The highlight of West Coast Green, Michelle Kaufmann's mkLotus, arrived on the lawn in front of the Civic Center in San Francisco on a Wednesday -- and by Sunday, it was gone.
Green Tour: Michelle Kaufmann's mkLotus
We managed to pop in, grab some photos, and jot down a few of the more interesting bits of information. And, while we were definitely impressed by all the green features, we really fell in love with how open and bright the whole place was even on a gloomy San Francisco afternoon.
Built entirely off-site, using sustainable materials and the latest in green technology, the 700 square-foot house was described to us as a sort of green vacation home -- but certainly felt sufficient enough for full-time living.
From a green roof to non-VOC paint to cabinetry made from FSC-certified wood -- every square-inch was carefully considered.
Our favorite details were the accordion-folding NanaWalls (which completely open the front room to the outside) and the very cool concrete bathroom sink (composed of fly ash, concrete, and porcelain from recycled toilets).
The greenest features? Probably all the water-saving technology -- from the gray water system and rain water catchment to the drought tolerant, native landscaping. And the modular construction reduces construction waste by 50 to 75 percent.
All in all, it is a beautiful example of what is possible.
A partial list of resources:
• Non-VOC YOLO Colorhouse paint throughout
• Shower -- Blazestone Recycled Glass Tiles
• Bathroom vanity counter, integral sink kitchen countertops, and kitchen island -- built by ConcreteWorks and designed by MKD.
• EnergyStar appliances by Whirlpool
• Bamboo Coffee Table by Alex Suvajac
• Couch throw pillows made with recycled materials provided by Branch Home
• Exterior deck chairs by Loll Designs
• FSC-certified flooring throughout -- provided by Beronio Lumber
• Dual flush toilet by Kohler
• Eco-friendly deck by Latitudes Decking and Railing
Comments (6)
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When there is a house/apartment with "good/efficient" floor plans discussed there is seldom a graphic of the floor plan. This is one of the greatest short comings of AT sites. Just my opinion.
view Mason's profile
Mason,
We really appreciate the feedback. I hunted around a bit and found the floorplan (and downloadable PDFs) for the mkLotus:
http://www.mkd-arc.com/homes/mklotus/floorplans_l1.php
Hope that helps!
view StephanieK's profile
StephanieK, thanks as soon as I am home this evening I will check this out. I am not sure why floor plans interest me so much. I think that once you see a floor plan with a good flow of the space you are able to apply it to your own space. I hope that makes sense to you.
view Mason's profile
Thanks from me too! It always feels like arbitary pictures in space without a floorplan the relates the pictures in a meaningful way like a floorplan.
view Cate's profile
I heard Michelle Kaufmann speak at CABOOM4 in Santa Monica this year as well as bend her ear at their booth for about twenty minutes. She has made a choice to pursue a market for those seeking great design, responsible housing and affordability. Dwell magazine featured her Glide House in an actual prefab vs. stick built cost comparison (yes, they built the house twice) with amazing results. I would be willing to wager that in thirty years Realtors will be listing her homes as "Michelle Kaufmann Early Century".
Jeez - it sounds like I have a crush on her.
view Chris - Annapolis's profile
Several weekends ago I heard the buzz on the evening news about the Kaufman house on display at city hall Plaza. I was indicated that it was free to the public so I went check it out. After the 1 hour wait in line a person associated with event walked up to the line and said " I hope everyone has their wristbands"? I asked wrist bands and was sent across the street to the Green convention center. I noticed the people in front of me leaving in frustration after being told registration just to veiw the house tour was $39.00 I was so pissed after the wait I just left with many others!!! The media failed to mention that you had to pay for this part of the event. Go green costs green! Take a tip from the Scrap House which was recently displayed the general public. next time make it clear or free!!!!!!
view keifers's profile