What does Green building mean?

Wikipedia says:  Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.^[1]

Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener structures, the common objective is that green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:

• Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
• Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
• Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation^[1]

A similar concept is natural building, which is usually on a smaller scale and tends to focus on the use of natural materials that are available locally.^[2] Other related topics include sustainable design and green architecture. Sustainability may be defined as meeting the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.^[3] Green building does not specifically address the issue of the retrofitting existing homes.

At Rio Amapas we have adhered to these concepts when we worked with Manuel Vizcaino an Arquitect with Green Tendencies:  The developer and builder for the property both have a history of ‘Green’ interests.   Below is a short biography about Manuel Vizcaino the architect for Rio Amapas:

Manuel Vizcaino designed his first house at 23 before coming to the AA. He has a background in finance and started  Buildo in 2002. The designs are computer based, which are then adapted to local building conditions to create a dialogue between high and low tech. This aesthetic is proving successful with luxury villas being snapped up by Mexican celebrities and soccer players.

The practice is also at the forefront of environmental design in Guadalajara. Manuel is collaborating with Patricio Arce on an energy efficient shopping centre that has caught the eye of HSBC – the bank has approached them to create a strategy to roll out 200 small scale eco-banks across Mexico.

Manuel and Patricio are also collaborating on a 12km street refurbishment of Lopez Cotilla in downtown Guadalajara for the municipal government.

At the end of the day Rio Amapas is a beautiful project in a beautiful setting where owners and visitors simply enjoy their time near nature and with spectacular views of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta.

For more information about Rio Amapas please email Lori@rioamapas.com.mx.

Simplicity fused with elegance. Every unit at Rio Amapas is decorated professionally and each unit has a different design. All the furnishings are made from recycled or green materials and every unit is equipped with a completely stocked gourmet kitchen.

Rio Amapas has luxury vacation villas available for rent. Each villa has a private dipping pool and the complex has a larger common pool available. Every unit has spectacular ocean and jungle views. The Sunset views at Rio Amapas are unparalleled.

The villas at Rio Amapas are available for sale. Close to town and beaches, this completely unique housing development offers details that currently cannot be found in any other Puerto Vallarta development. Contact us to tour the property and visit our sales model.

]]> http://rioamapas.com.mx/blog/2012/01/rio-amapas-an-environmental-condominium-project-in-the-hills-above-puerto-vallarta/feed/ 0 http://rioamapas.com.mx/blog/2012/01/crate-interiors-designers-preview-home-decor-trends-at-los-angeles-market-week/ http://rioamapas.com.mx/blog/2012/01/crate-interiors-designers-preview-home-decor-trends-at-los-angeles-market-week/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:45:18 +0000 rioamapas http://rioamapas.com.mx/blog/?p=46 Continue reading →]]> Interior designers from CRATE Interiors previewed home décor trends at Los Angeles Market Week this month. The multicultural team travels regularly to international design fairs, always returning to work with fresh new furnishings ideas for their diverse client base in Southern California and Mexican resort markets.

Homebuyers, relocation clients and real estate investors constantly need to stay competitive in this real estate market. A professional design resource such as CRATE Interiors provides myriad solutions for maximizing a real estate purchase or lease and making that new property feel like a home.

“This season we were impressed by our suppliers’ creativity, sharp pricing and improved availability,” explains Debra Stevenson, president of sales and marketing for CRATE Interiors. “Because we offer a 4 week turn in Southern California and an 8 week delivery to Mexico, we require responsiveness and strong partnerships with all our vendors to make our clients’ dreams come true.”

A dominant trend this season is the use of white washed and acid washed woods. These finishes are serene and elegant, yet very easy to live with in coastal areas. It’s fun to incorporate this trend with a few key pieces like long trestle tables, vintage-inspired chairs or oversized coffee tables made from distressed railway ties or old temple doors. The CRATE design team quickly adopted these muted whites, greyed-out hues and bleached finishes for Mexico projects in Villa La Estancia, the soon-to-open Haixa model and a new penthouse at Punta Esmerelda.

The recycled and reclaimed movement is still a key trend. Many vendors displayed furnishings made from recycled fabrics such as twill and burlap (all washed soft as silk of course!) and hardware taken from factories and pharmacies in the industrial era. When used in moderation these elements add a layer of originality and distinction for marquee properties that need to stand out. Several new projects in works at the renown ICON Vallarta will allow the design team to showcase these materials. This property has attracted a discerning international clientele from all over the world.

Manufacturers from weaving countries like Indonesian and Thailand lead the fashion wave in outdoor living. Vendors from these countries showed many bold new weaves for patio seating that blur the line between indoor and outdoor furnishings. Wider, flatter patterns inspired by the famed Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola are the strongest influence in poolside design.

Lighting companies amplify the creative possibilities when fusing nature with technology. Designers were delighted by sea creature shapes, iridescent capiz shells and dramatic bent-wood spirals conveniently pre-wired for use as chandeliers, wall sconces and even patio lighting.

Of course there’s always room for glitz and glamour. Each season, Italian powerhouse Swarovski selects unexpected partners to fuel excitement for their gorgeous crystal chandeliers. The CRATE team was asked to incorporate these gleaming elements into a penthouse concept at Peninsula Mazatlan, where over-the-top Las Vegas style was the inspiration. A more relaxed version of this idea was executed for penthouse clients who asked the décor gurus for an all-white concept with silver accents as a backdrop to their stellar views at Peninsula Puerto Vallarta. Now, that’s a CRATE idea!

When in Southern California, please visit our showcase and studio in the Design District (by appointment). For inquiries regarding the CRATE design service, please email info@Crateinteriors.com and visit http://www.crateinteriors.com. Become at fan at http://www.facebook.com/pages/CRATE-Interiors/96593478152 or track weekly tweets @ Twitter/Crate_Ideas

About CRATE INTERIORS:

CRATE is the ultimate furnishings solution for homebuyers, rental property owners and developers in Mexico. Recognized for professionalism and expertise, CRATE offers the only true turn-key décor service for condominiums, rental properties and luxury villas ~ right down to the dishes, sheets and towels. A far better value than shopping on your own, we design, deliver and White Glove Install in about 8 weeks. Now, that’s a CRATE idea!

Media Contact:

Debra Stevenson

Email: debra@crateinteriors.com

www.CRATEinteriors.com

About Rio Amapas:

Rio Amapas has condominiums available for sale or rent and won the 2010 Cemex International Award for Original Design.   With Natural setting and beautiful views, Rio Amapas was designed to blend into the natural environment in which it was built. No other development in the Puerto Vallarta area has taken its environment as seriously as we have. We tried to leave untouched as much of the natural surroundings as possible….

Rio Amapas is a safe, secure, gated community. Each of the 20 villas at Rio Amapas has its own private dipping pool but the complex also offers a larger salt water pool and clubhouse for owners or guests who need the space or want to have a gathering of friends. …  contact lori@rioamapas.com.mx for more information.