Stone; THE Green Building Material
As stone professionals, we believe that stone is as natural as building material gets, and yet it has not received much attention from the ‘green’ industry until now. A recent article published by BuildingGreen.com has finally given natural stone its due and the future looks promising.
Native Plants and Sustainable Gardening
What is considered a ‘native plant’ and how does is contribute to sustainability? Some people in the US think they’re plants that were growing on the continent before the arrival of Europeans or people from any other continents. But a broader definition accepted by others is any plant that grows naturally in an area without human interaction. Either way, a native plant is not an exotic plant that has been introduced to the area and has taken over and choked out other species, or one requires constant attention and resources to get it to grow.
Paver Costs and Installation Budget
The budget for natural paving stone material and installation, can be managed by creative design and careful assessment of installation options and selection/variety of natural stone materials. A qualified stone professional will have suggestions that vary in price, color, look and feel to provide the beauty and quality you desire.
Architecture and Mother Nature
Architecture and its ability to endure a beating from storms and hurricanes such as Sandy. On the west coast, our biggest fear are earthquakes, and architecture guidelines do the best they can to ensure a buildings defense against that once in a lifetime large shaker.But on the east coast, one expects a beating from good old ‘Mother Nature’ if you live in those zones – on an annual basis. If one single event in 2012 had long-term consequences for the future of architecture it was Hurricane Sandy, which hit the East Coast of the U.S. in late October.
Green Homes = Higher Resale Value
Homes with a ‘Green’ label are worth more, according to a study conducted by researchers with UC Berkeley and UCLA. The study entitled, “Value of Green Labels in the California Housing Market” found that a typical California home valued at $400,000 sells for an average of 8.7%, or $34,800, more when it has a green label. Researchers from UC Berkeley, Nils Kok and UCLA’s Matthew Kahn were able to prove the investment in an energy-efficient home will pay off during resale.
Post 2012 Olympics – Legacy Planning
Planning for the future of the impressive Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, has been in the works for some time. The Mayor of London created the “London Legacy Development Corporation” that will be “setting and maintaining standards for quality of design, construction and urban planning, to ensure a sustainable and enduring legacy for the Park”.
London 2012 Olympics – Sustainable Architecture
For a fascinating look at some of the innovative ideas which have gone into making the 2012 Games arenas some of the most sustainable ever seen at an Olympic event.
Historic European Cobblestone New Site
After 10 years of importing the finest antique reclaimed granite cobblestone and sandstone cobblestone from Europe, Monarch Stone International announces a second website dedicated to the Historic European Cobblestone® collection!
Permeable Hardscapes
Consider the benefits of permeable pavers and permeable hardscape in residential design and incorporate where ever possible. What could be more positive than the results attained from a well planned exterior space; garden, hardscape, or driveway design that is both beautiful and kind to the environment?
National Landscape Architecture Month
April is National Landscape Architecture Month! According to ASLA, landscape architects across the country will host a variety of activities to celebrate the profession and explain how their work contributes to the public’s well-being. This year’s theme provides many events that will demonstrate how green design can encourage healthy living.Monarch Stone International is passionate about sustainable, enduring, natural stone which is frequently incorporated into designs created by landscape architects for garden, vehicular, and pedestrian areas. We have covered everything from reclaimed/recycled antique cobblestone, to green homes, and the importance of permeable hardscape surfaces. Check out all our posts under the category, Green-Sustainable.