a few great types of fireplaces that can be used, for anyone from apartment dwellers to home owners, that are sure to keep you cozy and warm, and maybe even reduce your heating bill. More

It's been very well documented that visual feedback is enough to help consumers decrease their energy use by as much as 15%. By understanding their own energy use, people can make better decisions regarding consumption, saving money and reducing demands on the energy grid during peak periods. So wouldn't it be great if we could control and view our resource consumption, anywhere at anytime, even with our smart phones? More