KIELDER OBSERVATORY: A Self-Sustainable Astronomy Center
Mahesh Basantani in Inhabitat
Everything from buildings to resorts to cars to temples are donning the green mantle. The latest to join this list of sustainable structures is the Keilder Observatory in the UK. Located in Northumberland and designed by Charles Barclay Architects, this stunning structure stands an an example of self-sustainable architecture that is equally inspiring in both form and function.'

Kelley Blue Book Launches KBBGreen and Names Top 10 Green Cars for 2008
Max Lindberg in Green Options
Most of us agree that the Kelley Blue Book is the quintessential guide to new and used vehicle information.  Now, they’ve moved into the “Green” world with the launch of Kelley Blue Book Green, a guide for shoppers who want the latest information on alternative fuel technologies. Everything you want to know about hydrogen, diesel, hybrid, [...]

Visualizing Benefits of Roof Overhangs
Preston D K in Jetson Green
If you're in a sunny location and your home has windows, then you probably like to pull a curtain or close the shutters to keep direct heat from entering the home.  Just today I was driving by a modern home with slight overhangs and nodded my head in approval thinking: "buya ... such a simple design element and it's providing shading for those super large windows during the heat of the day."  I realize we're talking about something basic, but if you have the chance, roof overhangs can make a difference as to how much you're manipulating the interior temperature with mechanical systems.  Check this ranch house by Cottam Hargrave.  With that much glass in Georgetown, Texas, a little roof overhang is a prerequisite, don't you think?!

India’s First Green Housing Project Completed
Mahesh Basantani in Inhabitat
According to the Planning Commission, India will need to generate at least 700,000 MW of additional power by 2030 to meet growing electricity demands. India will certainly be looking towards alternative energy sources to generate a substantial portion of this energy. Although solar energy production in India accounted for a mere 1.7% of the world total in 2007 (80 megawatt peak (MWp) power compared to a world total of 4,700 MWp), several great green strides have been taken by the country to harness the immense potential of solar energy. The latest example of this future forward thinking is Rabi Rashmi Abasan, India’s first completely green housing project.

Herzog & de Meuron Unveil Tate 2: Electric Boogaloo
Jimmy Stamp in Life Without Buildings
Revised plans and renderings were recently unveiled of Herzog & de Meuron’s addition to London’s Tate Modern Museum, aka Tate 2. The original design (above left) was a little perplexing: a loosely stacked pile of metal and glass boxes, referred to by architecture critic Hugh Pearman as a “joyous asymmetrical gothic (composition).” The design was all the more striking in that it bore little relationship with the much-lauded original power station renovation. Even Pearman, in his joyous exuberance, questioned the additon’s cladding. “You have to wonder,” he wrote in 2006, “about the wisdom of a glass-clad building facing south - especially given that most of the gallery spaces inside will have to have solid walls. You wonder equally about the energy efficiency of all that broken-up surface area.” It seems that someone involved with the project agreed, as the new renderings reveal a structure that has seen a complete reskinning and has been smoothed out into less of a…heap.

Dwell + AIA How Green Are You? Contest Winners Announced
Bridgette Steffen in Inhabitat
Dwell and AIA teamed up to host the How Green Are You? Contest, meant to showcase green homes and renovations. As AIA says, the contest was meant to highlight the design innovations and sustainable strategies used to reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption and improve building functionality. Contest winners were recently announced and there are some beautiful home renovations. The winner of this competition was Ryan Walsh, of DRW Design Build, with his beautiful 1925 bungalow remodel called Recycled Aesthetic.

Modern Green Seattle Home Opens Doors
Preston D K in Jetson Green
I received an email from Modern Dwelling in relation to this contemporary, green pad and pretty much had to share some details.  First things first, if you're in the Seattle area, there's going to be an art showing at the home this Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 7 pm, so make sure to check that out.*  Otherwise, the Mount Baker Residence, as it's known, is perched on a slope with views of Rainier Valley to downtown Seattle.  With tons of natural lighting, four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and 2470 sf of living space, it's tough to go wrong in a home that looks like this.  Here are some of its green features...