THE BLUE CONE Photo: Peter Lundstrom, WDO – www.treehotel.se

There is that little kid in many of us, who still marvel at treehouse designs – and now as a grown adult, the Treehotel very much appeals to the senses.  It evokes a spirit of adventure, a sense of retreat, and being out amongst it all in nature.  This is the kind of place where wheelie suitcases and city fashion wear are best left behind. In its place, a mini backpack packed with comfy clothes, a camera, walking shoes, and a good book should be suffice.

MIRROR CUBE Photo: Peter Lundstrom, WDO – www.treehotel.se

Upon arriving in Harads (100km from Lulea) visitors need to first check in at the owners Britta’s Pensionat, then take a 5 minute walk through the Pine Forest to reach one of the five treerooms – Designed around particular themes, you can live out a space adventure in The UFO, the funky Mirrorcube, roost in the giant Bird’s Nest, bunker down in the Blue Cone (but it’s red), or chill in the mod styled Cabin.

BIRD's NEST Photo: Peter Lundstrom, WDO – www.treehotel.se

The sheer architectural feat of propping the treerooms 4-6metres high in the treetops up high is a feat in itself.   But what is more impressive is the ecologically sensitive approach that has gone into the design of each that makes it truly shine.   First and foremost, during construction (by local builders) no trees were damaged or chopped down, chemical free timbers were used, hydro electrics power the buildings, and low energy LED lighting are used throughout.  Bathrooms are kept simple featuring just a water efficient basin and a combustion toilet (the Mirror cube boasts a freezing toilet!).   To shower, you’ll need to hop skip it down to separate shower rooms. But this is what this holiday destination is all about – respecting nature, living in nature, and enjoying nature.

THE CABIN Photo: Peter Lundstrom, WDO – www.treehotel.se

THE UFO Photo: Peter Lundstrom, WDO – www.treehotel.se

You can be as active or inactive as you please- you can go kayaking, fishing, horse riding and on forest walks in summer. Alternatively, in winter you can go dog sledding, participate in horse pulled skiing (!!!), go ice skiing, build your own igloo (yes truly) or simply sweat it out in the treetop sauna. All meals are taken back at the authentic 1930’s Britta Pensionat.

THE SAUNA Photo: Peter Lundstrom, WDO – www.treehotel.se

This is the place to rejuvenate, fill your lungs with fresh air, soak in the natural surrounds, and have a little adventure too. This is the kind of place I would dearly love to take my family to someday. Will let you know if I get to tick it off my wishlist  ….. If you do first, please let us know!

Psst – Pop on over to the Treehotel Facebook page to view their AMAZING winter snow images

~~ The Treehotel ~~

Harads, Sweden

Grey Organic Cotton and Silk Cord Stainless Steel Cotter Pins and Acrylic Cubes.

Erica Corte for State of Green;

You live and work in New York. Can you tell me a little about your background and what inspired you to become a jeweller?  My work is based on contemporary jewellery design. Design and creativity runs in the family. I grew up watching my father do his job creating talabarteria (accessories for dressing horses) and constantly creating thousands of things. My grandmother knitted and sold her fabrics; I also learned a lot from her. Today my sisters, my two brothers and I try to convey the same combined creativity and originality to what we do.

Your father has an interesting job. Did you grow up around horses?   My father passed away when I was 17 years old, part of all this, it’s my inspiration from him. He was a real artist ! Yes, I grew up with horses and his passion for them. When I was a child, we moved to countryside because of him. His last job before he passed away won the best design in an Argentinian exhibition related with agriculture.

I have strong and fond memories about him doing his work, doing everything from the beginning, using his hands to create the pieces. The texture and smell of the materials, watching him doing his job and his passion for horses are my inspirations today.

Solid-Braid Black Rope and LockWashers

And what did you learn from your grandmother?  My grandmother, I spend a lot of time with her as well seeing her doing her job, using her hands, knitting and having her clientele at her home. She taught me how to knit. Until today, over the phone, she’s very excited to know when I am knitting something. She still talking to me about yarns and knitting points.

Describe the environment in which you were raised.  I come from a small town in Buenos Aires, with old houses and a lot of green, very quiet and very small, where once a year they do a parade of horses to show their clothing accessories and threaded carriage.

Tell me about your  latest collection? In this series I was inspired by the boats and the sea, using ropes, acrylics and construction hardware parts to assemble one jewellery piece.

Black Silk Cord, Acrylic Cubes and Rubber Faucet Washers

You say this collection was inspired by boats. Have you spent any time around boats and the sea? Why do you think it resonates with you and inspired your recent collection? Here in New York, I live close to the river. I have the view of the water and boats every day. I love the contrast of the view, the water and the boats with the density of the city. I feel this collection resonates with me, like I always try to express the simplicity and the strength of the materials. I love simple, genuine and strong elements for my pieces.

The concept for my collection is to blend art and design into one. It’s about experimenting and allowing common utility pieces to become something completely new. I believe that each piece I create is made for somebody.  And I try to keep this in the forefront of my consciousness when I work. When one of my pieces makes it into the right hands, it embodies something uniquely personal and meaningful for her. And this is what art should be.

 ~~ Erica Corte Atelier ~~

Salmon pink theatre coat, fully lined, by Victoria Loftes (one of her early designs!)

The owner Barbara, who has been in the rag trade for fifteen years, sells modern garments, vintage, retro and secondhand. It’s an eclectic mix. A quick scan revealed a peacock feathered hat, a 1950s yellow sundress and a Victoria Loftes opera coat in salmon. If only I was a size 16!

Chevron patterned Chaussee d’Antin theatre coat

Vintage gold sheath evening dress with metal zip

The shop is only six months old.  Asked how she selects the merchandise, Barbara says she simply “buys what she likes”. Clients who give her clothes to sell receive 50 per cent of the sale price. That’s generous considering that many consignment shops pay 30 to 40 per cent to clients.

Olive-green silk satin evening dress with scoop neck and back, cap sleeves, beaded bust and mink trim by Raoul Couture

Great selection of pre-loved shoes & accessories

Generousity, it seems, is part of Barbara’s makeup. Twenty years ago, before working in the fashion industry, she was looking for a home for the beautiful clothes that she’d collected over the years. One of the items was a rabbit fur cape that she’d bought at 17. When her daughter didn’t want them, a solution appeared in the form of a colleague, a petite pharmacist, who was a perfect size 8. “Every day for 30 days I left a bag on her desk. As I walked away, I’d hear a squeal as she peaked inside. I wish I still had (those clothes), she laughs. If I did, I’d be rich!”

Cherie Vintage and Recycle

121 Cromer Road, Beaumaris

Melbourne, Australia.

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12pm – 5pm

Saturday 10-12pm

m: 0412 224  343

Author Clare Kennedy is a Melbourne writer and reviewer with a special interest in eco-fashion.

Last year, our post on the Cubby House Challenge rated in the top ten articles of the year  (read here) – clearly striking a cord with many of our readers.  Well folks, here’s a heads up – this great fund raising initiative for the Kids Undercover Program  will be on again next month at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2012.  Five  “unique” cubby houses designed by leading architects and public figures will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, raising much needed funds to assist homeless kids around Australia – and we have just obtained a sneek peek at some of the designs currently under construction!

Australand with Premier Ted Baillieu – The Bird’s Nest

Who knew Premier Ted Baillieu held a university degree in architecture (am I alone?). Putting his skills to good use, together with Australand he is using recycled and re-usable materials to create what clearly looks like one cosy and inviting haven – aptly named The Bird’s Nest.

Better Homes and Gardens - The Cubby of Hidden Surprises

Rob Palmer from Better Homes & Gardens is going to show us how we can all replicate his cubby house at home whilst making the most from recycled materials. It sounds like lots of fun as there’s a loft, fireman’s pole and a climbing net all incorporated into its design – The Cubby House of Hidden Surprises will be raffled off on the last day!

Six Degrees Architects andDucon - Cubby Life

The “Cubby Life” house created by Six Degrees Architects and Ducon is all about creating a sanctuary for kids to retreat and connect with nature – there will be a edible growing wall for herbs and vegetables, a snuggle cocoon to curl up in and read a favourite book, and a rainwater collection unit too! 

Burbank - Cubby Cube

Burbank are helping kids imaginations run wild. Their Cubby Cube design incorporates a giant sized set of building blocks that can be assembled  in various configuartions.  Perfect for your little budding architects.

Smith Madden with Harris HMC - Akimbo

How many adults out there wish they still had their own cubby house retreat in the backyard? Smith Madden and Harris HMC are designing a structure that remains relevant and useful to your family as it grows – from small kids to the biggest of big kids.  It will even sport a roof top garden!

Please get behind this fun and worthwhile initiative – You may not only score a funky and fun addition to your back yard, but most importantly you will be helping kids in need (Please share this with others!). The auction will be held on the final day of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2012 (make a day of it!), and they are hoping to raise $115, 000 – Alternatively if you can’t make it in person, you can bid online!  We will bring you pics of the finished cubby house designs just beforehand so you can get your cheque books ready and help the Kids Undercover program surpass expectations…..Stay tuned.

~~ Kids Undercover Cubby House Challenge ~~

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2012

28 March – 1 April 2012

AUCTION: April 1 at 3pm

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NCW first launched in L.A in early 2011, and quickly attracted a national readership across the USA via outlets such as Barnes and Noble and Wholefoods USA. To celebrate its first birthday, the magazine has just launched worldwide via  online subscription, making it an easy and accessible read from your ipad, laptop or desktop computer!

Barbara Manconi, Managing Editor of NCW is no newcomer to the sustainability scene. With a background in “green” marketing,  teaching and consultancy work she brings many years experience to NCW.  She generously gave us her time to answer a few questions, plus provide us with a quick peek at what to expect in next month’s mag.

1. Where did the idea for Natural Child World stem from?

First and foremost from the love for children and the love for beautiful design. NCW was born with aspiration to promote the attractive side of sustainability to modern parents with a conscience and a taste for life. I wanted to defeat a stereotype: green means sacrifices. I wanted to prove that is possible to live a healthier and a more sustainable life without sacrificing style, taste or performance.

NCW is the result of many years of experience as a marketing professional consulting for international clients and teaching at major American Universities Sustainability and Green Strategies. I couldn’t find for my clients an outlet that would feature exceptional design, great photography and sustainable principles. The sad choice was simply between traditional parenting magazines full of redundant information and far from sustainable content or “tree hugger/granola” type of publication that would alienate the majority of people not willing to “commit” to that extent.

2. What are the main features readers can expect to find in the magazine?

The magazine has a heavy focus on design and style. Simply because giant leaps have been achieved in these industries and amazing companies are producing beautiful products using sustainable principles as tools for innovation. For this reason many of our readers compare us to Dwell magazine. For our clean and minimalistic design and content we have been compared to Wallpaper magazine. The most important thing that also sets us apart I think is the fact that we feature international and global content. From the Fashion Summit in Copenhagen to the small design studio in Melbourne, we bring to our readers the latest trends in modern parenting and modern sustainability with no boundaries and borders. So that parents can feel inspired and more connected.

3. What do you see as the important issues for raising children in today’s climate?

Education is key. At different levels. A) Parents need to educate themselves more than ever to be able to make informed decisions for their families and be able to navigate through often misleading claims.  B) Parents need to understand the responsibility of being role models for their children and start shifting to healthier and more sustainable behavior that can be emulated by the little ones.

4. What do you see as important features in designing new products for children?

Leaving aside safety standards that are obviously key, a successful product nowdays is a product that can “grow” with the child. Children grow so fast and get bored so easily, a product that can follow and adapt to multiple life stages will last longer, will meet parents’ (and wallets’) favor as well as create less waste. Another key element is also the opportunity to spur children’s imagination. A new generation of children are growing up oversaturated with technology, and parents are increasingly concerned that imagination and active play are at risk. This is an amazing opportunity for companies to come up with creative ideas.

5. What were your top 3 children’s design products for 2011?

•  Kalon Studios Hut Hut Kids, a modern reinterpretation of the rocking horse, created with innovative non-toxic resins (kalonstudios.com);
•  5 Phases 1^st hybrid baby bottle internal glass bottle + covered by a shell of plastic; and 
•  Ubabub pod cribs, ultra stylish and safe, and…Australian!! 

6. Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s in store for Natural Child World 2012?

We will be expanding online, launching our online shop and affiliate program, and we are looking at international distribution in Europe, Australia and Asia.

7. Where can Australian readers find your magazine?

The print edition can be purchased online at www.naturalchildworld.com and we are launching our digital edition for computers and iPad in March 2012. This will be available on our website as well and on zinio.com. Currently we are looking into physical distribution into Australia and New Zealand. 

++ GIVEAWAY DETAILS ++

To celebrate the worldwide launch, we have 3 online subscriptions to giveaway!

To enter simply follow instructions below. 

 (i) LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW telling us why you’d like to win a subscription to Natural Child World; AND for an extra entry

  (ii) By midnight on Friday 24^th Feb (Australian EST), “Like” Natural Child World on facebook with comment “I’d love to read Natural Child World in Australia”.

The winners will be drawn at random on Saturday 25^th February 2012 (Australian EST).  The winners will be notified by email.  GOODLUCK!

~~ Natural Child World ~~

Online Subscription (1 year-6 issues): USD $26.99

This weekend there are all sorts of fun events on offer – You can have a laugh at The Climate Quiz where comedian Adam Hills and others will analyse the eco impact of “knocking back a tinny”.  Alternatively, take the kids to the DirtGirl stage show,  check out the long list of biking exhibits for both young and old, learn how to “green” your office or dance the night away at the solar powered Off The Grid Gig!. There are also numerous free talks and seminars exploring sustainable living, including a very special opportunity to speed date  a renowned sustainable architect for 10 minutes and pick their brain for great ideas. AND continuing on from last year, FIX-IT is on again – this year it will be divided into three themed areas: Stitches (textiles) Switches (appliances) and Splinters (woodworking) – so reach deep into the back of the cupboard and resurrect your broken bits and pieces, and get them fixed or re-create them into something new!

If the list provided above is not enough to whet your sustainable living appetite – it has only just scratched the surface of the huge amount of events that are on offer. DO pop on over to the Sustainable Living Festival website to read their complete guide of all the fab happenings – and have a great weekend!

~~ The Sustainable Living Festival 2012 – Melbourne ~~

Based in Bondi, Sydney, Karmatique are carving a niche in the sustainable fashion industry, and we hope making other fashion leaders stand up and take notice too!    Not only have they developed an eye catching range with a 1960′s flavour, but they have done so by incorporating  sustainable design practices. Organic farmed cotton and bamboo is sourced from Queensland, and recycled textiles sourced from markets, antique fairs op shops and garage sales are ingeniously incorporated into their range.  As they approach their first year anniversary, we spoke to Kimberley and Anita who shared with us a little more about their range:

1. You both share a love for sustainability – Why is this important to you?

A: Growing up in New Zealand in a small town, being green was a way of living, everyone had a garden, recycled, supported the locals, everyone did their bit – so to be honest I can’t imagine a life without it!

K: I grew up in a household where recycling and composting were common practice. I have had a kooky obsession with removing the plastic from window envelopes for as long as I can remember.  It was a natural progression for our label to focus on sustainability as it is ingrained in both of us.

2. How do you incorporate sustainable design into the karmatique range?

We design around the vintage and recycled fabric and trimmings we source. In order to minimise waste we created karmatique boudoir a sustainable lingerie line made from the off cuts of our collection and recycled or vintage trimmings.

3. What inspired the first Karmatique range?   

The light hearted romanticism of the 60’s and 70’s, as well as fabrics and trimmings we sourced from far and wide.

4.    You are working towards being a carbon neutral business – What efforts are you  taking, and what is your penultimate goal?   

Yes, we are working towards being carbon neutral. We are also donating a percentage of the sales towards planting trees within Australia and practicing sustainability in both our design and work practices. Our penultimate goal is to be an internationally recognised brand inspiring and educating people on eco living trough design!

5.   Share with our readers your easy eco living tip!

+ Plant a garden – even if it’s just herbs

+ Buy local in season produce. It’s much better for your health and is has less impact on the environment. J

+ Avoid plastic bags whenever you can by taking reusable cloth bags with you

 + If you do get plastic bags with your shopping, re use! Don’t just throw!

 + Recycle! Don’t just throw everything away. As they say one person’s trash is someone else’s treasure!!

 + Think before you buy. If you can buy local, then do! 

Karmatiqe is available at Paris Texas and The Candy Store (both in Surry Hills, Sydney) and The Coop Store (Manly and Melbourne).   Keep an eye on their website, which whilst under construction, will be showcasing their full range soon!

~~ Karmatique ~~

Gold encrusted? Not quite .......

At a distance, the golden VW could be mistaken for a supped up gold encrusted Volkswagon Beetle, but on close inspection it is made up of an amazing collection of discarded items that have been artistically and thoughtfully placed.  Old speakers have been used as headlights, gramophone records form the wheels, and a computer mouse acts as an indicator light.  Elsewhere, motherboards, spark plugs, bottle caps and even audio cassettes have been incorporated into the VW design.

Ingenious use of discarded materials - right down to the red mouse indicator light!

All the scrap material used in the “Think Blue Beetle” was collected by Volkswagon during their various clean up campaigns. If you have just a few mins to spare, the Youtube clip below details the captivating design process from start to finish –  and offers food for thought with some mind boggling statistics ~ kicking off with the fact that Mumbai generates 7025 tonne (!!) of trash per day……

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBQ31G4nRcA

If in Mumbai during February 2012, you can view the Think Blue Beetle up close at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival. Thereafter, it will be on display in a German Art Museum.

~~ Volkswagon – Think Blue Campaign ~~

Via DesignBoom and Rushlane

Lush & Green ~ The Refreshment Rooms and Fountains

Situated just over an hour’s drive South of Cairns, Paronella Park is like discovering a hidden oasis in the desert..except that it’s more hidden castle in delightful lush rainforest.

The story behind Paronella is as captivating as the concrete moss covered buildings themselves.  Put VERY briefly, a Spaniard named Jose Paronella purchased the 13 acres of scrub in Mene Creek in 1929 whilst on his honeymoon. Just six years later, it was opened to the public featuring grand open air staircases, reception centre buildings complete with dance hall (with giant mirrored ball of course), a theatre and refreshment rooms.  Over subsequent years 7,000 trees were planted, a hydro electric generating plant installed, natural swimming pool tennis courts and children’s playground.  All however has not been beer and skittles. Over the past 70 years, various natural disasters have struck – flood, fire, and three cyclones have proved challenging, but somehow Paronella with its’ old and now present owners Mark and Judy Evans, has faced those disasters, picked up the pieces and soldiered on.

The Grand Staircase & Hydro electric waterfall system

The old Theatre Ballroom

Mark and Judy Evans have made Paronella Park their home for the past 9 years, and have embraced the legacy of founder, Jose Paronella in continuing to provide a special place for the public to visit.  Since 2009 they have injected an impressive $450,000 into bringing the hydro-electric pump back to life which again provides all electricity to the park. Here, they share with us a little insight into their life at Paronella Park:

1.     Tell us about how you first came across Paronella Park in the early 1990’s.  We came across Paronella Park almost by chance.  As a family, we had been travelling around Australia in a caravan for 18 months.  We arrived in Cairns in late 1993 and were told about a “Castle for sale down the road”.  It seemed interesting enough to at least drive down and take a look!  What we found was very run down and overgrown, but we could see enormous potential.  We purchased the Park just before Christmas that year and were greeted by a flood just a few weeks later – this was our introduction to life at Paronella Park, in the tropics.

2.     What sustainable features have been implemented into Paronella Park since 1993?    Initially, it was more about uncovering and repairing some of the sustainable features that the Park’s founder, José Paronella,had put in place back in the 1930s.  José was a pioneer in Ecotourism – he planted over 7000 trees and plants, he used recycled materials in his building, he harnessed the waterfall to create hydroelectricity, and he used gravity to feed the fountains.  Amazingly, things like José’s gravity fed fountain was almost still operational.  We unblocked some piping and the fountains sprang back to life!  Initially, the most significant project was clearing away many of the weeds that had taken hold throughout the gardens.  This was a gradual task and remains an important part of our maintenance program.  

3.    What can visitors expect to experience whilst staying at Paronella Park?  Visitors to Paronella Park can expect to experience a remarkable place, and to hear an amazing story.  The wonderful thing about Paronella Park is that the majority of our visitors arrive not really sure what to expect, but always leave amazed and delighted at having discovered something special.  We always encourage our guests to make the most of what Paronella Park has to offer.  The day tour, the night tour, a 2 year return pass, and a night in our caravan and camping grounds are all included in the admission fee.  If possible, it’s great to be able to take advantage of everything – it’s better value, and a better experience.

4.     What do you see as your best achievement over the past 8 years at Paronella?   To have suffered through a devastating Cyclone (Cyclone Larry) in March 2006 and to not only recover and reopen, but also to improve and enhance the Paronella Park experience as a result.  The cyclone was a major setback but it also acted as a catalyst for a number of changes in how we operate our business.  In the years that followed, we picked up several Queensland Tourism Awards, were voted the “Number 1 Must Do” in RACQ’s 150 must do’s campaign, restored the original 1930s era hydro electric system, re-built major infrastructure at the Park (including 6 new cabins and new amenities) and won the Ecotourism Australia GECKO Award for Ecotourism.  We also had some of our busiest years ever.

Fancy a tranquil picnic and a refreshing dip?

5.     What do you see as key issues for ecotourism in Australia?   Lack of interpretation.  So many ecotourism businesses have some great innovations in place, but don’t do enough to share their story with their guests.  Interpretation and education is such an important element of ecotourism and is very often overlooked.

6.     Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s planned for the rest of 2012?   As always, we have plenty going on.  Most importantly, there will be a continuation of major structural work following Cyclone Yasi (February 2011).  This work is crucial as it ensures José’s work remains safe and structurally sound.  We also have an exciting new project on the horizon.  At this stage we can announce that it will include accommodation, food service, and a whole new visitor experience.  More news on this soon!

7.   Can you share with our readers a local MUST DO tip whilst visiting Cairns?   A visit to Cairns isn’t complete without a trip down through the Atherton Tablelands, and to Paronella Park of course!  Many visitors to Cairns, particularly returning visitors, are looking to do something different from the usual (the reef, the beach and the rainforest).  There’s plenty of unique and interesting things to see and do for visitors willing to get out and explore a little.

~~ Paronella Park – Cairns, Australia ~~

500 travel destinations is ALOT to pack into your lifetime – I wonder how many you could tick off your list so far.  There is the Great Wall of China, The Great Barrier Reef, The Pyramids of Giza, Borobudur, The Colosseum and Pompeii (been to 5/6!) – all well known landmarks.  But this is just scraping the surface of a long list of truly amazing destinations, some which may be on your doorstep.

The guide is divided into themed chapters.  From Crumbling Landmarks to Ancient Ruins, One of a Kind Landscapes (Amazon, Serengeti, The Burren), The Last of their Kind (Komodo Dragons, Monarch Butterflies) , Holy Places and even Neglected Moderns (think Cannery Row, Battersea Power Station, The Berlin Wall) and Disposable Culture (The Oldest McDonalds & Hamburg Music Clubs) amongst others.   You could visit the disappearing beaches of Crete and Portsea (did that just a few weeks ago!), to shrinking glaciers in Tibet, the Grandfather Mountains (threatened by the deadly white-nose fungus that ravages old growth forests) or the kitsch Doo-Wop Motels in Jersey, USA – Honestly, there seems to be a destination for everyone!

Even if an armchair traveller, this book makes for an interesting read to learn about the myriad of factors threatening the future of various landmarks and landscapes all around the world. It is perhaps ironic that this travel guide lists some destinations that are threatened to disappear due to tourism, so choose your travel destination wisely!

~~ GIVEAWAY DETAILS ~~

To enter, simply leave a comment below, and we will select a winner at random on Friday, 10 February 2012 after 7pm.  Goodluck!