Green design trends for 2014

Architects, designers and builders all have a responsibility to their clients to create an environment that is healthy and safe, all the while preserving natural resources, air quality and the surrounding community.  The design community has done a good job of following the three "R's" of the "movement" --renew, reuse, recycle, as well as attempting to use local suppliers and reducing the use of toxic materials, all with an eye on preserving Mother Earth.

However, while the "green" movement is hardly new, it is a topic that is ever-changing and should be discussed on a regular basis as we have done in posts here and here.  Currently, global warming and changing weather patterns have many developers and designers trying to find ways to harness the'earth's natural resources in an efficient manner without depleting the diminishing supply.  On the horizon:

• Automated systems that result in energy efficiency.  The future will see many "cloud based" systems for the ultimate in energy and cost savings.
• Solar power will continue to gain popularity in both commercial and residential buildings.  Tax breaks, grants and other funding will make these systems more attainable for small builders and homeowners.
• Zero net energy is the new buzz word.  Simply put, it means a building uses as much energy as it creates through on-site renewable resources.  While usually still dependent on the electrical grid, these buildings harvest solar and wind power and reduce usage of the electrical grid through highly efficient HVAC systems, for example.
• We can dim the lights and design automobiles that use less gasoline but we cannot live without fresh water and those resources are certainly being affected by the changing weather patterns.  Engineers and scientists have their plates full as they try to come up with ways to reduce the damage to the atmosphere that has resulted in the change in weather, along with methods that eliminate waste and are more efficient.
• LEED consideration will extend to the "greening" of existing buildings.  Owners will be charged with the removal of dangerous products but also required to disclose any dangerous chemicals and products on site, along with any green methods put into place to correct the problem(s).

A combination of carefully considered design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is safe for occupants and visitors in public buildings, considerate of special needs of those who might be physically challenged as well as an aging population and is sensitive to the need to conserve energy and preserve natural resources will result in buildings and rooms that will leave a positive mark on the community.

We do our best to recycle products, dispose of waste and conserve whenever possible.  To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom furniture, please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Come and see in person how your custom hardware items are made

We are so excited to open the doors of our small showroom in Los Angeles, California to designers and homeowners alike.  We recently released this invitation to hospitality, residential and contract designers who are searching for just the right FF&E items for their upcoming projects:

COME SEE OUR RICH VARIETY OF LOCALLY MADE DOOR HANDLES Martin Pierce trade only atelier of fine custom door handles can now be viewed by local design professionals in the Los Angeles area. As our showroom is small we ask that you call to make an appointment to see our work in person.

Martin Pierce Hardware is an ASID Industry partner and we design and manufacture our custom and semi-custom door hardware here in Los Angeles using the lost wax method. The styles we offer range from contemporary to transitional to arts and crafts yet our work is original. We welcome designers to come and see our work in person at our modest showroom but ask that you call ahead tomake an appointment.

We look forward to sharing many of our unique hardware designs as well as the very interesting and environmentally friendly process of the ancient lost wax method.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware and custom furniture, to make an appointment, or to download a catalog,  please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Earth Day Tidbits

Like many "holidays" here in the U.S.A., what was originally a single day event, Earth Day, has become a week long discussion and celebration of how we can all support and save the natural environments of this big planet we call home.

Earth Day was born in April of 1970 through the efforts of Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin.  The initial goal was to make people aware of the dangers of environmental issues such as hazardous waste, toxic automobile emissions, off-shore drilling etc.  One of the more successful "movements",  over the decades we have all become more aware of the importance of paying attention to the impact modern life has on our natural environment.  Whether you realize it or not,  as a result of this movement we all participate in some way.  Who among us does not recycle water bottles, smog our vehicles or enjoy an occasional visit to the zoo or aquarium and marvel at the species that have been saved from extinction due to human efforts?

You can go to the extreme with your concern for the environment and only use a bicycle for transporation, for example, and more power to you.  However, this is not practical for most of us so we have to choose other ways to support and protect the earth.  Here at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we do our best to recycle scrap metal and utilize and employ lost wax in the lost wax method of casting.  More about the lost wax method can be learned by reading our post here.  We make every effort to use local suppliers and distributors, thereby reducing the amount of toxins released and fuel used in transporting supplies.

For the past forty years we have all learned so much about this earth and the natural treasures that are certainly worth saving and protecting.  In so doing we also reap the benefits of a healthier environment for ourselves and for future generations.  So Happy Birthday Earth Day!

It might be time to revisit the Green movement

 

Isn't this a beautiful sight?  Bison roaming free in Bison National Park.  This is just one reason we all need a reminder very now and then that preserving our natural environment is important.

For several years now there has been a great deal of discussion about being "green" and companies proudly announce that they are environmentally friendly, LEED certified etc.  But what does all this really mean?  Do I have a carbon footprint and, if so, does it come in a size 7?  How do I become "green"?  While I am no expert, let me attempt to briefly answer some of these questions.

• What is the definition of "green"?  The term green simply refers to a person, product, or process that is earth friendly meaning that consideration has been given to the effects the project or process will have on resources like water, air quality, surrounding communities, animal habitats etc.  As you can see, it is a wide encompassing term that can be applied to many areas of business and life.  It is synonymous with eco-friendly, environmentally friendly etc.   Contrary to what Kermit the Frog says, it really is easy to be green.  Just take a moment to think about what you are doing before you waste water, throw out reusable products, drive gas guzzling vehicles or burn trash.
• Recycle repurpose, reuse, renew.  All of these terms are bantered about when talking about manufacturing processes.  The goal of many businesses these days is to recycle and reuse much of their manufacturing waste into other usable products.   Here at Martin Pierce we use the lost wax method of casting that literally captures left over wax for future castings, hire local workers and use as many Made in America products as possible.
• LEED is the acronym for Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design.  It provides the guidelines necessary for a building to be considered environmentally friendly and these would include energy efficiency, impact on surrounding community, hiring of local workers etc.
• What is a carbon footprint?  Simply put, your carbon footprint is the impact you and your actions have had on the environment during a specific time period, specifically the amount of greenhouse gases you have emitted into the atmosphere in the form of gasoline use, coal for a furnace and even the amount of electricity used.

No need to be fanatical about it--simple things like buying locally to reduce transportation costs, avoiding bottled water, telecommuting if possible, lowering your thermostat and planting indigenous plants that require less water will all help.

For information on our products and to get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Turning art into functional hardware at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

As you browse the local hardware store or the internet have you ever wondered how those beautiful and sculptural door levers and knobs are created?  We thought we would share the basic process of turning art into hardware with you so you can see what goes into the making of what appears to be a "simple" door knob. Martin is inspired by everything around him from a row of lovely bushes to one of nature's critters to the characters in a science fiction movie!  At Martin Pierce Custom Hardware the process of creating a new piece begins with an idea that soon becomes a lovely sketch of Martin's.  I have always believed these sketches were worth framing!

Once Martin is satisfied with the design he begins to carve it into a piece of wax to create a wax mold.  At Martin Pierce we use the lost wax method that basically means the wax mold is created and covered with a shell.  Molten steel is pured into the wax mold, which then melts away or is "lost", leaving a steel mold.  This method allows the amazing detail of Martin's designs to show through.

The end result is a one of a kind yet functional piece of hardware that is actually artwork for your home  and can be enjoyed for years to come.